Spool folder

Updated: 11/12/2023 by Computer Hope
spool folder

In computing, a spool folder refers to where document data is temporarily stored before being printed; it's where print jobs are queued. A spool folder helps smooth the data flow between different processes, allowing them to work at their own speeds without causing delays or conflicts. You can think of it as a staging area for data waiting to move to the next step in the printing process.

Who uses the spool folder?

With larger institutions and companies (even on a home network), many users may be sending requests to a single printer at the same time. Instead of sending a document directly to the device, the data is first spooled (temporarily stored) in a specific folder. Spooling allows a computer to manage and prioritize print jobs, ensuring they are produced in the correct order.

Tip

In Windows, C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS is the default spool folder.

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