Share via

Printer is off-line

carol spencer 0 Reputation points
2026-06-09T18:07:57.69+00:00

My printer says it is offline. How do I turn to online?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Estrella721 39,780 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-09T21:58:33.5533333+00:00

    Hi,

    What is the make and model of your printer?

    1. I suggest that you follow the troubleshooting steps in this Microsoft article for resolving offline printer issues in Windows:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshooting-offline-printer-problems-in-windows-9f5e98ed-0ac8-50ff-a13b-d79bf7710061#id0ebf=windows_11

    1. If the issue persists, please try removing and re-adding the printer on your computer:
    2. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
    3. Click Bluetooth & devices, then select Printers & scanners.
    4. Locate and select your printer.
    5. Click Remove device, then confirm the removal when prompted.
    6. Add the printer back to your computer.
    7. Once completed, try printing again.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. Bulldog 2,305 Reputation points
    2026-06-09T20:30:14.3+00:00

    "Offline" means not on your network. That can happen for many different reasons. Not your fault, not to worry. The easiest way to get your printer back online is to reinstall it following the manufacturer's instructions.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  3. AI answer

    2026-06-09T18:08:06.8633333+00:00

    Use these steps in Windows 11 to bring the printer back online:

    1. Power-cycle the printer
      • Turn the printer off and unplug it.
      • Wait about 30 seconds.
      • Plug it back in and turn it on.
    2. Make sure the printer is on the same Wi‑Fi network
      • Use the printer’s built-in menu to check its Wi‑Fi connection.
      • If needed, follow the printer manual to reconnect it to the same Wi‑Fi network the PC is using.
    3. Set the printer as the default printer
      • Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, then choose Set as default.
      • If Set as default is missing, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer first, then set it as default.
    4. Clear the print queue
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, then Open print queue.
      • Select … (ellipsis) and choose Cancel all to remove any stuck jobs.
    5. Restart the Print Spooler service
      • In the taskbar search box, type services and open Services.
      • Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
    6. Remove and reinstall the printer (if still offline)
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, choose Remove, then Yes.
      • Make sure the printer is powered on and connected.
      • In Printers & scanners, next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device and follow the prompts.
    7. Restart the PC
      • Restarting can refresh Windows services needed for the printer to show as online.

    If the printer still shows as offline after these steps, use the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app from the article and then continue with the general troubleshooting steps if needed.

    References:

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

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.