Fix printer offline on Windows

Steps

1. 1

   Power Button›USB Connection

   Check if the printer is turned on and connected to your PC.

   Ensure the printer is powered on and connected via USB or network. If not, connect it and power it on.

2. 2

   Start Menu›Settings

   Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.

   Click on the Start menu and select Settings. Ensure you can access the Settings menu.

3. 3

   Devices›Printers & Scanners

   Navigate to Devices and select Printers & Scanners.

   In the Settings window, click on 'Devices', then select 'Printers & Scanners' from the left sidebar.

4. 4

   Printers & Scanners›Open Queue

   Select your printer from the list and click on Open Queue.

   Find your printer in the list and click on it to view the print queue. If it's not listed, ensure it's connected properly.

5. 5

   Printer›Use Printer Online

   Click on the Printer menu and select Use Printer Online.

   In the print queue window, click on the 'Printer' menu at the top and select 'Use Printer Online'.

6. 6

   Services›Print Spooler

   Restart the Print Spooler service to refresh the printer connection.

   Press Win + R, type 'services.msc', find 'Print Spooler', right-click and select Restart to clear any issues with print jobs.

   Command PromptCopy

   net stop spooler && net start spooler

A related guide is How to Fix the Android Phone Storage Full Problem.

Questions

Why is my printer showing offline on Windows?

Your printer may show offline due to connectivity issues, power problems, or incorrect settings. Ensure it is properly connected and powered on.

How do I reset my printer connection on Windows?

To reset your printer connection, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose Remove Device. Then, reconnect it.

What is the Print Spooler service?

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs sent to the printer. Restarting it can resolve many printing issues, including offline errors.