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3 min fix 3 min read Recently reviewedBeginner

By , IT support technician

Quick Answer

Open Settings > Printers & scanners, select your printer, click Open print queue, click the Printer menu, and uncheck Use Printer Offline.

How to Fix a Printer That Shows "Offline" but is Connected ​

Estimated Time to Fix: 3 minutes

Applies to: Windows 11, Windows 10
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-20

Summary ​

This article guides you through troubleshooting and fixing a common issue where your printer is physically turned on and connected to the network, but Windows stubbornly reports its status as "Offline."

Symptoms ​

  • You send a document to print, but nothing happens.
  • When you check your printer settings in Windows, the printer status says "Offline."
  • The printer's physical screen indicates it is awake and connected to the Wi-Fi.

Prerequisites ​

  • Ensure the printer is physically turned on and loaded with paper.

Instructions ​

1. Uncheck "Use Printer Offline" ​

  1. Sometimes Windows accidentally sets the printer to an offline mode.
  2. Click the Start button, type Control Panel, and press Enter.
  3. Under "Hardware and Sound," click View devices and printers.
  4. Find your printer in the list, right-click it, and select See what's printing.
  5. In the new window, click the Printer tab at the top left.
  6. Look for Use Printer Offline in the drop-down menu. If there is a checkmark next to it, click it to remove the checkmark.
  7. Your documents should immediately begin printing.

2. Restart the Print Spooler Service ​

  1. The Print Spooler is the Windows service that manages all print jobs. Restarting it can often fix offline errors.
  2. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  3. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  4. Scroll down the list until you find the Print Spooler service.
  5. Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
  6. Wait a few seconds for the service to restart, then try printing again.

3. Remove and Re-add the Printer ​

  1. If the printer still shows offline, the connection profile may be corrupted.
  2. Click the Start button, type Settings, and press Enter.
  3. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  4. Click your printer, then click the Remove button.
  5. Click Add device (or Add a printer or scanner) to let Windows find the printer on the network and reinstall it automatically.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If you are working from home and connected to a corporate VPN, the VPN may block access to your local home printer. Try disconnecting from the VPN, starting the print job, and then reconnecting.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Printer keeps going offline every dayDynamic IP AddressSet a Static IP address for the printer via its network menu, or ask your IT department to re-map the network printer.
Windows can't find the printer to re-add itWi-Fi networkEnsure your computer and the printer are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network (e.g., both on the 2.4GHz band).