Fix: Printer Offline In Windows 10

While trying to print a document in Windows 10, you might get the printer offline message. The printer offline message indicates that the printer is either not connected to PC or turned off.

Sometimes, the printer offline message shows up even when the printer is turned on and connected to Windows 10 PC.

If you are also getting the printer offline message, you can try out the following solutions, in that order.

Tip: Check if your printer is compatible with Windows 11.

Solution 1 of 7

Check if the printer is turned on

Before beginning the actual troubleshooting, make sure that the printer in question is turned on. If not, turn on the printer and wait for it be ready for the operation.

Solution 2 of 7

Make sure that printer is connected to your PC

Again, it’s important to make sure that the printer is connected to your PC via the cable or Wi-Fi. If you are trying to connect and install a new printer to your PC over Wi-Fi, please refer to our how to add a wireless printer to Windows 10 PC guide for step-by-step directions.

Solution 3 of 7

Run printer power cycle

Turn off the printer and unplug it from your PC. Restart your PC. Wait for a minute. Plug in the printer to your PC and then turn it on again. Check if the printer is online now.

Solution 4 of 7

Remove and add printer in the Settings

This is the best working solution for printer issues in Windows 10. Most of the times, removing and then adding the printer again via the Settings resolves the issue. Here is how to do that.

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Step 2: Click on the Printer’s entry and then click the Remove device button to uninstall the printer from your PC. If you get the confirmation dialog, click Yes.

Step 3: Make sure that the printer is turned on and connected to your PC. Navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners again.

Step 4: Click the Add a printer or scanner option. Once Windows 10 discovers your printer, click the Add device button to install the printer.

This should resolve the printer offline issue.

Solution 5 of 7

Reset the Print Spooler service

If the above solutions are not working, resetting the Printer Spooler is the best option. Here is how to do that.

Step 1: Type Services.msc in the Start/taskbar search field and then hit the Enter key to open the Services window.

Step 2: Look for the Printer Spooler service. Right-click on it and then click the Restart option to restart the Print Spooler service.

Solution 6 of 7

Clear the print queue

Step 1: Open the Windows 10 Settings. Navigate to Devices > Printers and Scanners page.

Step 2: Click on your printer’s entry and then click the Manage button.

Step 3: Here, click the Open the print queue button to view all the documents in the queue. Select a document, right-click on it and then click the Cancel option to remove clear it from the queue. Do this for all the documents in the print queue.

Solution 7 of 7

Run the Print troubleshooter

Windows 10 offers a built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and fix printer issues. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot page to find Printer troubleshooter. Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen directions to resolve the printer offline issue.