.SHD files
The script deletes %WINDIR%\System32\spool\printers\*.shd. These shadow files contain print-job metadata used by the Windows spooler.
Windows Printing Utility
Print Spooler Fix
Print Spooler Fix is a lightweight PowerShell utility for clearing a stuck Windows print queue. It stops the Print Spooler service, deletes the queued spool-job files, and starts the service again.
This clears all queued print jobs. Any jobs currently waiting in the Windows print queue are removed when the spool files are deleted.
Workflow
Three repair steps
01Stop Spooler
02Clear Queue Files
03Start Spooler
Print Spooler
Stops the service before clearing the queue
The script first runs Stop-Service -Name Spooler. Stopping the service releases the active Windows print-spooler files so the queued jobs can be removed.
Queue Cleanup
Deletes queued SHD and SPL files
Once the Spooler is stopped, Print Spooler Fix removes two Windows spool-file types from the printer spool directory:
.SPL files
It also deletes %WINDIR%\System32\spool\printers\*.spl, which contain spooled print-job data waiting to be sent to a printer.
The current script does not select an individual printer or job. It deletes every matching
.shd and .spl file in the Windows printer-spool folder, so all queued jobs are cleared together.
Service Restart
Starts printing services again
After the queue files are removed, the script runs Start-Service -Name Spooler. It then prints a completion message and waits for Enter before the PowerShell window closes.
When To Use It
Common stuck-print-queue symptoms
Job will not delete
A document remains in the Windows print queue even after you try to cancel it.
New jobs will not print
A stuck earlier job prevents later documents from progressing through the queue.
Queue shows “Deleting” indefinitely
The spooler may be holding onto a damaged or incomplete job that does not clear normally.
Restarting the printer did not help
If the problem is inside the Windows spool queue rather than the physical printer, clearing the queue can provide a clean starting point.
How To Run
Launching Print Spooler Fix
- Download and extract Print Spooler Fix.zip.
- Run Run Me.bat.
- The launcher starts PowerShell with -ExecutionPolicy Bypass and requests administrator elevation through UAC.
- The Print Spooler service is stopped.
- Queued
.shdand.splprint-job files are deleted. - The Print Spooler service is started again.
- Press Enter after the completion message to exit.
The included Read Me notes that Windows 11 may display a “Windows protected your PC” SmartScreen message because the script was downloaded. Review the files before choosing “More info” and “Run anyway.”
Transparency
What the current script does not do
No printer-driver reinstall
The script does not install, remove, or update printer drivers.
No printer removal
It does not remove configured printers from Windows.
No network access
The PowerShell script contains no download, upload, API, or other network communication.
No permanent service change
The Spooler is stopped temporarily for cleanup and then started again. The script does not change its startup type.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will this delete every queued print job?
Yes. The current script deletes all matching .shd and .spl files from the Windows printer-spool directory.
Will it remove my printer?
No. Configured printers are not deleted.
Will it reinstall my printer driver?
No. This utility only resets the active print queue by stopping the Spooler, deleting queued-job files, and starting the Spooler again.
Does it require administrator access?
Yes. The included batch launcher requests elevation through UAC.
Does the Print Spooler stay disabled?
No. The script starts the Spooler again immediately after clearing the queue files.
Does it send printer information anywhere?
No. The current script contains no network or upload functionality.