How to Fix PCL XL Error Subsystem Kernel on Windows 10/11?

PCL XL Error Subsystem Kernel on HP Printers

PCL XL error subsystem Kernel is one of the errors you might run into when there is a communication problem between your computer and printer. An outdated printer driver, mismatched fonts, or connection malfunctions can be the main causes of this error. If you still receive this error after making sure that the printer and the computer are connected properly, follow the solutions below to see they do the trick for you.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

How to Fix PCL XL Error Subsystem Kernel?

Fix 1: Update Your Pinter Driver

The printer driver plays an important role in the communication between the computer and the printer. Therefore, you should make sure the driver is working properly. If you don’t update your printer driver for a long time, follow these steps to update it to the latest version.

Step 1. Type device manager in the search bar and hit Enter.

Step 2. Expand Print queues, right-click on your printer and select Update driver.

Step 3. Click on Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the rest process.

Fix 2: Rename the File

Some people solve PCL XL error subsystem Kernel Windows 11/10 by renaming the .gdp files on your computer. Follow these guidelines:  

Step 1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2. Navigate to the following path:

C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3

Step 3. Under the View tab, click on Sort by > Type.

Step 4. Press and hold the Ctrl key > click on all the GDP files > right-click on the selected files to choose Copy to save them to a safe location.

Step 5. Rename these files as per your preference.

Step 6. Save the changes and reboot your system.

Fix 3: Change Printing Settings

If you only receive XL error subsystem Kernel Windows 10/11 when printing specific documents, the cause might be a mismatch between the PC and the printer. In this case, changing the printing preference might help you out. To do so:

Step 1. Type control panel and hit Enter.

Step 2. Select Large icons from the drop-down menu of View by.

Step 3. Click on Devices and Printers.

Step 4. Right-click on the problematic printer and select Printing preferences from the context menu.

Step 5. Set TrueType Font to Download as Soft Font and change Send True Type as Bitmap to Enabled.

Step 6. Click on Apply & OK to save the changes.

Step 7. Restart your computer and printer to see if PCL XL error subsystem Kernel is fixed.

Fix 4: Run Printer Troubleshooter

In case that there is any problem with the printer or computer, you can utilize the Windows printer troubleshooter to find and fix problems with printing. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. In the settings menu, scroll down to find Update & Security and hit it.

Step 3. Under the Troubleshoot tab, click on Additional troubleshooters.

Step 4. Find Printer, hit it, and hit Run the troubleshooter.

How to Add a Printer on Windows 10/11 Computer

This post teaches you how to add a printer on Windows 10/11. Check how to add a local or wireless printer to computer with a step-by-step guide.

Read More

Final Words

Now, the PCL XL error subsystem Kernel issue might not annoy you anymore. If you still have this issue, you can resort to a printer technician. Hope that your work plans might not be influenced by this issue! Have a nice day!