Some users have been complaining about using the ability to print directly from Chrome. Almost all affected users are reporting suddenly losing the ability to print from Chrome after doing it successfully for a long period of time.

Most of the time, users report receiving the Aw-Snap! erro r while they trigger the printing sequence in Chrome.

Fix: Can’t print from Google Chrome - 1

If you’re currently struggling with this issue, the following fixes might help. We have managed to identify a few methods that have been successful for users in a similar situation to resolve the issue. Please follow the methods below in order until you encounter a fix that works for your situation.

Method 1: Using the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut (workaround)

If you’re looking for a quick fix that will spare you from going through time-consuming steps, using the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut might just enable you to get around the issue.

However, keep in mind that this should only be regarded as a workaround since it doesn’t fix the underlying issues that caused Google Print to malfunction.

If this workaround isn’t effective or if you’re looking for some steps that will resolve the underlying issues, continue with the method below.

Method 2: Deleting the extra printers on Google Print

Some users have been able to resolve the issue without having to uninstall the browser by making sure the printers listed under Google Cloud Print are properly managed.

As it turns out, whenever Google Cloud Print has more than one listed active printer it might create issues that will prevent users from printing directly from Chrome.

To remedy this issue, you’ll have to delete the extra printers that you don’t use. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:

  1. Open Google Chrome, hit the action box (top-right corner) and click on Settings .
  2. In the Settings list , scroll all the way down and click on Advanced to expand the drop-down menu. Then, scroll down through the Advanced list and click on Google Cloud Print under Printing .
  3. Next, click on Manage Cloud Print devices and click the Manage button associated with every printer that you’re not currently using then delete it.
  4. Once you’re only left with one active printer, restart Google Chrome and see if the issue has been resolved and you’re able to print directly from the browser. If you aren’t, move down to the method below.

Method 3: Deleting local browsing history then uninstall Chrome

Most users have been able to resolve the issue after uninstalling Chrome along with the local browsing history. Upon reinstalling the newest Chrome version available, most users have reported regaining the ability to print directly from Chrome.

Here’s a quick guide to deleting the local browsing history, uninstalling Chrome and reinstalling it again:

  1. Open Google Chrome, hit the settings menu and go to More tools > Clear browsing data .
  2. Next, set the time range to All time and make sure the boxes associated with Browsing history , Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked. Then start the deletion process by clicking on Clear Data . Once the process is complete, you can safely close Google Chrome .
  3. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run command. Then, type “ appwiz.cpl ” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features .
  4. In Programs and Features , scroll down through the application list, right-click on Google Chrome and choose Uninstall . If you’re asked whether you want to delete the local browsing history of Chrome, accept and hit Next to continue.
  5. Once Chrome is uninstalled, reboot your computer and use the default browser to navigate to this link and download the last version installer of Chrome.
  6. Open the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install Chrome and check if you’re now able to print directly from Chrome.

If this method didn’t work, start following the other methods below.

Method 4: Claiming Full Control over the Temp folder

Some users have been finally able to resolve the issue after tweaking the permissions of the temp folder (within the AppData update). Apparently, giving yourself full control over the temp folder will restore the ability to print directly from Google Chrome .

Although this is purely speculation, it’s widely believed that a WU update has modified the permissions for already-installed browsers.

Note: This method seems to be effective for users that are able to print from Internet Explorer but are prevented from printing on Google Chrome, Firefox, and any other 3rd party browser.

Here’s a quick guide to claiming Full Control over the temp folder in order to restore the printing ability in Google Chrome:

  1. Navigate to C:\ Users \ Your User Name \ AppData \ Local , right-click on the temp folder and choose Properties .
  2. In Temp Properties, go to the Security tab, select the first account under Group or user names , click Edit and make sure the Allow box associated with Full Control is ticked. Then, repeat the same procedure with all accounts under Group or user names .
  3. Reboot your system. Starting with the next restart, you should be able to print from all 3rd party browsers including Google Chrome.

If the method hasn’t managed to resolve your issue, move down to the final method.

Method 5: Repairing the Print Spooler driver

If all the methods above have been a bust, there’s a high chance that the print spooler driver or another Windows component tasked with handling a printing chore has become corrupted and unusable. This is most certainly the culprit if you notice that you’re PC is unable to print from anywhere else (any 3rd party app) than on Microsoft’s channels.

As some users have pointed out, it’s very likely that certain files located in SYSWOW64 need replacing. If that’s the case, you’re the best chance of resolving the issue without having to reinstall your OS is to trigger a system repair.

To trigger a system repair, we’re going to use System File Checker – a Windows utility that scans for system file corruption and replaces the corrupted files. Here’s a quick guide on how to trigger a System File Checker scan to fix the printing problem on Google Chrome:

  1. Access the Windows start menu (bottom-left corner) and search for “ cmd “. Then right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator .
  2. In the elevated command prompt, type the following command and press Enter to start the operation: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth Note: Keep in mind that the DISM command uses WU (Windows Update) to fetch the files that will end up replacing the corrupted once. Because of this, you’ll need to make sure that your internet connection is active and stable, otherwise, the attempt will end up in failure.
  3. Once the DISM operation is completed, you can finally initiate the System File Checker tool. To do this, type the following command in the elevated Command Prompt and press Enter: sfc /scannow Note: Once the process is kickstarted, the SFC utility will scan all protected system files and replace the corrupted occurrences with new and fresh copies. It’s important that you don’t close the elevated Command Prompt window until the process is complete.
  4. Once the process is complete, close the elevated Command Prompt and reboot your computer. At the next startup, check if the printing issue has been resolved and you’re able to print from 3rd party applications.

Method 6: Resetting Chrome to Default Settings

Some users reportedly got around this issue by resetting Chrome back to its default settings. We will be doing exactly that in this method. In order to do that:

  1. Launch Chrome and click on the “Three Dots” on the top right corner.
  2. Select “Settings” from the list and scroll down. Clicking on “Settings”
  3. Under the “Reset and Cleanup” heading, click on the “ Reset Google Chrome to its Defaults ” option. Click Reset Settings to their original defaults
  4. Check to see if the issue persists after the reset.

Note: Also, download the following apps and install them. XPX Essential NET 3.0 NET 3.5

How to Fix “Printer is in an error state” Issue?

Print spooler is service which spools print jobs and handles interaction with the printer. If you turn off this service, you won’t be able to use your printer. That means print spooler services should be running, so you can print properly. You can start Print Spooler service through Services tool and fix the problem. But sometimes, when you start Printer Spooler services, it automatically stopped.

Fix: Can’t print from Google Chrome - 2

So, why this problem occurs? There are different reasons including file or document corruption, driver corruption, not compatible drivers, malware infection, the problem with spoolsv.exe ownership and others.

We created 15 methods which will help you to solve this issue.

Method 1: Delete content from Spool folder

In this method, we will delete content from two folders, including folder PRINTERS and folder drivers . We will show you how to do it using Windows 10 1703 version. Also, this method is compatible with another operating system, from Windows XP to Windows 8.1. These two folders are located within Windows\System32\spool.

  1. Hold Windows logo and press E to open Windows Explorer or File Explorer
  2. On the left side click on This PC or My Computer
  3. Navigate to following location C:\Windows\System32\spool
  4. Open folder drivers and delete all files and folders
  5. Delete content from folder Printers and restart Print Spooler service using tool available on this LINK
  6. Restart your Windows machine
  7. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 2: Reinstall printer driver

Sometimes the bad driver can make problems with your printer. In this method, you will need to download and install the latest driver for your printer. In most cases, vendors are providing two types of drivers, basic driver, and full package driver. What is the difference between them? As the name says, the basic driver includes the only driver for the printer, and the full package includes driver and additional software for managing printer. Few users solved their problem, by reinstalling the current driver and installing the only basic driver. You will need to download the driver from official vendor’s website. For example, if you are using printer HP LaserJet 1320 you will need to open this LINK and download the basic driver. After you finish reinstalling printer driver, you will need to restart your Windows machine and restart Print Spooler service, by downloading and running tool from the link in step 5 of method 1.

Method 3: Remove duplicated drivers

In this method, you will need to remove all duplicated drivers from your Windows machine. Please follow the procedure described (Method 4) . After you finish deleting duplicated drivers, you will need to restart your Windows machine and restart Print Spooler service .

Method 4: Set Driver Isolation

In this method, we will show you how to set your printer driver to isolation. Why should we do this? The main reason is to avoid conflict between drivers. This procedure is compatible with the operating system from Windows 7 and Window 10. Driver Isolation is not a part of previous operating systems. If you are not using Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10, please check method 5.

  1. Hold Windows logo and press R
  2. Type printmanagement.msc and press Enter to open Print Management
  3. Choose All drivers
  4. Select your printer driver
  5. Right click and choose Set Isolation , and then choose Isolated instead of System Default (Shared)
  6. Close Print Management
  7. Restart your Windows machine
  8. Restart Print Spooler service
  9. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 5: Take ownership of spoolsv.exe

In this method, you will need to take ownership of spoolsv.exe application which is responsible work Print Spooler service. We will show you how to do it using Windows 10. The same procedure is compatible with another operating system.

  1. Hold Windows logo and press E to open Windows Explorer or File Explorer
  2. On the left side click on This PC or My Computer
  3. Navigate to following location C:\Windows\System32
  4. Select file spoolsv.exe
  5. Right click on spoolsv.exe and choose Properties
  6. Select Security tab
  7. Under Group and user names choose Users and then click Advanced
  8. Under Owner click Change and type your user account. In our example, it is user account named Jasmin Kahriman
  9. Click Check Names and then click OK
  10. Click Apply and then OK
  11. Click Apply and then OK , again
  12. Restart Print Spooler service
  13. Restart your Windows machine
  14. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 6: Reset Internet Explorer settings

If you tried to print some files from Internet Explorer and you are not able to do that because of issue with Print Spooler service, we are recommending you to reset settings on your Internet Explorer. For resetting Internet Explorer please follow method 1. After you finish restarting Internet Explorer to default settings, you will need to restart your Windows machine and restart Print Spooler service.

If you are not printing from Internet Explorer, please check next method.

Method 7: Delete unnecessary key from Registry

End users do not like to do some changes in Registry Editor because wrong changes can damage your Windows, drivers or applications. Do not worry, we will show you how to do it step by step. In this method, we will delete unnecessary keys from Registry database on following location Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers. Before you do any registry configuration, we are recommending you to backup registry database. Why do you need to do registry backup? In the case of some misconfiguration, you can revert registry database to the previous state when everything worked without any problems. For this method, you will need to use a user account with Administrator privilege, because Standard user account is not allowed to do any system changes.

  1. Hold Windows logo and press R
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor
  3. Click Yes to confirm running Registry Editor with Administrator privilege
  4. Click File , and then Export to save current registry configuration
  5. Choose Desktop as location where you will export registry configuration
  6. Under File name type Backup06092017 and choose All under Export range
  7. Click Save
  8. Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Providers . You will need to delete all keys, but LanMan Print Services and Internet Print Provider which are the default and which should not be deleted. In case you find the additional key, you should delete that key. In our example, there is an additional key named Printing Services .
  9. Delete key Printing Services
  10. Close Registry Editor
  11. Restart Print Spooler service
  12. Restart your Windows machine
  13. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 8: Scan your hard disk for malware

In this method, you will need to scan your hard disk for malware using Malwarebytes. Please follow instructions to download and run a scan on this internet explorer has stopped working , method 10. Also, you can scan your hard disk for malware using Avira Antivir or Microsoft Defender. You will find more information on this LINK , method 5. After you finished removing malware from your machine, you will need to restart your Windows machine and restart Print Spooler service

Method 9: Use CCleaner

CCleaner is a powerful tool for deleting unnecessary files from your Windows machine. In this method, we will download and install CCleaner and delete unnecessary files stored on hard disk. We will show you how to do it on Windows 10.

  1. Open Internet browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge or other)
  2. Download CCleaner from this LINK
  3. Install and run CCleaner on your machine
  4. Under Windows, tab select all actions and click Run Cleaner
  5. Follow the same procedure under Application tab
  6. Wait until CCleaner is finished procedure
  7. Close CCleaner
  8. Restart your Windows machine
  9. Restart Print Spooler service
  10. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 10: Uninstall Oracle SealedMedia or IRM

Sometimes some applications can block Print Spooler service and you will need to uninstall that application, to continue printing without any problems. In this method, we will uninstall Oracle IRM from Windows machine. If this method did not solve your problem, then you can install Oracle IRM again.

  1. Hold Windows logo and press R
  2. Type appwiz.cp l and press Enter to open Program and Features
  3. Navigate to Oracle IRM
  4. Right click on Oracle IRM and choose Uninstall
  5. Wait until Windows is finished procedure
  6. Restart your Windows machine
  7. Restart Print Spooler service
  8. Enjoy printing on your machine

Method 11: Run CHKDSK /R

In case you have a problem with system file corruption or you can not write or read data from hard disk, you should do CHKDSK /R. Check disk is a utility which will help you to find bad sectors, and fix them in case there are fixable. The procedure is the same for all operating system from Windows XP to Windows 10. Please check instructions here (Method 10)

Method 12: SFC /SCANNOW

System File Checker (SFC) is a command line utility integrated into Windows that checks for system file corruption. In case SFC found some issues with system file corruption, SFC will try to fix them. SFC includes additional commands as SCANNOW. SCANNOW scans integrity of all protected system files and repairs files with problems when possible. How to run SFC /SCANNOW? Please follow instructions on this msvcr71.dll missing , method 4

Method 13: System Restore

System Restore is recovery mechanism integrated into Windows operating systems. It is not enabled by default, and it should be enabled by the end user or IT Administrator. If System Restore is not enabled on your Windows, please follow instructions for enabling System Restore on this system restore . If System Restore is already enabled on your Windows machine, you will need to do System Restore by reading method 13 on this remote procedure call failed .

Method 14: Replace your old printer

If you do not want to downgrade your operating system and you have planned budget for a new printer, then you can purchase a new printer. Before you change printer, you will need to uninstall all drivers and software related to old printer. Which brand should you purchase? There are different vendors including HP, Lexmark, Canon, Samsung, Kyocera, and others. Today, almost all new printers are compatible with the operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 10.