How to Resolve ‘Printer Offline’ error in Windows Devices

Your printer needs to be online to print a document using windows devices. The status of the printer changes from a few seconds just as when you power it on. But, in some cases, the status may not change and this may leave you stranded.

This can happen with anyone at any point in time and the printer remains in offline mode even when everything is powered on and connected as it should be. There can be many reasons for the offline status in windows and we’ll provide you the best information you would need in the moment of a crisis.

The Reasons for Printer is Offline Error

This error mainly appears when windows 10 see that the printer is unavailable. Unfortunately, the windows 10 devices can’t distinguish between the printer is offline or it has connectivity problems.

If you are getting this error on your Windows 10 device, here are some of the reasons behind it.

• The connection between the printer and the computer is slow and unresponsive.
• The printer has been bogged down with internal hardware or software error.
• There is too much load on the printer and a few jobs are stuck in the queue.

Resolve Printer Offline Error

Now, let’s look at how we can resolve the error by following some simple steps.

Perform Basic Checks –

First of all, you need to perform basic checks such as power cable and USB cables. Make sure that all these cables are connected properly to the wall outlet and computer. You should also check the Wi-Fi router settings for any setting change in your computer or wi-fi.

Power cycle –

Before we get into more serious stuff on your computer and tools, you must try power cycling the printer. Most of the time, the bugs are fixed by this kind of exercise. You need to power off the printer and computer at the same time and let them be for a minute or two. Then, you can power on the printer and wait until it is connected to the network. In the case of the USB cable printer, wait for a few minutes and let it start properly.

Now, you can power on the computer to check whether it is showing offline or not. You should also make sure that the printer is fully turned on and not in power-saving mode.

Default Printing Software –

Well, there are times when windows do not respond to the connected printers. But you can use the default printing software of the company and try to print. Sometimes, this software can detect the printers pretty easily even when your computer is not able to detect it.

If you are using HP printers, go for HP print and scan doctor to find errors and resolve them. Similarly, use the software of other companies that are offering the printers.

Change Printer Settings –

If your printer still shows offline, you can try and change the settings and keep it online. Here is how you can set the printer to online:

• First, you need to open Control Panel and then navigate your way to Devices and Printers.
• Now, you need to check that the printer in question is set as default in the list, select it.
• Now, right-click on the printer and choose ‘See what’s printing’ option from the menu.
• Remove all the jobs that are in the queue and then click on the Printer option from the menu.
• And select ‘Use Printer Online’ option from there.

Now, you can go and check whether your printer is connected properly or not. You can do that by unplugging and plugging in the USB cable.

You can also perform a test while using a wireless printer for the task.

Restart the Spooler service –

The best printer offline fix is restarting the printer spooler service. Here are the steps you need to take to restart the printer spooler service.

• Open the Run window and type services.msc, hit Enter to open all services.
• Now, you need to locate the Print Spooler Service from the list and right-click on it.
• Now, choose the Restart option from the menu and the service will be restarted automatically.

Go and check if the error still there even after restarting the print spooler service. You must know that this might not be the permanent solution to the problem you are facing.
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Run the TroubleShooter –

If the problem is with the subsystem of windows printing, then running the troubleshooting will help in the case. Use the following steps to run the troubleshooter to manage the problems occurred in your printing devices.

• Search for Troubleshoot in the Windows search menu and click on the Troubleshoot Settings.
• Now, you need to click on the Printer option from the Getup and Running section to troubleshoot the printer.

If there is any problem with the Windows printing subsystem, the troubleshooter will resolve it.

Change Port –

If nothing is working for you up till now, then there is a problem related to printing port. You have to configure that again using these steps.

• First, you need to open Control Panel and then navigate your way to Devices and Printers.
• Now, you need to select the printer in question and right-click on it.
• Select Printer Properties and click on the Ports tab and select the one port that is checked.
• Now, click on the Configure Port option and then enter the printer address.

Hopefully, this article helped in finding the best solution for printer offline windows 10 error. And you are able to print with your printer without any hitch.

Alex Smith

Hi, I'm Alex Smith from the United States. I have more troubleshooting related info for your printer, Facebook account, yahoo account and much more. If you want to know more visit our official website.

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