printer states that it is offline and I cannot print

Check the physical wired connection first, then clear the Windows print queue and restart the Print Spooler service before reinstalling the printer.

1. Check the wired connection

“Hard wired” can mean either USB or Ethernet:

• USB printer: Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable at both ends. If possible, connect it directly to another USB port on the PC rather than through a hub.
• Ethernet/network printer: Confirm that the Ethernet-port lights are illuminated. On the printer’s network screen or printed network report, check that it has a valid IPv4 address, typically resembling 192.168.x.x—not 0.0.0.0.

Turn off the printer, unplug its power for 30 seconds, reconnect it, and turn it on. Microsoft lists this as the first general recovery step for an offline printer.^1^

2. Clear queued print jobs and restart printing

1. Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select the affected printer and choose Open print queue.
3. Select the … menu, then Cancel all.
4. Search Windows for Services and open it.
5. Right-click Print Spooler, then select Restart.
6. Return to Printers & scanners, select the printer, and choose Set as default. If that option is unavailable, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer first.^1^

Try printing a Windows test page afterward.

3. If it is an Ethernet printer with a valid IP address

Windows may be using an obsolete network address or discovery port. Create a direct TCP/IP port using the printer’s current IP address:

1. Note the IPv4 address displayed by the printer.
2. Search for and open Printers & scanners.
3. Select the printer, then open Printer properties.
4. Open the Ports tab and select Add Port.
5. Select Standard TCP/IP Port → New Port.
6. Enter the printer’s current IPv4 address and complete the wizard.
7. Confirm the new port is selected, apply the change, and print a test page.

This addresses cases where Windows shows a reachable network printer as offline because its configured port no longer points to the printer’s current address.^2^

Do not use this procedure if the printer reports 0.0.0.0; that means there is no usable address to enter. In that case, troubleshoot the printer’s Ethernet/network configuration or router connection first.

4. If it remains offline

Remove and rediscover the printer:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select the printer, choose Remove, and confirm.
3. Restart the PC.
4. Return to Printers & scanners.
5. Ensure the printer is on and connected, then select Add device beside Add a printer or scanner.^1^

If Windows still cannot recognize it, open Device Manager → Printers, right-click the printer, and select Update driver. If no update is found, select Uninstall device, restart Windows, and allow Windows to reinstall the device.^3^

References

1. Windows 11
2. How to fix a computer offline to being ready to print - Microsoft Q&A
3. Windows 11