RIVET
Home / Process library / spoolsv.exe
What is spoolsv.exe?
spoolsv.exe is Print Spooler. Queues documents for printers, including PDF and OneNote virtual printers.
| Name | spoolsv.exe |
|---|---|
| Full name | Print Spooler |
| Publisher | Microsoft Windows |
| Normal location | C:\Windows\System32 |
| Safe to end? | Depends It depends on whether you use Print Spooler. |
| If you end it | Nothing can print until it restarts. |
How to check it's the real spoolsv.exe
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to Details.
- Right-click spoolsv.exe and choose Open file location. It should open
C:\Windows\System32. - Right-click the file, choose Properties, then Digital Signatures. The signer should be Microsoft Windows.
A file called spoolsv.exe somewhere else, or without that signature, is worth scanning with Microsoft Defender.
What RIVET shows
RIVET's process list shows spoolsv.exe with this explanation, the verdict above, and a signature check, so you can see at a glance whether it is the genuine Windows file. Ending a process can't be undone, and RIVET warns you before it ends anything Windows needs.
Questions
Is spoolsv.exe a virus?
The genuine spoolsv.exe is part of Windows, signed by Microsoft Windows, and runs from C:\Windows\System32. Malware sometimes copies the name, so check the location and signature as shown above.
Can I end spoolsv.exe?
It depends on whether you use Print Spooler. Nothing can print until it restarts.