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  1. C:
  2. Windows
  3. System32
  4. spool
  5. PRINTERS
FolderRisk: Caution

PRINTERS C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Print spool folder: .SPL and .SHD files for pending print jobs.

Updated on By AltF4 Formation

What it’s for

The Print Spooler service writes each job here before sending it to the printer: this is the local print provider’s default spool folder, %SystemRoot%\System32\Spool\Printers.

What it contains

  • One .SPL file per job: the spooled content.
  • One .SHD (“shadow”) file per job: its administrative information.
  • Both are named with a five-digit number, for example 00012.SPL.
  • Nothing when no job is pending.

Risks and best practices

  • Delete files only if the queue is stuck, and only after stopping the Print Spooler service: while it runs, the files are open and the queue can become corrupted. Pending jobs are lost.
  • A folder that keeps growing betrays a stuck job or a faulty print driver.
  • On a print server whose volume is too tight, move the spool folder: Print Server Properties, Advanced tab.

Useful commands

Fenêtre de terminal
# Pending jobs, across all printers
Get-Printer | ForEach-Object { Get-PrintJob -PrinterName $_.Name }


# Clear a stuck queue (as administrator); test first with -WhatIf
Stop-Service Spooler
Remove-Item "$env:windir\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*" -Force -WhatIf
Start-Service Spooler

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