Symptoms
- Printer status in settings shows 'Offline'
- Print jobs never leave the queue
- Printer works when checked directly on its own screen
- Status was fine yesterday, offline today with no changes made
Likely causes
- CommonPrinter actually powered off or asleepSome printers enter a low-power sleep mode that can be mistaken for offline by the computer.
- CommonNetwork connection droppedA printer disconnected from Wi-Fi or with a changed network address will show as offline.
- CommonWindows Print Spooler service stuckThe background service that manages print jobs can hang and needs restarting.
- Possible'Use Printer Offline' setting accidentally enabledWindows has a manual setting that forces a printer into offline mode.
- Less commonOutdated printer driverAn incompatible driver can misreport the printer's true status.
What to do
- Confirm the printer is powered on and not in sleep mode by checking its display or pressing a button to wake it.
- On Windows, open the printer's queue, click 'Printer' in the menu, and uncheck 'Use Printer Offline' if it's checked.
- Restart the Print Spooler service: search for 'Services,' find Print Spooler, right-click and Restart.
- Confirm the printer is still connected to the correct Wi-Fi network by checking its own display or printing a network status page.
- Remove the printer from the computer's device list and add it again fresh.
- Update the printer driver from the manufacturer's website.
- Restart both the printer and the computer.
Tools and parts
- None
USB cable (as a wired fallback)Search: “USB printer cable”
When to call a pro
If the printer stays offline after a spooler restart and reconnection on the network, and the issue affects multiple computers, contact the manufacturer's support for a deeper network diagnostic.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.