A stuck print job blocks everything behind it. Here is how to clear the print queue on Windows and Mac.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
Cancel jobs from the queue
On Windows, open Settings, go to Printers and scanners, select the printer, open the print queue and cancel each job. On Mac, open Printers and Scanners, open the print queue and delete the jobs.
Restart the print spooler on Windows
If jobs will not delete, restart the Print Spooler service. Open Services, find Print Spooler, stop it, then start it again. Then try deleting the jobs.
Clear the spool folder on Windows
If it is still stuck, stop the spooler, delete the files in the spool printers folder and start the spooler again. Do this only if you are comfortable with system folders.
Reset the printing system on Mac
If a job is stuck on a Mac, remove the printer in Printers and Scanners and add it again.
Restart the printer
Turn the printer off and on to clear its own memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will my print job not delete?
The spooler or printer may be stuck. Restart the spooler and the printer.
Is it safe to restart the Print Spooler?
Yes. It only affects printing.
What if the printer is offline?
See how to fix a printer offline error.
Bottom Line
Cancel jobs, restart the spooler and the printer. See printer not printing fixes.
