- \n
- \ud83d\udd04 Restart both your printer and PC to clear temporary glitches.<\/li>\n
- \ud83c\udf10 Make sure your printer is set as the default and disconnect any active VPN.<\/li>\n
- \ud83d\udedc Check cables or Wi-Fi: reset wireless settings (or use WPS) so the printer and PC share the same network.<\/li>\n
- \ud83d\uddb1\ufe0f Turn off Use Printer Offline <\/i> in Windows, then run the built-in printer troubleshooter.<\/li>\n
- \ud83c\udff7\ufe0f Use your manufacturer\u2019s tool to restore the connection.<\/li>\n
- \ud83d\udda8\ufe0f Clear any stuck jobs in the print queue, restart the Print Spooler service, and update or reinstall drivers.<\/li>\n
- \ud83d\udee1\ufe0f Ensure your antivirus\/firewall isn\u2019t blocking printer traffic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ud83e\udde0 Best solution<\/b><\/p>\n
Microsoft recommends<\/a> running the Windows printer troubleshooter as the primary fix if your printer is offline \u2014and it\u2019s hard to disagree, since it worked for me too.<\/p>\n
Windows 11:<\/b><\/p>\n
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters<\/i>, then click Run <\/i> next to Printer <\/i> and follow the on-screen prompts.<\/p>\n
Windows 10:<\/b><\/p>\n
Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters<\/i>, then click Run <\/i> under Printer <\/i> and follow the on-screen prompts.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
Why Is My Printer Offline?<\/h2>\n
Windows shows your printer as offline because it can no longer communicate with it. This loss of communication can be due to a wide range of factors:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Connectivity issues:<\/b> The printer may not be properly connected to your computer or network. This could be due to loose cables, port issues, incorrect network settings, IP conflicts, or Wi-Fi problems.<\/li>\n
- Driver or software problems:<\/b> Outdated or corrupted printer drivers<\/a> can disrupt the communication between your operating system and the device.<\/li>\n
- Printer settings:<\/b> Windows has a setting that puts the printer into offline mode.<\/li>\n
- Printer status: <\/b>You may have accidentally changed the printer\u2019s status to offline.<\/li>\n
- Print jobs stuck in queue:<\/b> A stuck print job can prevent the printer from interacting with Windows, causing it to appear offline.<\/li>\n
- Print spooler errors: <\/b>If the Print Spooler service<\/a> is malfunctioning, Windows can\u2019t communicate with the printer.<\/li>\n
- Antivirus or firewall interference: <\/b>Your security software may be blocking printer communication.<\/li>\n
- Hardware issues:<\/b> Problems with the printer itself, such as paper jams or other hardware faults, can also interrupt communications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\tNeed help with your PC?<\/div>\r\n\tTry our Ask a Question<\/a> service — our experts will diagnose and resolve your PC issues completely free of charge.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nHow to Get the Printer Back Online: Simple Solutions to Try First<\/h2>\n
Here\u2019s where you should start when your printer is offline:<\/p>\n
Solution 1: Restart the printer and your computer<\/h3>\n
Power cycling your devices can help you get rid of temporary glitches, such as software conflicts, that may cause random issues like computer freezes<\/a>, application errors, and printers appearing offline.<\/p>\n
Turn off your printer and unplug it from its power source. Shut down Windows and allow your devices to stay turned off for about 30 seconds. Now, turn your devices back on and check if the problem persists.<\/p>\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nIssues with printers and other peripherals, like mice and keyboards<\/a>, often happen because a cord has been dislodged or a connection isn\u2019t in place.<\/p>\n
So, check to confirm that your printer\u2019s cable is correctly connected to your computer. If the printer works over a network, assess the network cable to ensure it\u2019s still properly hooked.
\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nSolution 2: Run the Windows printer troubleshooter<\/h3>\n
Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can fix everything from a computer not recognizing your headphones<\/a> to a printer showing as offline.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWhile you may be able to access the classic troubleshooter in Windows 10, Microsoft plans to completely remove the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool (MSDT)<\/a> troubleshooters by 2025 and integrate them into the Get Help platform. After that, users won\u2019t have access to tools like this once they\u2019re retired. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nIf your printer is offline, you can use the printer troubleshooter to run diagnostics and fix the underlying issue. The tool can run in two modes: general and pre-targeted. The first scans for issues with all printers installed on the system, while the second focuses on the specific printer you select. I\u2019ll show you how to run both.<\/p>\n
Windows 10<\/b><\/p>\n
Follow these steps to run the printer troubleshooter in general mode:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Start the Settings application and click Update & Security<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Go to the left sidebar and select Troubleshoot<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Click Additional troubleshooters <\/i> under the Troubleshoot <\/i> page.<\/li>\n
- Next, click Printer <\/i> and select Run the troubleshooter. <\/i><\/li>\n
- Allow the troubleshooter to run and look for issues that may be causing your printer to appear offline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To run the printer troubleshooter in the pre-targeted mode:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Start the Settings application and click Devices<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Go to the left navigation bar and click Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Select your printer under Printers & scanners <\/i> and click the Manage <\/i> button.<\/li>\n
- Click Run the troubleshooter<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Windows 11<\/b><\/p>\n
Follow these steps to run the printer troubleshooter in general mode:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to Settings, select System <\/i> in the left sidebar, then scroll down and select Troubleshoot<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Go]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Click Other troubleshooters <\/i> and select Run <\/i> next to Printer<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- The Get Help interface will now appear. Permit the app to diagnose your printer issues and provide the required feedback to complete the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Permit]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tSigning into your Microsoft account may be helpful in case you need to contact Microsoft\u2019s support. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nHere\u2019s how to run the printer troubleshooter in the pre-targeted mode:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Launch the Settings app.<\/li>\n
- Click Bluetooth & devices <\/i> on the left-hand side of the page.<\/li>\n
- Select Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Select your printer.<\/li>\n
- Click Run the troubleshooter<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSolution 3: Set the printer as the default<\/h3>\n
Your printer may be offline because Windows does not recognize it as your primary printing device. By default, the operating system manages and sets your default printer.<\/p>\n
In most cases, Windows gets it right. But it can also mix things up. Thankfully, you can manually set your default printer<\/a> in Windows 11 and Windows 10.<\/p>\n
Follow these steps for Windows 10:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Win + I<\/code> on your keyboard to open Settings.<\/li>\n- Select Devices <\/i> on the Settings home page.<\/li>\n
- Click Printers & scanners <\/i> in the left navigation bar.<\/li>\n
- Scroll down and uncheck the Let Windows manage my default printer <\/i> checkbox.<\/li>\n
- Now, scroll up and select your printer.<\/li>\n
- Click Manage <\/i> and select Set as default<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Follow these steps for Windows 11:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Launch the Settings app.<\/li>\n
- Click Bluetooth & devices<\/i> on the left-hand side of the page.<\/li>\n
- Select Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Scroll down to Printer preferences <\/i> and turn off the switch for Let Windows manage my default printer<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Scroll]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Now, scroll up and select your printer.<\/li>\n
- Click Set as default<\/i> at the top of the page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\tNeed help with your PC?<\/div>\r\n\tTry our Ask a Question<\/a> service — our experts will diagnose and resolve your PC issues completely free of charge.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSolution 4: Turn off your VPN<\/h3>\n
Most VPN clients have limitations that disconnect your printer, usually when it\u2019s connected to the local area network (LAN).<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tFor instance, some HP users have reported<\/a> this issue where they can only print when they disconnect their VPN. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSo, first, disconnect your VPN to see if that resolves the problem. If it does, check with your VPN service provider if they support local networking during connection. Some VPNs allow exceptions for some apps to allow you to connect to the LAN.<\/p>\n
You can also check if you have the setting that allows LAN access when using a VPN and enable it.<\/p>\n
This can help you resolve the issue.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWhile there aren\u2019t many reports about the issue happening with Wi-Fi networks, it wouldn\u2019t hurt to try turning off your VPN if you\u2019re using a wireless network. Some computers also experience VPN connectivity issues<\/a> when connected to Wi-Fi networks. <\/i><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSolution 5: Check your printer\u2019s Wi-Fi connection<\/h3>\n
If you use a device that prints over Wi-Fi, try connecting it directly to your computer via cable to confirm whether the Wi-Fi connection is the problem. For example, printers may be unable to obtain valid IP address configurations<\/a> from your Wi-Fi network.<\/p>\n
The printer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer to work. You can try reducing the distance between the printer and your Wi-Fi router if the printer keeps going offline.<\/p>\n
You can also go through the printer\u2019s menu or support web page to check how to connect it to your Wi-Fi if the connection still proves difficult.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tFor example, HP has a dedicated page that shows users how to set up their printers over Wi-Fi<\/a>. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSolution 6: Remove the printer from offline mode<\/h3>\n
Windows has a setting that allows you to use your printer offline. Your printer\u2019s status will be offline if this option is active. Turning it off will bring your printer back online.<\/p>\n
These steps will show you how to change your printer from offline to online via Control Panel:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Win + R<\/code> to start the Run dialog window.<\/li>\n- Type Control Panel<\/i> into Run and press the
Enter<\/code> key.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Set View by <\/i> to Category <\/i> and click View devices and printers <\/i> under Hardware and Sound <\/i> once the Control Panel window opens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Set]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nIf you\u2019re running Windows 11, you\u2019ll be redirected to the Bluetooth & devices <\/i> page in the Settings app. From there, click Devices<\/i>, then click More devices and printer settings <\/i> under Related settings<\/i>.<\/p>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"You\u2019ll]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- The Devices and Printers <\/i> window will now appear.<\/li>\n
- Go to the Printers<\/i> section, right-click your printer, and select See what\u2019s printing<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Go]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Now, click Printer <\/i> in your printer\u2019s dialog window and ensure the Use Printer Offline <\/i> option is unchecked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- You can now check if the problem has been resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Move on to the next method if your printer keeps saying Offline<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Solution 7: Use your printer manufacturer\u2019s tool<\/h3>\n
Although Windows\u2019 built-in troubleshooter can deal with spooler errors, problematic settings, and other general problems, your printer\u2019s maker likely offers a tool of its own, designed with your specific model in mind.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at how to get your printer back online using the major brands\u2019 utilities:<\/p>\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"IMG\"]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n HP<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/h4>\nBefore firing up the app, try restoring Wi-Fi defaults directly from the control panel:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Make sure the printer is powered on.<\/li>\n
- Press and hold the Wireless <\/i> button and the Cancel <\/i> (X<\/i>) button simultaneously for about 5 seconds.<\/li>\n
- Release when the Wireless <\/i> light starts blinking.<\/li>\n
- The printer will reboot with its network settings cleared; the Wi-Fi light should blink to indicate it\u2019s ready for a fresh setup.<\/li>\n
- Reconnect and check if it worked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If it didn\u2019t help, here\u2019s plan B. Since the old HP Print and Scan Doctor has reached end-of-support and was removed from HP\u2019s site due to security concerns<\/a>, HP now recommends using HP Smart whenever your printer shows as offline or print jobs stall in the queue.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
- Release when the Wireless <\/i> light starts blinking.<\/li>\n
- You can now check if the problem has been resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Go to the Printers<\/i> section, right-click your printer, and select See what\u2019s printing<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Devices and Printers <\/i> window will now appear.<\/li>\n
- Type Control Panel<\/i> into Run and press the
- Press
- Select Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Select Devices <\/i> on the Settings home page.<\/li>\n
- Press
- Select Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Get Help interface will now appear. Permit the app to diagnose your printer issues and provide the required feedback to complete the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click Other troubleshooters <\/i> and select Run <\/i> next to Printer<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Go to the left navigation bar and click Printers & scanners<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Go to the left sidebar and select Troubleshoot<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Driver or software problems:<\/b> Outdated or corrupted printer drivers<\/a> can disrupt the communication between your operating system and the device.<\/li>\n
![\"Go](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Screenshot-7-7.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n