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Fix: Printer Offline in Windows 10/11 [Best Solutions]

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Updated onMay 16, 2024

updated onMay 16, 2024

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Key notes

ManyWindows 10users have reported issues regardingprinter connectivityand a glitch that can set activeprintersoffline even if they are connected and fully operational.

Theerroris usually encountered when speaking of network printers, but home users with a direct connection to theirprinterhave also complained.

We’ll go about fixing this issue just like most other connectivity-related problems, as in most cases, there is a simple explanation for the problem.

It should be noted that different manufacturers have their owndiagnostics softwarewhich can inform the user of what problems come up (HP’s Print and Scan Doctor comes to mind here).

If yourprinter‘s manufacturer provided you with this feature, we encourage you to use it at full extent. More often than not, it will set you in the right direction for finding solutions to your problems.

There are many problems that can occur with yourprinter, and in this article, we’re going to cover the following issues:

Why does the Printer Offline error occur?

Theerrorappears whenWindows 10sees that theprinteris unavailable.

Unfortunately, most of the time, it can’t tell if theprinteris really offline or if it has connectivity problems orprinting errors. They might occur when:

How can I fix the Printer Offline errors in Windows 10?

1. Reinstall your printer drivers

If you do not have the necessary computer skills to update/fix thedriversmanually, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by usingspecialized driver updating software.

2. Check if you’re using a VPN connection

ThePrinter Offlinemessage can appear if you’re using a network printer andVPN. To fix this problem, it’s advised to disconnect from the VPN and try to access yourprinteragain.

If you want to use VPN and yourprinter, you need to connect theprinterdirectly to your PC using the USB cable.

Alternatively, you might be able to fix the problem by adjusting your VPN configuration and granting yourself local network access.

You can also use other efficient VPN software that will not interfere with your printer connection, and keep your privacy online too. Therefore choose wisely from thebest VPNs for your Windows 10 PC.

3. Change the printer settings

Note:if you are using awireless printer, then you should try to connect to its IP address. To find its address, go to Control Panel, then click on Devices and Printers, right-click on your printer, and select properties.

Copy the address and write it down in your browser’s address field.

You can’t open Control Panel? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution

4. Restart the Print Spooler service

Note:Keep in mind that this might not be a permanent solution, so you’ll have to repeat it if the issue reappears.

5. Change the printer properties

A user also suggested that you can also leave the SNMP as it is and change its device index to #.

Note:This solution works only if you’re using a network printer. If you encounter any configuration problems with your printer, we’ve prepareda simple guideto help you in that situation.

6. Install the latest updates

Note:If you can’t open the Setting app,take a look at this articleto solve the issue.

7. Add a second printer device

Bonus: Printer offline but it is not

We already talked about cases where the printer is clearly offline and it cannot be pinged, but here’s the interesting part. There are also situations in whichthe Windows 10 printer is offlinebut can ping.

In other words, the printer says offline but it is connected. So how can that happen and what can you do about it? Don’t worry, we have some tips for you.

Why is my printer connected but not printing?

Before anything else, you should know that this peculiar mismatch happens when your PC is unable to establish communication with the printer. Thus, the very first thing to do is check if both devices are connected to the same WiFi network.

Check out our complete suggestions below:

We hope this guide helped you solve your printer problems inWindows 10. If you’ve tried all of them and your problem still persists, then you might have a hardware-related problem.

In this case, try printing from another computer or try a differentprinter. Also, if you’re running a wiredprinter, use a different USB / network cable.

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Fix: Printer Offline in Windows 10/11 [Best Solutions]#

Why does the Printer Offline error occur?#

How can I fix the Printer Offline errors in Windows 10?#

1. Reinstall your printer drivers#

2. Check if you’re using a VPN connection#

3. Change the printer settings#

4. Restart the Print Spooler service#

5. Change the printer properties#

6. Install the latest updates#

7. Add a second printer device#

Bonus: Printer offline but it is not#