Windows Spooler SubSystem (32-bit Printer Compatibility)
splwow64.exe is safe. It's a legitimate Windows process that enables 32‑bit printer drivers to work with the 64‑bit Spooler when printing from 32‑bit apps.
splwow64.exe is the Windows subsystem that enables 32‑bit printer drivers to communicate with the 64‑bit print spooler on 64‑bit Windows. It launches when 32‑bit applications print, or when compatibility drivers are required, and coordinates data exchange to ensure prints complete without user intervention.
SplWow64 functions as a bridge between 32‑bit printer drivers and the 64‑bit Windows Spooler, marshaling print data and calls. It runs briefly during print tasks and keeps 32‑bit apps compatible with modern printers without users needing to adjust drivers.
Quick Fact: Windows relies on SplWow64 to maintain compatibility with older printer drivers on 64-bit systems.
Yes, splwow64.exe is safe when it resides in the official system path and is part of Windows.
The legitimate splwow64.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify path and signature.
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SplWOW64.exe or C:\Windows\System32\SplWOW64.exe. Other locations are suspicious.Red Flags: If splwow64.exe appears in non-standard folders (e.g., Temp, AppData), runs when not printing, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent high resources, scan with antivirus and verify printer drivers.
splwow64.exe runs when print tasks are issued that require 32-bit driver compatibility or when apps use 32-bit printing interfaces.
Reasons it's running:
No, you should not disable SplWow64 if you print with 32-bit drivers; doing so can break printing. You can minimize impact by updating drivers or disabling automatic startup for non-essential printers.
If splwow64.exe is consuming excessive resources during printing or idle periods:
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services (services.msc) and restart the Print Spooler
2. Cancel all pending print jobs in the queue
3. Update or remove unnecessary 32-bit printer drivers
4. Run a full antivirus scan to detect spoofed SplWow64
5. Check for Windows updates to ensure spooler components are current
SplWow64.exe is the 32‑bit printer compatibility host that lets 32‑bit printer drivers talk to the 64‑bit Windows Spooler. It's a legitimate Windows component.
Not if it resides in C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SplWOW64.exe or C:\Windows\System32\SplWOW64.exe and is signed by Microsoft. Malware can mimic names, so verify signature and path.
CPU usage usually spikes during active print jobs or driver installation. If it runs constantly, check for stuck jobs or outdated/misbehaving drivers.
Disabling is not recommended if you need 32‑bit printing. You can disable auto-start for printers you don't use, or update drivers to 64‑bit equivalents.
Typically found at C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SplWOW64.exe or C:\Windows\System32\SplWOW64.exe depending on Windows architecture.
Update or reinstall 32-bit printer drivers, restart the Print Spooler service, and clear the print queue. If issues persist, run a malware scan and check Windows updates.