How to Fix “Printer Offline” Problem in Windows 10/11 [Step-by-Step Guide]
Is your printer displaying "Offline" despite being powered on and connected? There is no need for concern; this is a prevalent problem among numerous Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. This guide will provide you with all the necessary steps to swiftly and efficiently resolve the "Printer Offline" issue, regardless of whether you use a Brother, Epson, Canon, or HP printer.
The "Printer Offline" issue in Windows 10/11 can be resolved in ten simple steps. In a matter of minutes, you can restore the functionality of your Brother, Canon, Epson, or HP printer!
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| How to Fix “Printer Offline” Problem in Windows 10/11 |
🛠️ Why Does My Printer Say "Offline"?
The “Printer Offline” status means your computer cannot communicate with the printer. This may be caused by:
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Loose or faulty USB/wireless connections
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The printer is not set as the default
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Print Spooler service not running
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Outdated or corrupted drivers
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Windows system bugs or updates
✅ 10 Proven Solutions to Fix the “Printer Offline” Issue
Follow these steps one by one to get your printer back online.
1. 🔌 Check Physical Connections
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Ensure the printer is powered ON.
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Reconnect the USB cable or restart your Wi-Fi router if using a wireless printer.
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For network printers, make sure they’re connected to the same network as your PC.
📝 Pro Tip: If you’re using a USB hub, try plugging the printer directly into the PC’s USB port.
2. 🖨️ Set Your Printer as Default
Sometimes, Windows may redirect print jobs to a different printer.
Steps:
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Press
Windows + Ito open Settings. -
Go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
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Click on your printer, then choose Set as default.
3. 🔄 Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler manages print jobs in Windows. Restarting it often resolves offline issues.
Steps:
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Press
Windows + R, typeservices.msc, and press Enter. -
Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click and select Restart.
📌 Optional: Click Properties > Startup Type > Automatic to ensure it runs at startup.
4. 🔍 Use Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in printer troubleshooter that can detect and fix common issues.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
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Click Additional troubleshooters.
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Select Printer > Run the troubleshooter.
5. 🧼 Clear the Print Queue
A stuck document in the print queue can cause the printer to go offline.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
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Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
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Click Printer > Cancel All Documents.
6. 🌐 Switch Printer from Offline to Online
If Windows has manually set your printer to “Use Printer Offline” mode, uncheck it.
Steps:
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Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
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Right-click your printer > See what’s printing.
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Click Printer and uncheck Use Printer Offline.
7. 🖥️ Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause connectivity issues.
Steps:
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Press
Windows + X> select Device Manager. -
Expand Printers > right-click your printer > Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
📝 Alternative: Download the latest driver from your printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson).
8. 🔁 Remove and Re-add the Printer
If updating the driver didn’t work, remove and reinstall the printer.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
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Click your printer > Remove device.
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Click Add a printer or scanner and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. 📡 Check Printer IP Address (for Network Printers)
If you're using a Wi-Fi/network printer, its IP address may have been changed.
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Print a network configuration page from the printer (check the manual).
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Compare the IP with what’s in Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
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If mismatched, remove and re-add the printer using the new IP.
10. 🛡️ Disable SNMP Status (Advanced)
Some printers report an offline status due to SNMP issues.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
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Right-click your printer > Printer properties.
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Go to Ports > Configure Port.
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Uncheck SNMP Status Enabled > Click OK.
🧪 Still Not Working? Try These Bonus Tips
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Restart your PC and printer.
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Try printing from another PC to rule out hardware issues.
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Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus to test connectivity.
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Run a Windows Update to patch any known bugs.
🖨️ Compatible with Major Brands
This guide works for printers from:
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✅ HP
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✅ Canon
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✅ Epson
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✅ Brother
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✅ Samsung
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✅ Lexmark
📥 Related Resources
🧾 Final Thoughts
It can be frustrating to see your printer offline when you need to print something important. However, following these steps will usually resolve the issue within minutes.
If the problem persists, check for firmware updates or contact your printer’s official support team.
✅ Tip: Bookmark this guide for future reference or share it with someone who’s struggling with their printer.
💬 Need more help? Please leave your printer model in the comments or contact us—we’ll try to help you out!