Splwow64.exe - what is it?
The splwow64.exe process belongs to Windows and is safe in principle. However, sometimes there is a problem with this process. You can find out how to solve this in this practical tip.
Process splwow64.exe - what is it
- The process splwow64.exe is called Thunking Spooler APIS or Print driver host. The original process belongs to Windows and can therefore be classified as safe.
- The process is performed on a print job.
- Since the process is part of Windows, it is located in the Windows folder.
- If you do not want to search for the process, you can call the Task Manager with the key combination [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Del].
- Right click on the splwow.64.exe process under "Processes" and select "Properties". The location of the process is displayed under "Location:".
- If the process on your PC is not in the said folder, you should check your PC with Antivir and Malwarebytes, for example. It is probably a virus or spyware.
splwow64.exe does not end after print job - what to do?
In certain cases, the splwow64.exe process may not end when a print job is completed. Then do the following to fix the problem:
- Enter "regedit" in the Windows search and open the program found.
- Find the following key in the registry "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Print" and right-click on it.
- Select "DWORD VALUE" and then enter "SplWOW64TimeOutSeconds" as the name. Confirm with the Enter key.
- Now double click on the file you just created and enter a value greater than 1. This value is the number of seconds after which the system periodically checks whether the splwow64.exe process needs to be unloaded.
- Confirm with "OK" and restart your PC. The problem with the splwo64.exe process should now be resolved.
You can also temporarily end processes under Windows.