Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU – Quick Fixes In 2025!
Print Filter Pipeline Host is an essential part of the Windows printing system, but sometimes, it can cause frustration by consuming too much CPU or memory.
Print Filter Pipeline Host high CPU usage can slow down your computer. It’s caused by large print jobs, outdated drivers, or print spooler problems. Resolving this involves updating drivers, clearing the queue, and restarting the spooler.
This guide will explore common causes, fixes, and preventative measures to keep things running smoothly.
Understanding Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU
The Print Filter Pipeline Host is a Windows process that prepares your documents for printing. Sometimes, it uses too much CPU power, slowing down your computer.
This happens when it struggles to handle print jobs or has a problem with your printer setup. Understanding why it happens helps you fix the issue quickly.
1. Causes of Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU

- Outdated Printer Drivers – Old or incompatible drivers can cause the Print Filter Pipeline Host to struggle with print jobs.
- Large or Stuck Print Jobs – A big queue or stuck tasks can overload the system.
- Print Spooler Service Errors – Glitches in this service can increase CPU usage.
- Software Conflicts – Other programs may interfere with the printing process.
- Malware or Viruses – Harmful programs can exploit or disrupt printing operations.
2. Methods to Resolve Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU
A. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated printer drivers are often the main cause of high CPU usage. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website, find your model, and download the latest driver. Install it, restart your computer, and check if the issue is resolved. Updated drivers keep your printer and computer running smoothly.
B. Restart the Print Spooler Service
Restarting the Print Spooler can quickly fix temporary printing issues. Open the Services app, locate the Print Spooler, and restart it. This refreshes the printing system, clearing small glitches that may be causing high CPU usage.
C. Clear the Print Job Queue
A full print queue can overload your system. To clear the backlog of print jobs and help the Print Filter Pipeline Host work more efficiently, stop the Print Spooler service, delete all files in the PRINTERS folder on your computer, and restart the spooler.
D. Check for Software Conflicts
Other software or drivers sometimes conflict with the Print Filter Pipeline Host. Review recently installed programs or updates and temporarily disable them to see if the issue improves. Resolving these conflicts ensures smooth printing and balanced CPU usage.
Preventing Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU
- Keep Printer Drivers Updated – Regularly update your printer drivers to avoid compatibility problems.
- Limit Large Print Jobs – Avoid sending too many or overly complex print jobs simultaneously.
- Clear the Print Queue Often – Remove old or stuck print jobs to keep the system running smoothly.
- Perform Regular Malware Scans – Use antivirus software to detect and remove harmful programs.
- Avoid Unnecessary Software – Install only essential programs to prevent conflicts with printing processes.
- Restart the Print Spooler Occasionally – Refresh the service periodically to fix minor glitches.
- Keep Your System Updated – Install the latest Windows updates to improve performance.
Also Read: Pinnacle Raven Or Summit Ridge CPU: Which One Suits You!
Common Causes of Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU
1. Outdated Printer Drivers
Old or incompatible printer drivers prevent the Print Filter Pipeline Host from working properly, causing it to use excessive CPU resources.
Keeping drivers updated ensures smooth communication between the computer and printer, reducing unnecessary CPU strain.
2. Large or Stuck Print Jobs
When large print jobs are sent or get stuck in the queue, they can overwhelm the system. This leads to high CPU usage as the Print Filter Pipeline Host struggles to process these jobs, slowing down the computer.
3. Print Spooler Service Issues

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs, and errors here can make the Print Filter Pipeline Host use too much CPU.
If the Spooler service malfunctions or gets stuck, it can cause delays and increased CPU consumption during printing tasks.
4. Software Conflicts
Other software programs or recently installed updates can sometimes interfere with printing tasks. These conflicts can cause the Print Filter Pipeline Host to use more CPU resources than needed, leading to slower performance and system lag.
5. Malware or Viruses
Malware or viruses can take control of the printing process, causing the Print Filter Pipeline Host to overuse CPU resources.
Running regular antivirus scans helps prevent these harmful programs from affecting your computer’s performance and print tasks.
6. Faulty Printer Components
Hardware issues with the printer, like damaged parts or internal malfunctions, can cause problems during printing.
These faults can trigger the Print Filter Pipeline Host to consume more CPU power as it attempts to process faulty print jobs.
Troubleshooting Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU
1. Update Your Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause the Print Filter Pipeline Host to use too much CPU. Visit your printer’s website and download the latest drivers. Installing these updates ensures your printer and computer work well together, reducing CPU usage.
2. Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service can sometimes get stuck and cause high CPU usage. To fix this, open the Services menu, find “Print Spooler,” and click “Restart.” This action refreshes the service and may fix the issue.
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3. Clear the Print Job Queue
A full or stuck print job queue can cause the Print Filter Pipeline Host to overuse the CPU. Stop the Print Spooler service, clear any stuck jobs from the queue, and restart the service. This helps prevent overloading the system with unnecessary tasks.
4. Check for Software Conflicts
Other programs or drivers might interfere with printing. Review recently installed software, and try temporarily disabling or uninstalling them. Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage goes down, which could indicate a conflict.
5. Run a Malware Scan
Malware can cause the Print Filter Pipeline Host to use excessive CPU. Run a full antivirus scan to remove any harmful programs. Keeping your system clean from viruses will help your computer run smoothly and prevent CPU issues during printing.
6. Reinstall the Printer
If the above steps don’t work, uninstall and reinstall your printer. This can fix issues with corrupt files or settings. Make sure to use the latest drivers when reinstalling to avoid compatibility problems.
What Is Print Filter Pipeline Host

The Print Filter Pipeline Host is a process in Windows that helps convert documents into a format your printer can understand. It acts as a bridge between the computer and the printer to ensure smooth printing.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High Cpu Windows 11
In Windows 11, the Print Filter Pipeline Host’s high CPU usage can be caused by outdated drivers, large print jobs, or software conflicts. Updating drivers and managing print jobs can help reduce CPU strain.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High Cpu Server 2016
On Windows Server 2016, the Print Filter Pipeline Host might use a lot of CPU due to driver issues or print spooler problems. To resolve these, update the drivers and restart the print spooler service.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High Memory Usage
If the Print Filter Pipeline Host uses too much memory, it could be due to large print jobs, stuck tasks, or outdated drivers. Clearing the print queue and updating drivers can reduce memory usage.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High Cpu Windows 10
In Windows 10, the Print Filter Pipeline Host can use a lot of CPU power because of outdated drivers or an overloaded print queue. To resolve this issue, try updating the drivers and clearing the print job queue.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High Cpu Windows Server 2012 R2
On Windows Server 2012 R2, high CPU usage by Print Filter Pipeline Host can be caused by large or corrupted print jobs, outdated drivers, or print spooler issues. Fixing these can reduce CPU usage and improve performance.
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Print Spooler huge memory usage – Server 2019 RDSH
In Server 2019 RDSH, large or stuck print jobs can cause high memory usage in the Print Spooler. Clearing the print queue and restarting the spooler can reduce memory usage and improve system performance.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU Windows Server 2019
On Windows Server 2019, Print Filter Pipeline Host’s high CPU usage is often due to outdated drivers or print spooler issues. Resolving this involves updating drivers, clearing the print queue, and restarting the spooler service.
Print Filter Pipeline Host High CPU Windows Server 2022
In Windows Server 2022, high CPU usage by Print Filter Pipeline Host can be caused by driver problems or large print jobs. Updating printer drivers and clearing the print job queue can help resolve the issue.
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard
Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard may experience high CPU usage by the Print Filter Pipeline Host due to driver issues or large print jobs. Updating drivers and managing print queues can help resolve high CPU usage.
Print Filter Pipeline Host Excessive CPU and Memory Use
Excessive CPU and memory use by Print Filter Pipeline Host can happen due to outdated printer drivers, large print jobs, or conflicts with other software. Updating drivers and clearing the print queue can reduce resource consumption.
Print Filter Pipeline Host running Amok
When the Print Filter Pipeline Host runs amok, it may cause high CPU usage. This often happens due to outdated drivers, stuck print jobs, or software conflicts. Restarting the print spooler and updating drivers can help.
Printfilterpipelinesvc high CPU use
High CPU use by Printfilterpipelinesvc can occur due to large print jobs, outdated drivers, or a jammed print queue. Updating printer drivers and clearing the print queue can reduce CPU usage and improve performance.
Printer Drivers- KM Multi-Function
If KM Multi-Function printer drivers are outdated or incompatible, they can use a lot of CPU power. To improve printer performance and reduce CPU strain, download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Printfilterpipelinesvc.exe -Embedding

Printfilterpipelinesvc.exe -Embedding is a process related to the Print Filter Pipeline Host. If this process uses too much CPU, it may be due to printer driver issues or large print jobs. Updating drivers can help reduce usage.
Print spooler is growing CPU
If the print spooler uses more CPU than expected, it might be caused by many pending print jobs or corrupted files. Clearing the print queue and restarting the spooler can help lower CPU usage.
High CPU print spooler and possible fix.
Corrupted print jobs or outdated drivers can cause the print spooler to use a lot of CPU. To fix this, clear the print queue, update the drivers, and restart the spooler service to improve performance.
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CPU at 100% during the night, spooler service is causing it
If the CPU hits 100% overnight and the spooler service is the cause, it could be due to a stuck print job or faulty drivers. Try clearing the print queue and restarting the print spooler service.
Printfilterpiplelinesvc.exe high cpu/memory usage and I can’t print.
When Printfilterpiplelinesvc.exe uses too much CPU or memory, printing can stop working. This may happen because of outdated drivers or a stuck print job. To fix it, try updating the drivers and clearing the print queue.
Print Spooler Pipeline Service locks printing repeatedly
If the Print Spooler Pipeline Service locks printing, it might be due to corrupted print jobs or driver conflicts. Restarting the spooler service and clearing the print queue can help resolve this recurring issue.
Print Filter Pipeline Host stopped working and was closed
If the Print Filter Pipeline Host stops working, it may be caused by corrupted files, driver issues, or a malfunctioning print job. Restarting the service or reinstalling the printer drivers often fixes the issue.
Printfilterpipelinesvc.exe High CPU
If Printfilterpipelinesvc.exe is using a lot of CPU, it could be due to outdated printer drivers, large print jobs, or stuck tasks. To fix it, try updating drivers, clearing the print queue, and restarting the print spooler.
Print Filter Pipeline Host 100% CPU
When Print Filter Pipeline Host uses 100% CPU, it may be caused by stuck print jobs or incompatible drivers. Clearing the print queue and updating drivers should reduce CPU usage and restore normal performance.
FAQs
1. What is Print Filter Pipeline Service?
The Print Filter Pipeline Service helps convert documents into print jobs. It processes print data to make it readable for printers.
2. What Causes WMI Provider Host High CPU Usage?
WMI Provider Host high CPU usage can be caused by background tasks or issues with system management. Restarting or updating might help.
3. What is the Command to Check High CPU Utilization in Windows?
Use the “Task Manager” or type “perfmon” in the Run dialog to check CPU utilization and identify resource-hogging processes.
4. Is It Safe to Disable Print Spooler Service?
Turning off the Print Spooler service will stop printing tasks from working. It’s not recommended unless troubleshooting issues like security or high CPU usage.
5. Should I Disable WMI Provider Host?
Disabling WMI Provider Host is not recommended, as it’s essential for system management and monitoring and may affect system functions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Print Filter Pipeline Host’s high CPU usage can be frustrating, but with the right solutions, it can be resolved. Regularly updating drivers, clearing the print queue, and managing print jobs effectively can keep your system running smoothly.
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