Are you getting the Windows 10 splwow64.exe Printer Error exe? You’re not alone. This is something many users come across when they print something. The culprit is associated with the splwow64. exe is necessary to print under 64-bit Windows versions. In this blog post, we will show what this file is, why you are getting this error, and how to solve it, every step of the way. Read More
What is splwow64.exe in Windows 10?
The splwow64. exe (Spooler Windows OS x64) The spooler service (named Spooler Windows OS x64) is a Microsoft Windows system process that carries all drivers and weapons of mass destruction a 32-bit application wants to use against 64-time applications. In other words, it’s a bridge that allows your printer to play with specific applications.
Normally, this process runs in the background during a print task and closes once printing is complete. However, if it becomes stuck or corrupted, you may face issues such as:
- Printer not responding
- High CPU usage
- Multiple instances of splwow64.exe running
- System performance lag
Common Symptoms of the splwow64.exe Error
Some of the common symptoms related to the splwow64.exe error in Windows 10 include:
- Delayed or failed print jobs
- The print queue is not clearing properly
- Repeated prompts saying splwow64.exe is not responding
- CPU usage spikes when printing
Recognizing these early can help you apply quick fixes before they escalate.
What Causes the splwow64.exe Printer Error?
1. Corrupt Printer Drivers
Outdated or damaged drivers often conflict with the splwow64.exe process, especially during Windows updates.
2. Spooler Service Glitches
Windows relies on the Print Spooler service to manage print jobs. If it malfunctions, the splwow64.exe file can crash or hang.
3. Malware Infection
Although splwow64.exe is a legitimate file, malware can disguise itself using this filename to avoid detection.
4. Software Conflicts
Certain third-party printing software or older 32-bit applications might conflict with 64-bit drivers, triggering the error.
How to Fix Windows 10 splwow64.exe Printer Error
Here’s a list of reliable fixes to resolve this annoying issue.
1. Restart the Print Spooler Service
One of the simplest solutions is to restart the Print Spooler.
Steps:
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
- Find Print Spooler in the list.
- Right-click and choose Restart.
- Restart your PC and try printing again.
2. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers are a major cause of this error.
Steps:
- Press Win + X and open Device Manager.
- Expand the Printers section.
- Right-click your printer and choose Update driver.
- If that doesn’t work, uninstall the printer and reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
3. End the splwow64.exe Process Manually
If splwow64.exe is frozen, you can end it manually.
Steps:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Look for splwow64.exe under the Processes tab.
- Right-click and choose End task.
- Try printing again.
4. Run a Full System Scan
To rule out malware:
- Use Windows Defender or a trusted third-party antivirus to perform a full system scan.
- Remove any threats found and restart your system.
5. Disable Print Spooler Delayed Start
Disabling delayed start for the spooler can prevent the error.
Steps:
- Open services.msc again.
- Right-click Print Spooler → Properties.
- Change the Startup type from Automatic (Delayed Start) to Automatic.
- Click Apply → OK.
6. Create a New User Profile
Sometimes, corrupted user profiles may interfere with printer services.
- Create a new Windows user profile and test the printer.
- If it works, migrate your files to the new profile.
Is splwow64.exe a Virus?
No, splwow64.exe is a legitimate Windows process. However, malware can sometimes imitate this file. To confirm:
- Open Task Manager.
- Right-click splwow64.exe → Open file location.
- If the file is located in C:\Windows\splwow64.exe, it is safe.
- If found elsewhere, run a malware scan immediately.
Preventing Future splwow64.exe Errors
To minimize the chances of this error:
- Keep your printer drivers up to date.
- Regularly update Windows.
- Avoid using unsupported or very old printer software.
- Schedule regular malware scans.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 10 splwow64. The exe printer error can be frustrating, and many users have reported this error on their PCs. However, this problem is relatively simple to fix once you know the cause, so don’t worry for many users who encountered this problem. Whether it’s a driver problem, Windows 10 splwow64.exe Printer Error spooler defect, or malware, using the steps above, you’ll be able to resolve the error quickly.
If all else fails, you can always contact Microsoft support, or your printer’s manufacturer, for more focused assistance.
