Fix Printer Offline Issue on Windows 10
Windows 10 users may face Offline printer issues. This guide offers effective solutions to help resolve the problem and restore smooth printing.
1. Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common reasons for printers going offline. Ensuring your printer driver is up-to-date and functioning correctly can help prevent this issue. Using Driver Sentry to automatically detect and update drivers saves time and avoids the risk of downloading or installing incorrect drivers.
Download the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan".
After scanning, the software will show any drivers that need installation or updates. Locate the printer driver and click "Upgrade".
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the new driver takes effect.
2. Check Printer Connection
For Wireless Printers: Ensure the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Reconnect to the Wi-Fi if necessary.
For USB Printers: Check that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer. If possible, try a different USB cable or port.
Check the printer's control panel for any error messages or indicator lights signaling an issue.
3. Restart Your Computer and Printer
Turn off your computer and disconnect the printer's power supply.
Wait for a few minutes, then restart your computer.
Turn the printer back on and check if it reconnects to your computer and works as expected.
4. Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode
Press the Windows Key + I to open Settings.
Navigate to "Devices" > "Printers & Scanners".
Select your printer and click "Open queue".
In the toolbar, click "Printer" and ensure that "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked.
If it's checked, click the option to disable it.
5. Restart the Print Spooler Service
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type "services.msc", and press Enter.
In the Services window, locate the "Print Spooler" service.
Right-click on Print Spooler and select "Restart".
After restarting the service, check if the printer is back online.
6. Clear the Print Queue
Open Control Panel and click "Devices and Printers".
Locate your printer icon, right-click on it, and select "See what's printing".
In the print queue, right-click any pending print jobs and select "Cancel".
Once cleared, close the queue window, restart your printer, and verify its status.
7. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Click the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
In the Settings window, navigate to "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot" > "Other troubleshooters".
Select "Printer" and click "Run the troubleshooter".
Follow the prompts to allow Windows to automatically detect and fix any printer-related issues.
Following these steps will help resolve the "Offline" printer issue in Windows 10. If it persists, contact the printer manufacturer's support team for further assistance.
See also:
Fix WDF_Violation Blue Screen Error on Windows
How to Fix Monitor Connected but No Signal
