spool file empty and printing error

The spool files are stored in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, not directly in the spool folder; stop the Print Spooler before checking that subfolder, then restart the service.

Clear the stuck job

1. Press Windows key + R, enter services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop.
3. Open File Explorer and enter this exact path:

      C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
   

4. Approve the administrator prompt if shown.
5. Delete every file inside PRINTERS—do not delete the folder itself.
6. Return to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
7. Open the printer queue and verify that the failed job is gone. This is Microsoft’s documented sequence when cancellation from the queue does not work.^1^

If the PRINTERS folder is already empty

There is no local spool file to delete. Continue with these steps:

1. Start or restart Print Spooler in services.msc.
2. Turn off the printer for at least 60 seconds.
3. Turn it back on, restart Windows, and check the queue again.^1^
4. If the failed entry remains, open Device Manager → Print queues or Printers. Remove only unnecessary, old, or duplicate printer drivers, then install the current driver for the exact printer model.^2^

If it still cannot be removed, note the Windows version, printer model, connection type (USB/network), and whether other users or devices see the same queued job. A persistent job can require queue- or driver-specific investigation.^3^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 10
3. Successfully delete a print job - Microsoft Q&A