Why does my printer say offline? (Windows fixes)
Published
Short answer: Windows says a printer is offline when it can't reach it. Usually the printer has lost its connection, is on a different Wi-Fi network from the computer, or the print queue is stuck. Restart the printer, make sure it's on the same network as your computer, clear the print queue, and if that doesn't work, remove the printer and add it again.
How to fix it, in order
- Restart the printer. Turn the printer off, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. Wait until it's fully ready before trying again.
- Check the connection. For a USB printer, check the cable at both ends. For a Wi-Fi printer, make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, not a guest network. Most printers can show or print their network status from the control panel.
- Clear the print queue. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, choose Open print queue, then select the "..." menu and Cancel all. A stuck document can hold up everything behind it.
- Windows 10: turn off "Use Printer Offline". In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, choose Open queue, then open the Printer menu and clear Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline if they're checked.
- Restart the Print Spooler. Press the Windows key, type Services and open it. Find Print Spooler in the list, right-click it and choose Restart. The spooler is the Windows service that sends jobs to printers.
- Run the printer troubleshooter. In Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Printer. In current versions it opens in the Get Help app.
- Remove the printer and add it again. In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose Remove. Then select Add device and pick it again when it appears.
- Restart the computer. A restart clears anything else that's stuck. Then try printing a test page.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the printer still shows offline after these steps, if it drops off again every time the router restarts, or if it's an office printer shared by several computers. A shared printer problem is usually one setting on the printer or router, and a Quick Fix ($49) covers most of them.
Related: Computer repair · Prices · More guides
Sources
- Microsoft: Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows
- Microsoft: Deprecation of MSDT troubleshooters (where the printer troubleshooter moved)
Still stuck?
Tell us what's happening. You'll get a flat price before any work starts.