[데스크탑] | How to Deal with High CPU Usage Spoolsv.exe Problem

The spoolsv.exe executable file handles the printing process on a Microsoft Windows System. The process is responsible for queuing printing tasks. This enables users to continue with their work while different tasks are sequentially printed and users do not have to wait for printing tasks to be completed one after the other.

File Location

The file is located in C:\Window\System32 folder. This file is a Windows core system file and by default, loads automatically at system startup.

Can spoolsv.exe be safely removed from the Task Manager processes?

Yes, you can safely end this process. If you are not using a printer then you can close this process through the Task Manager. To do this, press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open the Windows Task Manager and then open the Processes tab. Locate and right-click on the spoolsv.exe process and select End Process.

Please note that you should not terminate the spoolsv.exe process while you are using the printer, as this action will prevent you from sending any more print jobs to your printer.

Problems associated with spoolsv.exe process

At times, you may find the spoolsv.exe process to be using 99% or 100% CPU usage. This usually happens when the printer spooler folder is filled up with unwanted files. You can fix this problem by following the steps listed below:

1. Go to Start, Settings and click Control Panel
2. In the Control Panel window, first double-click on Administrative Tools and then on Services.
3. In the right pane of the Services window locate and right-click on Print Spooler and then select Stop.
4. After you have stopped this process, leave the Service window open. Now open My Computer and navigate to the following folder.
   c:\windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS – in Windows Vista, XP, 98/95/ME

    

   or

   c:\winnt\system32\spool\PRINTERS – in Windows NT\2000

5. Delete all the files in the Printers folder. After deleting the files in this folder, go back to Services window, right-click on Print Spooler, and then select start to re-enable the service.

How to determine if the spoolsv.exe file is a virus or spyware

Although the true spoolsv.exe file is a safe file, many malicious programs are known to disguise themselves as spoolsv.exe. In fact, the spoolsv.exe file is also a known backdoor vulnerability that is used by hackers to infiltrate your system. A backdoor, in computer terms, refers to a method through which hackers gain access to your computer by cracking the various system authentication processes. Backdoors install harmful programs on your computer that usually disguise themselves by taking the same or similar names as existing system processes.

Once a backdoor program installs itself on a user’s computer, it tries to establish a connection with its remote control server. Backdoor programs are generally used by hackers to steal your personal information, such as e-mail passwords, credit card numbers and banking details. Therefore, it is imperative that you take appropriate action to get rid of unknown processes running on your PC.

To remove and prevent malicious backdoors, viruses, spyware and worms from gaining access to your machine, you must keep your antivirus and antispyware software updated with the latest definitions and should run regular scans. You should also avoid opening attachments that come with unsolicited e-mails and always keep your Windows operating system, applications and drivers updated at all times to prevent malware from gaining access through security lapses discovered in these software programs.

For Windows operating systems and other Microsoft products be sure  that the Windows Automatic Update is enabled at all times. For drivers, you may seek the help of user-friendly, automatic driver scan and update tools, such as Driver Finder. Additionally, you should regularly scan your system registry using an advanced registry cleaning tool, such as RegServe to keep it free from malicious and unwanted entries.