Fix QuickBooks Error 46 — Print Spooler Failure Guide

Resolve QuickBooks Error 46, payroll, and tax print issues. Quick support at +1-866-513-4656.

If you are running QuickBooks and suddenly encounter Error 46, it can bring your workflow to a halt. Many users report that printing invoices, checks, or payroll forms fails unexpectedly, leading to delayed operations and potential payroll issues. This error typically points to a Print Spooler failure, which interrupts QuickBooks’ ability to communicate with your printer.

Fix QuickBooks Error 46 print spooler failure, payroll, and tax problems. Call +1-866-513-4656 for QuickBooks error help.

If you are facing this, you don’t have to worry. Our detailed guide will walk you through the causes, solutions, and prevention tips for QuickBooks Error 46. For immediate assistance, you can also call +1-866-513-4656 for expert help with QuickBooks printing, payroll issues, and tax forms.

What Is QuickBooks Error 46?

QuickBooks Error 46 occurs when the application cannot complete a print job due to issues with the Print Spooler service on Windows or conflicts in QuickBooks’ printer configuration. Users may experience:

• Invoices or checks not printing

• Payroll forms stuck in pending status

• Pop-ups showing Error 46: Print Spooler Failure

This error is common in both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online users, particularly when performing payroll or tax-related tasks.

Causes of QuickBooks Error 46

Understanding the causes helps resolve the problem efficiently. The most common reasons include:

1. Print Spooler Service is Not Running

QuickBooks relies on the Windows Print Spooler to manage printing tasks. If this service is stopped or malfunctioning, printing fails, triggering Error 46.

2. Corrupted Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers prevent QuickBooks from sending print commands. This is common after Windows updates or printer upgrades.

3. Conflicting QuickBooks Updates

Sometimes, QuickBooks updates may conflict with existing printer settings or payroll forms, especially if forms are customized.

4. Incorrect Printer Setup in QuickBooks

If the default printer is set incorrectly or is unavailable, QuickBooks cannot complete print jobs.

5. Damaged QBPrint.qbp File

QuickBooks stores print templates in the QBPrint.qbp file. Corruption in this file can lead to persistent printing errors.

Step-by-Step Solutions for QuickBooks Error 46

Follow these methods carefully to resolve the error.

Method 1: Restart the Print Spooler

For Windows Desktop:

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc → Enter.

2. Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

3. Try printing again from QuickBooks.

For QuickBooks Online Users:

QuickBooks Online relies on browser and system print functions. Restart your computer, clear the browser cache, and attempt printing again.

Method 2: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

1. Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click your printer → Update Driver.

3. If updating fails, uninstall the printer and reinstall using the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

4. Retry printing in QuickBooks.

Method 3: Verify QuickBooks Updates

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop → Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop.

2. Click Update Now → Get Updates.

3. Restart QuickBooks after updating.

Tip: QuickBooks Online users should ensure their browser is updated to the latest version for proper printing functionality.

Method 4: Set Correct Default Printer

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click your preferred printer → Set as Default Printer.

3. In QuickBooks, go to File → Printer Setup and select the same printer.

4. Try printing a test document.

Method 5: Repair QBPrint.qbp File

1. Close QuickBooks.

2. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks\Components.

3. Rename QBPrint.qbp to QBPrint.old.

4. Reopen QuickBooks and attempt printing; the file will recreate automatically.

QuickBooks Payroll & Tax Issue Fix

QuickBooks Error 46 can also affect payroll processing and tax forms. Delayed printing may lead to late tax filings or payroll errors. To resolve payroll-specific printing issues:

• Verify your payroll subscription is active.

• Ensure the correct payroll forms are selected under Employees → Payroll Center → Forms.

• If forms do not print, contact QuickBooks payroll error support at +1-866-513-4656 for direct assistance.

For QuickBooks tax problems, a misaligned print spooler can stop tax forms from generating correctly. Rechecking printer setup and the QBPrint file often resolves the issue quickly.

Prevention Tips 

• Regularly update QuickBooks and printer drivers

• Set a default printer that is always connected

• Keep Windows Print Spooler running automatically

• Avoid multiple QuickBooks instances printing simultaneously

• Backup QBPrint.qbp file periodically

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can QuickBooks Error 46 prevent payroll submission?

Yes, if print jobs fail for payroll forms, it can delay submission. Restart the Print Spooler or contact +1-866-513-4656 for immediate support.

Q2: Is QuickBooks Online affected by Error 46?

While rare, browser or system print issues can mimic Error 46 in QuickBooks Online. Clearing cache and setting the correct printer often fixes it.

Q3: How do I know if my QBPrint.qbp file is corrupted?

Frequent print failures or QuickBooks crashing during printing are common signs. Renaming the file allows QuickBooks to recreate it.

Q4: Will updating QuickBooks fix all printing errors?

Updating helps resolve compatibility issues but may not fix driver problems. Combining updates with printer driver checks is best.

Q5: Can I print payroll forms without resolving Error 46?

Technically, no. Printing must be functional for payroll checks and tax forms. Calling QuickBooks payroll error support number +1-866-513-4656 ensures you avoid filing delays.

Call for Assistance

• QuickBooks technical support number: +1-866-513-4656

• QuickBooks online customer support phone number: +1-866-513-4656

• QuickBooks payroll error support number: +1-866-513-4656

• QuickBooks support phone number: +1-866-513-4656

• QuickBooks error support number: +1-866-513-4656