When you use it printer It is impossible to avoid encountering some errors that lead to the device not being able to be used, such as the error of not being able to connect to a computer to use the printer, or the error of not receiving paper, print errors, etc. Among them are the errors. to printer error in offline state.
Normally, before printing, you need to boot and power on the device to switch to online status and you're done. However, many people encounter the situation that even though the printer is turned on, the device still says it is in offline state. There are many reasons why the device does not receive online status. In the article below we will give some of the most common causes as well as how to handle these causes.
1. Check the computer and printer connection
First, check all printer cables. Make sure they are securely plugged into both the printer and the computer. If you have a spare cable, exchange it as the problem could be due to a faulty cable.
Second, check if your network is working. If you're having trouble connecting to the Internet, it's not a local problem with the printer. In this case, use this guide on how to fix WiFi problems on Windows. Also, make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer – refer to your printer manual for instructions on how to do this.
Third, use another method to connect your computer to the printer if possible. If you are using WiFi, switch to Ethernet and vice versa.
2. Restart the printer and computer
This is age-old tech advice, but you'd be surprised how often it's applied.
First, turn off your computer and printer. Then, unplug the printer's power cable, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the printer to start up completely – it won't come back from standby so it may take longer than usual.
After turning on the printer, turn your computer back on and see if the printer is now online.
3. Run Printer Troubleshooter
Windows includes various troubleshooters to detect and automatically resolve any problems. So, try Printer Troubleshooter and hopefully it will fix the printer offline error.
Note: Microsoft will deprecate the Windows 11 troubleshooter at some point in 2024, so this step may not be possible unless you are running Windows 10 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or earlier.
- Windows 11: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings and click Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. In the main compartment, below Related settingsclick Troubleshoot.
- Windows 10: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings and click Devices > Printers & scanners. On the right menu, below Related settingsclick Run the troubleshooter.

When the troubleshooter opens, follow the instructions – for example, it may ask you to select the printer at fault. After running the test, the troubleshooter will let you know if it encountered any problems and what steps were taken to resolve them. For full details, click View detailed information.
4. Turn off “Use Printer Offline” mode
You should check whether “Use Printer Offline” mode is enabled or not. You may have done this accidentally, or some printer or software has enabled this feature.
- Windows 11: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings. Go Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, click More devices and printers settingsthen double-click the offline printer. Click Printer on the toolbar and make sure Use Printer Offline There is no check mark next to it. If so, click to turn it off.
- Windows 10: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings. Go Devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer and click Open queue. Click Printer on the toolbar and make sure Use Printer Offline There is no check mark next to it. If so, click to turn it off.

5. Clear the print queue
A clogged print queue can cause many problems, including printer offline errors.
- Windows 11: Press the key Windows + I To open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scannersselect your printer and click Open print queue. Next to your printer name, click the ellipsis and select Cancel all.
- Windows 10: Press the key Windows + I To open Settings, go to Devices > Printers & scannersselect your printer and click Open queue. On the top toolbar, go to Printer > Cancel All Documents.

6. Set the printer as default
Windows may automatically set the last printer you used as the default printer. This can be helpful but could cause the printer you want to use to go offline. So it's best to prevent Windows from doing this and set your default printer manually.
- Windows 11: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings and click Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Below options Printer preferencesturn off Allow Windows to manage my default printerif not already turned off. Next, select your printer and click Set as default.
- Windows 10: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings and click Devices > Printers & scanners. Deselect Allow Windows to manage my default printer if done. Next, select your printer and click Manage. Finally click Set as default.

7. Restart the Print Spooler service
Print Spooler is a service that handles interaction with the printer. Restarting this service can get your printer back online.
To do this on Windows 10 and 11:
- Open the Start menu.
- Search and open Services.
- In the column Namefind Print Spooler.
- Once found, right click on it and select Restart.

8. Update printer driver
Sometimes you need to find and replace outdated Windows drivers, and printer offline issues are one of the situations where updating drivers can be helpful.
To ensure you are running the latest printer driver, visit the printer manufacturer's website, download the driver, and run the executable file. This usually takes the form of a user-friendly wizard to guide you through the installation.
If the driver file cannot be executed, use Device Manager. To do this on Windows 10 and 11:
- Press the key Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
- Double click the category Printers.
- Right click on your printer and click Update drivers.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Click Browseselect the folder where you downloaded the driver, then click OK.
- Click Next and follow the wizard.
9. Use printer software
Many printer manufacturers have software to help you manage and troubleshoot your printer (like HP's Smart app). If this is the case and you do not already have this software, go to the manufacturer's website, download and install it.
Now, open the software and check for any sections that allow you to restart, troubleshoot, or repair the printer.
10. Uninstall and reinstall the printer
Remove the printer from your computer and then add it again.
- Windows 11: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings. Go Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer and click Remove.
- Windows 10: Press the key Windows + I to open Settings. Go Devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, click Remove devicethen click Yes.
To add the device again, click Add device (Windows 11) or Add a printer or scanner (Windows 10) and follow the wizard.

Hope this article is useful to you!
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