Windows Print Notification System
printnotify.exe is a legitimate Windows component. It handles printer notifications and status alerts, running in the background to surface print-related messages when you print or manage printers.
printnotify.exe is a Windows print notification host that surfaces printer status alerts to you. It monitors print jobs, printer connections, and queue events, displaying toast or tray notifications when there is activity. It runs in the background as part of the Windows printer infrastructure and may briefly show in Task Manager during printing tasks.
printnotify.exe coordinates with the Print Spooler to surface job progress, errors, and completion notices via Windows notifications. It uses the Win32 Spooler API and event subscriptions to surface status updates without opening the full printer UI.
Quick Fact: Print notifications were expanded in modern Windows versions to include per-printer alerts and background status updates.
Yes, printnotify.exe is safe when located in the legitimate Windows System32 folder and signed by Microsoft.
The real printnotify.exe is not a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so verify signatures and paths.
C:\Windows\System32\printnotify.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\printnotify.exe. Any other location is suspicious.Red Flags: If printnotify.exe is in a non-system folder (e.g., AppData), lacks a valid Microsoft signature, or runs constantly without printing activity, run a malware scan.
printnotify.exe runs to surface printer status and notify users of print job events. It may run briefly during printing or whenever printer notifications are enabled.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable printnotify.exe. Disabling will stop printer notifications; you can re-enable later. Removing Windows components is not recommended unless needed.
If printnotify.exe is causing issues, review typical problems and fixes related to Windows printer notifications.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and End Task for printnotify.exe if non-essential
2. Restart the Print Spooler service (services.msc) and printers
3. Check for stuck print jobs and cancel them
4. Update printer drivers from the vendor site
5. Run Windows Defender or your antivirus scan for malware
No, the legitimate printnotify.exe from Windows is a safe component that handles printer notifications. Verify path: C:\Windows\System32\printnotify.exe and digital signature from Microsoft.
It typically uses minimal CPU; spikes occur during active print jobs or when notifications are being updated. If constant high usage occurs, check for stuck jobs or malware.
Deleting it may remove printer notifications. It is part of Windows. If needed, disable notifications instead or adjust printer settings.
Yes, you can disable notifications or stop the process when not printing. Do not disable critical spooler services unless you have an alternate workflow.
Typically in C:\Windows\System32\printnotify.exe; verify that the signature shows Microsoft Corporation.
Check Printer settings, ensure spoolsv.exe and spooler service are running, check for updates, clear print queue, and run a malware scan if issues persist.