What is ‘splwow64.exe error when printing’ in Windows 10?
If you are experiencing ‘splwow64.exe error when printing’ issue in Windows 10 computer, then you are in right place for the solution. Here, you will be guided with easy steps/methods to resolve the error. Let’s starts the discussion.
‘splwow64.exe’: splwow64.exe is executable file and is component of Thinking Spooler API which is important Microsoft Windows Process. splwow64.exe file is described as Printer driver host for applications in its general properties. It is used to act as channel between 32-bit application and 64-bit Windows OS. It helps any 32-bit application to get compatible with 64-bit spooler utility on any 64-bit OS. Spooler utility is software service that helps in managing the printing process in an OS.
‘splwow64.exe error when printing’: It is common Windows Problem considered as EXE error usually appeared when you try to print a document in your Windows 10 computer. This EXE error indicates that the program you are trying to start, can’t start because a DLL file is missing from your computer. This error prevents you from printing documents or images in your Windows 10 computer. Let’s take a look at error message.
splwow64.exe – System Error
The program can’t start because dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
splwow64.exe process may appear in Task Manager as running process even if you don’t have printer connected to Windows computer. The possible reasons behind the issue can be the corrupted or outdated printer drivers, print spooler service is not running properly, outdated Windows OS, enabled rendering job on client computers and others.
Another possible reason behind this error can be the missing or misplaced DLL file that is required to perform printing job in your Windows 10 computer. In such case, you can reinstall the program that is causing splwow64.exe error when you try to print, in order to fix the issue. Let’s go for the solution.
How to fix splwow64.exe error when printing in Windows 10?
Method 1: Fix ‘splwow64.exe error when printing’ with ‘PC Repair Tool’
‘PC Repair Tool’ is easy & quick way to find and fix BSOD errors, EXE errors, DLL errors, problems with programs/applications, malware or viruses issues, system files or registry issues, and other system issues with just few clicks. You can get this tool through button/link below.
Method 2: Disable rendering print jobs on client computers
This issue can be occurred when you share a printer with multiple computers in local network. You need to render the print jobs on main PC in order to fix the issue. By default, your shared printer renders all printing job on client computer or on computer used to print document or anything else.
Step 1: Open ‘Control Panel’ in Windows 10 via Windows Search Box and go to ‘Devices and Printers’
Step 2: Right-click on your printer, and select ‘Printer Properties’
Step 3: In ‘Properties’ window, click ‘Sharing’ tab, and deselect ‘Render print jobs on client computers’ checkbox and then hit ‘Apply’ and ‘Ok’ button to save the changes and check if the error is resolved.
Method 3: Change splwow64.exe timeout value in Registry
You can change splwow64.exe timeout value in registry in order to fix the issue.
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ keys on keyboard, type ‘regedit’ in ‘Run’ window and hit ‘OK’ button to open ‘Registry Editor’ window
Step 2: Navigate to following path in left pane
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
Step 3: Right-click on ‘Print’ and select ‘New > DWORD (32-bit) value’ and name the key to ‘SplWOW64TimeOutSeconds’
Step 4: Double-click on created key to edit, set its value data to less than ‘120’ like 60, and hit ‘Ok’ button to save the changes. Once done, please check if the error is resolved.
Method 4: Reinstall the program to replace splwow64.exe
You can also try to fix the issue by uninstalling the program that is causing error and then reinstall it into computer. Once reinstall, retry performing printing job and check if the error is resolved.
Method 5: Update printer drivers
Updating printer drivers to latest & compatible version can resolve the error. Let’s try.
Step 1: Open ‘Device Manager’ in Windows 10 via Windows Search Box and expand ‘Printers’ or ‘Print Queue’ category
Step 2: Right-click on your printer driver and select ‘Update Driver’. Follow on-screen instructions to finish update process. Once done, restart your computer to see the changes
Download or reinstall printer driver update in Windows 10 [Automatically]
You can also try to get update for all Windows drivers including printer driver using Automatic Driver Update Tool. You can get this tool through button/link below.
Method 6: Restart Print Spooler service
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ keys on keyboard, type ‘services.msc’ in ‘Run’ window and hit ‘Ok’ button to open ‘Services’ window
Step 2: Find and right-click on ‘Print Spooler’ service, and select ‘Stop’ option
Step 3: Wait for few minutes and after that, right-click on Print Spooler service again, and select ‘Start/Restart’ option to restart the service
Method 7: Update Windows 10 OS
Updating Windows 10 OS to latest version can resolve the issue. Let’s try.
Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ App in Windows 10 via Windows Search Box and go to ‘Update & Security > Windows Update’ and click on ‘Check for updates’ button
Step 2: Download and install all available updates in computer, and once updated, restart your computer to see the changes.
Conclusion
I hope this post helped you on How to fix splwow64.exe error when printing in Windows 10 with several easy steps/methods. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. If the post really helped you, then you can share the post with others to help them. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.
