Spoolsv.exe – What is it, Uses, Virus, Error & How to Fix It

  • Ankita 
  • OS

Spoolsv.exe is basically a process that is created by Microsoft. It runs on almost all versions of Windows that are present. Spoolsv.exe is used for the Printing job. In this post, we are going to provide complete information about Spoolsv.exe, common error, is it safe or malware, and other relevant info.

Spoolsv.exe

The full form of SpoolSv is Print Spooler Service

  • Process name: Print+Fax Spooler
  • Product: Microsoft Windows
  • Company: Microsoft
  • File: spoolsv.exe

What is spoolsv.exe?

It is a valid file and not a virus.  It actually takes care of the printing and fax procedure on your system. It is also seen to occupy more memory spaces often. It belongs to the Microsoft Windows Operating System and has been developed by Microsoft Corporation.

In short, spoolsv.exe is required whenever you wish to print or fax anything.

File Size & Location

The default location of spoolsv.exe is under C:\windows\system32. It comes with a file description: Spooler SubSystem App. Many malware programmers and cybercriminals create various types of malicious programs and this as spoolsv.exe that will cause damage to both hardware and software of your system. 

The most common file sizes on Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP are about 0.05 Mb.

This program is not visible. It is basically a Microsoft signed file.

Quick Overview

Filename:Spoolsv.exe
File description:Spooler SubSystem App
File version:6.1.7601.17514
File Size:548 KB
Product name:Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
File type:Application
Copyright:Microsoft Corporation
Language:English
Location:C:\Windows\System32

Is spoolsv.exe harmful?

If you open the Task Manager, you will see a process titled Spooler SubSystem App or spoolsv.exe.  It is a system file and is installed with Microsoft Windows. So it is not considered to be harmful. But if this process keeps on using a high level of resources from the CPU on your system, then it may become problematic. Moreover like any other file on your system, it can too get corrupted by a virus.

An antivirus program will be able to detect as well as clean this file whenever it gets infected. This file is a part of Microsoft Windows should not be deleted or removed if infected. You should always allow your antivirus program to look after it. 

If you see Spoolsv.exe is not located inside C:\Windows\System3 then be sure that some malware application is attempting to disguise itself as a spoolsev.exe process and avoid detection. Just scan your system with the latest version of the installed antivirus application to find as well as fix any problem if present.

Common Errors & How to Fix it?

Spoolsv.exe errors occur because of many reasons. These are printer jobs that are not getting automatically removed from the Windows spool. As a result of this high CPU along with memory usage takes place.

You have received an error like:

spoolsv.exe – Application Error
The instruction at “0x10002837” referenced memory at “0x00000000”.  The memory could not be “written”.

This error usually happens when the spooler didn’t finish the printing job and keeps it in temporary memory. Simply follow the below steps to get rid of this error message:

  • Click on the Start button
  • Type Control Panel and click on it
  • Click on Classis View / Large icon from the top right-hand side
  • Double click on Administrative Tools
  • Double click on Services
  • Locate Spooler services, now right-click on it and select Stop
  • Now you need to access the C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers directory.
  • You will find.SHD and SPL files, delete both the file.
  • Now, open the TMP folder and delete all files.
  • Now the last step is to restart the Spooler services.

This will fix the application error showing by spoolsv.exe

Errors can also be caused by third-party software programs that have been installed on the system or because of the printer drivers installed on your computer. Malware can also be held responsible for errors caused by the spoolsv.exe process. Ensure that you possess the latest printer drivers for the printer. Also, check that you have an updated antivirus program on your computer. 

Conclusion

Spoolsv.exe is an important Windows process that is created by Microsoft. It is required for printing and usually never causes any such problem. If printing is not necessary for you, you can remove this file or end the process from the Task Manager. Under normal circumstances, spoolsv.exe will never use a lot of resources and thus users do not have to get bothered about it.

Other similar processes

Mbamtray.exe, PSANHost.exe, Tcpsvcs.exe, Jp2launcher.exe, PIconStartup.exe

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Ankita

Founder and Writer @ WinOSBite. Future plan is to make this platform open to community to resolve and discuss various issues, usage related to Operating System.

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