How to resolve offline printer status issues in Windows 10/11

The printer goes offline when not communicating with the PC. There are two possible reasons for this: it's turned off or (if it's wireless) it's using a different network than the PC is using. This way, make sure the printer is plugged in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. This type of printer usually has a built-in menu that shows which network it is connected to.

If your wireless printer is new and you are adding a network for the first time, check the printer manual for specific instructions. For wired printers, make sure the cable is plugged in correctly.

Check if your firewall is interfering with your printer. First try disabling it (check your service brand instructions as they differ). If possible, add the printer's IP address or port to your firewall's whitelist.

Restart the printer and PC

Perform a power cycle by turning off the printer and unplugging it from the electrical outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. Please also restart your computer.

"Use Printer Offline" Mode

Sometimes the main cause of the problem is that the printer is using the wrong mode. For Windows 11 users, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners. For Windows 10, the path is Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. From there, find the printer you are trying to access and go to the Open Print Queue option. You will see Use Printer Offline Mode under the Printers section. Make sure it is not activated.

Windows Get Help app

Windows 10 and 11 have the Get Help app that automatically runs diagnostics and printer offline troubleshooters for you. You can find it via Windows Search or copy and paste this path ( ms-contact-support://smc-to-emerald/Troubleshoot-offline-printer ) into your browser to open its printer troubleshooter directly. You can also try the path Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooting > Printers > Run the troubleshooter.

Set Default Printer

The issue can also be caused by confusion caused by different printers connected to your PC. With this, you may want to set a default printer for your Windows 10 or Windows 11.

For Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Find the printer you want to set as the default and select it. Once opened, select Open queue. Under Printer Options, select Set as default printer. If you see Pause printing and Use printer offline selected in this section, make sure to deselect them. When your computer displays the "Windows will stop managing your default printer for you" prompt, click OK.

For Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners. Then, select your printer and select Set as default. If this option is not present, select Let Windows manage my default printer.

Clear the print queue

In Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. In Windows 11, the path is Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers &scanners. Select the printer in question, and then select Open print queue or Open queue. Select any document listed under the Document Name section, then select Document and Cancel.

You may also consider resetting the service that manages the print queue. Just go to search and type services and select the service from the results that will appear. Find the print spooler service. Right-click on it and select Restart.

If this still doesn't work, make sure the print spooler and print extensions and notifications are working. Start Run Box (Win R) and type the command services.msc. Click OK to open the Service Manager application. If said services are not active (status is Stopped), right-click on them and select Properties. Go to the General tab and select Automatic in the Startup type drop-down menu. After that, under Service Status, select Start. Click Apply and then OK.

Reinstall the printer

This is one of the most effective ways to solve offline printer problems. First, you need to uninstall the printer by going to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices (Devices for Windows 10) > Printers & Scanners. Select the printer to remove by selecting Remove or Remove Device.

After that, install it again via the same path until you reach the Printers and Scanners section. Turn on your printer, connect it to the same network that your PC uses, and select Add Device (next to Add Printer or Scanner). Follow the next instructions that will appear.

On the other hand, it is also recommended to download and install the latest printer driver. This is especially true if you have recently had a system update that made the printer driver incompatible with your PC. There are different methods: via Windows Update, manual installation, via the CD you received when purchasing the printer, or the driver installation software that can be obtained from the printer manufacturer's website.

Disable Simple Network Management Protocol

Other users reported that disabling Simple Network Management Protocol or SNMP worked for them. It basically provides a common language for network devices (e.g., routers, servers, and printers) to share information with network management systems. It is useful for managing and monitoring network devices, servers, and applications. You can disable it by going to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners. From there, select the printer and right-click to view the Properties options. Go to the Ports tab and disable the SNMP checkbox. Click Apply and then click OK. Note: SNMP is important for remote devices that are managed, such as printers. If this fix doesn't work, we recommend restoring the settings.

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