Printer says offline? A step-by-step fix for Windows

You click Print and nothing happens. Windows says the printer is offline, even though it is turned on and sitting right there. This is one of the most common computer problems, and it is usually quick to fix.

Step 1: Check the basics

• Is the printer on, with no error lights or paper jam?
• For a Wi-Fi printer: is it connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer? Many printers show this on their small screen.
• For a USB printer: unplug the cable and plug it back in, ideally in a different USB port.

Step 2: Restart the printer and the computer

Turn the printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then restart your computer. This clears a lot of stuck connections.

Step 3: Turn off "Use Printer Offline"

1. Open Start, type Printers & scanners, and open it.
2. Click your printer, then Open print queue.
3. Click the Printer menu at the top. If Use Printer Offline has a check mark, click it to turn it off.
4. While you are here, choose Cancel All Documents to clear any stuck print jobs.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler is the part of Windows that sends jobs to the printer. Sometimes it gets stuck.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler.
3. Right-click it and choose Restart.

Step 5: Set it as the default printer

In Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, click your printer, and choose Set as default. Windows sometimes sends jobs to a different printer.

Step 6: Remove the printer and add it again

1. In Printers & scanners, click your printer and choose Remove.
2. Click Add device and wait for Windows to find it.
3. If it does not show up, download the newest driver from the printer maker's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) and run the installer.

Still offline?

Wi-Fi printers often lose their connection after a router change or a new internet provider. Fixing that sometimes means getting into the printer's network settings. A technician can share your screen and walk through it with you. Get printer help or call 1-888-711-9954.