How to Fix Splwow64.exe Pop-Up Errors in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user is experiencing repeated splwow64.exe pop-up error messages when attempting to adjust document margins in Microsoft Word, and reinstalling Office did not resolve the issue.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Adjusting page layout and margins in a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- A system process error (splwow64.exe) continuously pops up, interrupting the application workflow.
Save your current document to prevent any data loss, and ensure you are logged into an account with administrator privileges to manage printer drivers and run system scans.
Update or Reinstall Your Default Printer Driver
Since splwow64.exe is part of the Windows Print Spooler subsystem, driver incompatibilities are the most common cause. Updating the driver often resolves the conflict.
The splwow64.exe process acts as a bridge between 32-bit applications and the 64-bit Windows OS printer spooler. When Word queries the printer to validate margin changes, an outdated driver can trigger this error loop.
Right-click the Start button (or press Win + X) and select 'Device Manager' from the context menu.
Expand the 'Print queues' or 'Printers' category to find your default printer device.
Right-click your printer and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' to let Windows find the latest version.
If updating does not work, right-click the printer, select 'Uninstall device', restart your computer, and install the latest driver directly from the printer manufacturer's website.
Run the System File Checker (SFC)
If the Windows print subsystem files are corrupted, the System File Checker tool can scan and repair the splwow64.exe process natively.
Temporarily Change Your Default Printer
Changing your default printer to a virtual printer bypasses hardware driver queries, allowing you to change margins without triggering the error.
Switch to WPS Office for a Bug-Free Word Processing Experience
If Microsoft Word continues to trigger legacy Windows printer spooler errors like splwow64.exe, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, lightweight, and free alternative that seamlessly handles document formatting and printing without disruptive system conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is splwow64.exe and why is it popping up in Word?
Splwow64.exe is a core Windows process known as the Print driver host for 32-bit applications. It translates printer commands from 32-bit programs to a 64-bit Windows OS. It pops up in Word when there is a miscommunication or incompatibility with your printer driver, specifically when Word queries the printer capabilities to adjust layout settings like margins.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Office fix the splwow64.exe error?
Generally, no. Because this is a Windows printer subsystem issue rather than an Office application error, repairing or reinstalling Office (even with deep scrub tools) usually does not resolve it. The best approach is to troubleshoot the printer drivers.
Can I safely disable splwow64.exe in Task Manager?
While you can temporarily end the task in Task Manager to close the pop-up, you should not permanently disable or delete the splwow64.exe file. Doing so will completely prevent 32-bit applications from printing on your 64-bit Windows system.
How do I change document margins without triggering printer errors?
Word checks your default printer's physical printing boundaries when you change margins. By navigating to Windows Settings > Printers & scanners and changing your default printer to a virtual driver like 'Microsoft Print to PDF', you can bypass the hardware query and adjust your margins without the error.
