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Complete Guide to Fix Printer Offline Windows 10

Are you getting Printer offline windows 10 error? Want help to get it fixed? Lets checkout this post to get your printer online again.
Fix Printer Offline Windows 10

Printer Offline in Windows 10 is a very common problem faced by the windows users. Many users of Windows have reported this issue. Users have tried to find solution in different Forums, community websites & blogs. There are many blogs have already written on this problem. We wanted to write most comprehensive & updated solutions of Printer Offline in Windows 10 problem.

Contents

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Advance Troubleshooting Steps

You will find solution of all your queries related to Printer Offline in Windows 10 in this post. We will cover in this post the following issues

  • How to fix Printer Offline in Windows 10
  • Printer Offline Windows 10 issue in different brands of printer
  • Wireless printer Offline in Windows 10 problem
  • Network printer offline issue
  • How to change printers offline to online mode
  • Printer communication problem with windows

 

Printer Offline Windows 10: Problem Overview

It is really frustrating that you see that your printer s online and you are getting printer offline error in windows 10. Printer Offline is a common problem not only with a wireless printer, it is with wired printer as well. Usually When windows encounter communication problem with the printer then we get printer offline error.

Printer offline problem is not with any specific brand but it is with across almost all major brands. As we said this problem is basically related to a communication problem with computer & printer, not with windows or any printer brands. Users of different printer brands searching for solution of printer offline issue. Many users of Hp printer, Canon printer, Epson printer, brother printer, Ricoh printer, Lexmark printer has reported printer offline in windows 10 problem.

printer offline in windows 10 problem could be happened because of network conflict or printer driver issue also. We start with easy and simple step of troubleshooting.

These troubleshooting steps are applicable for printer offline in Windows 10 problem of all major printer brands like canon printer offline, Hp printer, Epson printer, Brother printer, Ricoh printer, Lexmark printer, etc.

  • A simple restart can solve many problems of printer. If you have not done yet then restart your printer as well as your computer.
  • If you are using a wireless printer then restart your router also.

 

Basic troubleshooting steps to fix printer offline Windows 10, make sure the following

 

  • Step-1

Printer is power on and connected with the same network

If you are using a wireless printer then it is necessary that your printer is on & connected with same network which your computer is using. If your printer is connected with the network, most of the printer has a lit up wireless indicator on the printer indicated that it is connected with the wifI network. Alternatively, you can check on the printer LCD display screen as well – under the network menu.

 

  • Step-2

Set your printer as default

This step is really simple but it is very effective in this situation. Only setting up your printer to default printer can solve your printer offline problem. To set you printer as default

Click on start > Settings > devices > select printer & scanner > select your printer from the list > click on manage > select set as default

nots
Note: Before you can choose a default printer, if let windows manage my default printer selected then you need to deselect it.

Bonus tips: In windows 10 if you want to make your last used printer as default then Click on start > Settings > devices > select printer & scanner > select your printer from the list > you will find an option in bottom of the screen let windows manage my default printer > select it

 

  • Step-3

Perform a power cycle

Power cycling is the most common fix for any electrical devices when it starts showing false error or glitches.

To run a power cycle 

  1. Power off your printer
  2. Unplug it from power source
  3. Waist for approx. 1 min
  4. Plug your printer back again
  5. Power on your printer now
  6. Check if it works

 

  • Step-4

Disable the use printer offline option

It is possible that accidentally you have selected use printer offline option. If it is the case then you need to disable this option. Most of the time this simple fix can resolve your printer offline problem. To disable the use printer offline option, follow the below steps.

  1. Go to the Start menu.
    windows 10 Start Menu
  2. Then click on settings.
    Settings Option windows 10
  3. Then Click on devices.
    windows 10 settings
  4. On the left side select printer & scanners.
    list of devices under windows 10 settings
  5. Select your printer from the list.
    select hp printer offline in windows 10 from printers & scanners list under devices settings
  6. Then click on open queue.
    open queue of printer offline windows 10 devices from printers & scanners list
  7. A popup window will appear.
    document queue window of printer offline in windows 10
  8. Click on the printer & if use printer offline option is selected then unchecked it.
    use printer offline option in windows 10

 

  • Step-5

Update the Windows 10

Printer offline error is basically a communication error and it could be happened due to outdated windows 10. However, windows 10 updates automatically in the background but sometimes it fails due to some reason. Many windows problems or error can be fixed by updating Windows to the latest. To update windows 10

Click on start > Settings > update & security > click on check for updates > if any updates will be available then windows will automatically download & install it.

 

Advance troubleshooting steps to fix printer offline Windows 10

 

  • Step-1

Check printer connection & connectivity properly

as we have already discussed that printer offline in windows 10 is basically a communication error between your computer & your printer. So, it is very important to check printer connectivity with your computer. Your printer could be connected with USB cable wire or through network. Network could be wireless or connected with Lan cable through ethernet port. To check different connection type, follow below methods.

For printer connected with USB – check that your printer is connected with USB port properly. To make sure, plug-out USB cable from both end (printer & computer) and plug it back again. Make sure your USB port is working. Make sure USB cable is not damaged. There might be a chance that you are getting this offline error due to bad USB cable. Check & if required change it.

For wireless printer – check that your printer is connected with the network. To check the wireless printer is connected with wireless network. Follow below Methods

Method 1: you can confirm by lit up a wireless indicator on the printer. It is available in most of the printers.

Method 2: You can check on the LCD display screen of the printer. Usually in the display screen menu, you need to go to network, under network you will find network setting. Here you can get information, if your printer is connected with the network.

Method 3: you can check through the IP address of your printer.  you need to but IP address in a web browser. If it opens up your printer web page then your printer is connected with the network. Wondering where to find the Ip Address of your printer? To find the IP address of the printer.

  1. Go to start & click.
    windows 10 Start Menu
  2. Click on settings.
    windows 10 Settings
  3. Click on devices.
    Windows 10 settings menu
  4. select printer & scanner.
    select printers & scanners from devices list windows 10
  5. select your printer from the list.
    Select wireless printer offline in windows 10 from printers & scanners list
  6. Click on Manage Tab.
    Manage tab of network printer offline windows 10
  7. Got to printer properties.
    printer properties under manage devices windows 10 settings
  8. Select the port tab.
    Select the port tab
  9. Under port tab you will find IP address of the printer
    IP Address Of Printer offline windows 10

or

  1. Search “Control Panel” In The Search Box On The Taskbar.
    Search Control Panel in The Search Box On The Taskbar of Windows 10
  2. Click On The Control Panel From The Search Results.
    Click On The Control Panel From The Search Results
  3. Then Find The “Device & Printer” from the list.

    selecting devices & printers from control panel menu in Windows 10

  4. select Your Printer from the list.
    selecting Printer offline from the list of devices and printers in windows 10
  5. Right Clik on the your printer and then select the Properties from the pop-up menu.
    selecting properties of printer showing offline in windows 10
  6. Then select the Web Services Tab.
    select Web Services Tab of printer offline in windows 10
  7. You will find the Ip address under web services.
    IP address of printer under web services in windows 10

 

  • Step-2

Check if any printing is stuck in the queue

sometimes due to huge unfinished printing queue may cause printer offline issue. So, you need to remove all pending printing queue of the printer. To clear printing queue

Click on start > Settings > devices > select printer & scanner > select your printer from the list > open print queue > Select all document queued for printing > Under document tab, click cancel

 

  • Step-3

Remove your printer & add it again

The reason behind the Printer Offline Windows 10 could also be related to your drivers. You can easily uninstall the printer driver and install it again. Removing and adding again your printer to your computer could fix printer offline in windows 10 problem. Follow the below-given steps to fix your issue

To remove your printer

Click on start > Settings > devices > select printer & scanner > select your printer from the list > click on remove device

To add your printer again

Click on start > Settings > devices > select printer & scanner > click on add printer & scanners > window will detect & show your printer > Follow the screen instruction to add the printer.

 

  • Step-4

Restart Printer Spooler Services

If none of the above method works then you have to try the option of spooler services. This method applies equally for all printers. Spooler services take care of operations related to the printer. You have to restart the spooler services from your computer. Follow these steps to restart the spooler services.

  1. Press the Windows Key and Letter ‘R’ Key Simultaneously on Your Keyboard.
    Run Box of windows 10
  2. Enter “services.msc” In the Small Window That Opens.
    services.msc command in run box of windows 10
  3. Look For ‘Printer Spooler’ Services in The List.
    printer spooler service under windows 10 services
  4. Right-Click on the ‘Printer Spooler’ Option and Select the Restart Option from The Pop-Up Menu.
    Restarting Printer Spooler service in windows 10

 

  • Step-5

Update your printer driver

If your printer driver is out of date then it could be a reason for Printer Offline Windows 10 issue. You just need to Update Your Drivers on the computer. This is a relatively simple process and you can do it without need of any external help.

  1. Right Click on The Start Menu of Your PC.
    right click menu of windows icon
  2. Select the Device Manager Option from The Pop-Up Window.
    selecting device manager from right click menu of windows icon
  3. From the New Window That Opens Click on the ‘Printing Queues’ Option.
    print queue option under device manager menu
  4. Select Your Printer Name and Right Click on It.
    right click on brother printer offline
  5. Click on the ‘Update Drivers’.
    update driver of printer to fix printer offline in windows 10

Alternate method

Search “Device Manager” in the search box on the taskbar > Click on device manager > under device manager find printers > Double click on printers > Right-click on your printer name > select update driver > small window will come up > Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”> Now windows will automatically update your printer driver

 

  • Step-6

Add a second printer (Fix applicable for network printer)

It is really unexpected but this trick works. Many users have reported that adding a second printer resolves the issue of printer offline. Even while troubleshooting & testing we also found it helpful in resolving the printer offline issue.

  1. Go to start & Click.
    Start Menu of windows 10
  2. Click on settings.
    Settings icon in windows 10
  3. Click on devices.
    windows setting menu
  4. select printer & scanner.
    printer & scanners menu under devices in windows 10
  5. select your printer from the list.
    select printer from the list of printer & scanner
  6. click on the manage tab.
    manage tab of epson printer offline
  7. Got to printer properties.
    printer properties under manage your device windows 10
  8. Go to port tab and click add Port.
    select port tab of printer and add port option
  9. Select Standard TCP/IP Port.
    selecting Standard TCP/IP Port in windows 10
  10. Then click on the new port.
    selecting new port in windows 10
  11. Printer add wizard will open click on next.
    Standard TCP/IP prinrter Port wizard windows 10
  12. A window will come up
  13. put the required information and click next.

Now your printer offline status will change to online

Note: if you are not able to add port then you need to select open as administrator and start the process again. To open as administrator, click on file explorer > Got to network > Right click on printer > select what’s printing > click printer > select open as administrator

 

  • Step-7

Configure port (Fix applicable for network printer)

A simple change in the configuration of the port of printer can resolve your printer office in windows 10 issue. To change the configuration

  1. Go to start & Click.
    windows Start Menu
  2. Click on settings.
    windows Settings icon
  3. Click on devices.
    windows setting menu
  4. select printer & scanner.
    printers & scanners option under devices list in windows 10
  5. select your printer from the list.
    select offline printer from the list of printers & scanners in windows 10
  6. then click on the manage tab.
    selecting hp printer offline manage tab under printers & scanners in windows 10
  7. Got to printer properties.
    printer properties selection in windows 10
  8. Go to port tab and Click on configure port.
    selecting port tab of printer offline in windows 10
  9. uncheck SNMP status enabled.
    uncheck SNMP status enabled to fix printer offline in windows 10
  10. Now check if your printer is online.

 

  • Step-8

Use windows printer troubleshooter

You can use the Windows 10 troubleshoot wizard to fix the Printer Offline Windows 10 issue. To start the wizard, follow the below-given steps on your Windows 10 computer.

  1. Select the Windows 10 Start Button from The Left-Hand Corner of The Computer.
    windows icon in windows 10
  2. Click on the Settings Icon from The Menu That Opens.
    windows Settings icon
  3. Choose the Update & Security Option from The Settings Window That Opens.
    selecting update & security in settings menu of windows 10
  4. Click on The Troubleshoot Option from The Left Pane.
    selecting troubleshoot in update 7 security menu of windows 10
  5. Select the Printer from The Options of Troubleshoot Page.
    Select the Printer from The Options of Troubleshoot menu
  6. Click on The Run the Troubleshooter Option from The Expanded Menu of Printer.
    Run the Troubleshooter option under troubleshoot menu of update & security in windows 10
  7. When the Troubleshooter Has Found the Problem, It Will Offer A Fix.
  8. Click on The Fix the Issue Button and Let It Fix the Problem.

 

  • Step-9

VPN connection problem

If you are using a VPN (virtual private network), it could be reason for printer offline in windows 10. It has been seen that while using VPN, network printer start showing offline error. If you are using VPN, to check if it is causing problem then try disabling VPN temporarily. Check if your printer offline issue resolved. If it has resolved your issue then while printing always disable VPN connection or you can check VPN connection setting & allow your local network access. Once you will allow local network access to your VPN connection then you will not have to disable VPN again & again while using your printer.

 

  • Step-10

Use printer manufacturer diagnostic tool

There are few printer manufacturers that continuously striving to provide better support to their printer users. They have come up with own diagnostic tool to resolve common problem related to their printer. these tools diagnose & troubleshoot the issue of the printer. check if your printer manufacturer has provided diagnostic tool for the user. There user interface is so easy that anybody can use this tool. For instance, we can take HP Print and Scan Doctor. To know How to use this tool, follow steps below

Download Hp print & scan doctor for windows > Open the downloaded file and follow the instruction to install > Run Hp print & scan doctor tool > click start on the Hp print & scan doctor tool and follow he instruction > after completing the processes check if your problem has fixed.

 

Tips to avoid printer offline in windows 10 & other printer issues

while using printer if you get printer offline in windows 10 & other printer issues frequently then you can follow the below tips to avoid it

  • Always keep your printer driver updated
  • Keep your windows updated
  • You need to keep your printer clean from outside & inside also
  • Use genuine ink cartridge to avoid printer problem
  • Use the correct size of paper in the printer

 

Contact your Printer manufacturer customer Support

You must have resolved Your printer offline windows 10 problem. If you are still unable to fix your problem then you need to contact your Printer manufacturer customer Support. If your problem has not been fixed even after following all the troubleshooting steps then there is a possibility that your printer has some physical problem or hardware fault. Most of the printer comes with minimum 1 year & max. 3-year support. So, you can get your printer fixed.

 

Final words: Conclusion

Hopefully, this post helps you fix Your printer offline windows 10 problem. In this post, we have written most comprehensive & updated guide so that you can fix your printer problem with ease. We have provided most detailed & easy troubleshooting steps, you can resolve your printer problem on your own.

Do let us know if this guide has helped you. You can leave your comment about your experience. Please like & share this post to help others.

  • Post last modified:March 30, 2020
  • Post category:Printers
  • Post comments:0 Comments

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