Frequently, while using the task manager, you may observe certain processes leading to elevated CPU usage. It’s possible that unfamiliar processes are occasionally the culprits behind high CPU usage on your computer. This can be a cause for concern since most processes, aside from the applications you’re actively using, typically don’t demand significant CPU resources.
Numerous users have recently reported instances of the Spooler SubSystem application in Windows 10 causing heightened CPU usage. The prospect of unknown applications consuming a substantial portion of your CPU resources is alarming, as these processes might harbor viruses and gradually diminish your PC’s performance.
If you’ve also detected the Spooler SubSystem application exhibiting high CPU usage on your Windows 11 PC, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve into what the Spooler SubSystem application is in Windows 10 and provide solutions to address the high CPU usage issue associated with this app.
What Is Spooler SubSystem App?
The Spooler SubSystem app is responsible for overseeing tasks associated with the printer and fax system. It plays a crucial role whenever a document is sent for printing. The Spooler SubSystem app is responsible for placing the document in the printer queue.
This essential process involves saving printing jobs in memory, creating a queue, and ensuring that the printer can smoothly proceed to print additional documents once it completes printing the current one.This native Windows process typically operates without significantly taxing system resources under normal circumstances.
However, during printing tasks, it is expected to consume a portion of your PC resources, which is considered normal. If, outside of printing activities, you observe the process persistently utilizing CPU resources, it may be a cause for concern. Possible reasons for this could include a backlog in the printer queue or misconfigurations in the printer settings.
Fixing High CPU Usage Due To The Spooler SubSystem App
To resolve the elevated CPU usage attributed to the Spooler SubSystem app, adhere to the following steps:
Run The Troubleshooter
Attempt to resolve the problem by utilizing the printer troubleshooter. Follow the steps outlined below:
- Open the Settings app on your PC by pressing the Windows + I key combination.
- Within the Settings app, navigate to the Update & Security section.
- On the left sidebar, select the Troubleshoot option, and then click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Choose the Printer troubleshooter, and click on Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to execute the troubleshooter on your PC and address the encountered issue.
Clearing The Printer Queue
Chances are, the issue is arising from a congested printer queue. Resolve this by utilizing the printing software you have. Attempt clearing the queue and canceling any pending print documents. After taking these steps, verify whether the error persists or has been resolved.
Disable The Service
Another option is to attempt disabling the Printer Spooler Service. Follow the steps provided below:
- Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and click on OK or press Enter to launch the Services app.
- Within the Services app, locate the Printer Spooler service.
- Double-click on the Printer Spooler service to open its properties, then click on Stop to halt the service.
- If desired, you can set the Startup type of the service to Disabled to prevent it from automatically starting when the PC is initiated.
Check If It Is A Virus
Verify whether the service is potentially a virus by examining the location of the process or app. Follow the steps outlined below:
- In the Start Menu, search for the Task Manager and launch it.
- Navigate to the Processes tab in the task manager and locate Spooler SubSystem App.
- Select the process, right-click on it, and choose Open file location to view the app’s location. Ensure that spoolsv.exe is situated at this location: C:\Windows\System32.
- If the file is found at the specified location, it is not a virus. However, if the process leads to a different location, it may indicate a virus infection.
To address this potential issue:
- Run an antivirus scan on your PC to detect and resolve virus-related problems. Utilize Windows Defender for the scan, or if you have a third-party antivirus application, use that to examine your PC for viruses.
- If the issue stems from a virus infection, running the antivirus scan is likely to resolve it.
Final Words
We trust that this article has provided you with insights into the Spooler SubSystem app and effective solutions for addressing the high CPU usage it may cause. By following the outlined steps, you should be able to effortlessly resolve the issue of elevated CPU usage originating from the Spooler SubSystem app.
