Printer shows off line

Delbert Phelps 0 Reputation points
2026-10-07T19:41:49.43+00:00

My printer is off line how do I put it on line? I have revied my settings and cannot locate the fix.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-07T19:42:05.4233333+00:00

    Try these steps in Windows 11, in this order:

    1. Check that the printer is actually connected.
      • If it is USB, make sure the cable is firmly connected.
      • If it is Wi-Fi, make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.
    2. Turn the printer off, wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
      • This often clears a temporary error state.
    3. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter.
      • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Select Run next to Printer.
    4. Check whether Windows has the printer set to offline.
      • Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, then open the printer settings window.
      • If Use Printer Offline is enabled, clear it.
    5. Remove and reinstall the printer.
      • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer > Remove > confirm Yes.
      • Then go back to Printers & scanners, make sure the printer is turned on and connected, and select Add device.
      • If it is a wireless printer, Windows should find it if both devices are on the same network.
    6. If it still stays offline, clear and reset the print spooler.
      • Warning: this deletes queued print jobs.
      • In the taskbar search box, type services and open Services.
      • Double-click Print Spooler > select Stop > OK.
      • In the taskbar search box, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers and open %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS.
      • Delete all files in that folder.
      • Open Services again, double-click Print Spooler, select Start, set Startup Type to Automatic, then select OK.
    7. Update or reinstall the printer driver.
      • Install the latest driver from the printer manufacturer.
      • If needed, uninstall the printer device/driver and then reinstall it.

    If this started after deleting an old printer queue and creating a new one with the same name, open the printer queue and clear Use Printer Offline. That resets the offline status.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ferdinand Nanalig 33,410 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-07T20:29:13.0833333+00:00

    Hi, let me help you.

    Have you tried restarting both the laptop and the printer?

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  3. Bulldog 4,865 Reputation points
    2026-10-07T21:50:44.4066667+00:00

    'Offline' means not connected to your network.

    You could attempt troubleshooting steps to determine why your printer is offline and try to fix that, but honestly, it's much easier to uninstall and reinstall the printer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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  4. Dio Xavier 297.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-07T22:31:33.4566667+00:00

    Hello,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Windows Community.

    Good afternoon. Did the problem occur after a Windows 11 update? Please share a screenshot of your Windows Update history (press Win+I -> Windows Update -> Update history).

    To start with:

    1. Press Win+R, paste the command services.msc, and press Enter. Locate the "Print Spooler" service -> Click "Stop," then "Start," and set the startup type to "Automatic." Close the windows;
    2. Press Win+I -> System -> Troubleshoot -> Other troubleshooters -> Run -> Grant the necessary permissions and follow the on-screen prompts. Good luck, and let us know the result.

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