Fix: Printer Offline Error [12 Methods]

Have you ever wanted to print and select your printer only to receive the "Your printer is offline" message? We understand how frustrating it can be for you if you want an urgent impression while you're working. Do not worry, a few simple steps must be taken to get your printer up and running again!

In this article, we will share 12 ways of working to correct the printer's offline error.

What's an off-line printer error?

This is due to a communication failure between the computer and the printer. This usually occurs in network printers, but particular users may also be experiencing this problem. Before we look at the solutions to this problem, let's start by looking at why this problem exists exactly. This occurs in one of three cases.

The first occurs when the printer encounters an internal error or when the print queue is long enough and finally when the connection between the computer and the user is slow / unresponsive.

How to fix an offline error of the printer?

Before discussing all the methods, let's take a look at some things that can be done before easily solving the problem:

1. Restart the printer / computer

The first thing to do is to simply restart the computer. This solves most errors.

2. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

The USB cable may not be properly connected. Disconnect and reconnect. You can also try another cable if you have one.

3. Make sure the printer power cable is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Make sure the power cable is connected to the printer. If you can see the light on your printer, the power is correct. If the printer does not turn on, the problem is with the power cable or the AC outlet.

4. For Network Printers: Restart the Router

Rebooting the router may solve this problem for network printers.

5. Use diagnostic software

Some manufacturers, for example, HP have their own diagnostic software. These help in the effective detection of problems. The HP diagnostic software is called Print and Scan Doctor.

Windows also comes with a default troubleshooter. Just go to the control panel and type troubleshoot in the search box. Run the printer troubleshooter. If the problem is common, the troubleshooter will tell you the details and the steps to follow to solve it. If the troubleshooter shows no problem, you can try the methods described below.

6. Change the printer settings

This applies to the Windows 10 Offline Printer error. Follow these steps carefully:

1) Open the control panel.

2) Go to the Devices and Printers window.

3) Check if the default printer is the one you want to use.

4) Next, right click on your printer and check the queue of the same.

5) If the queue is made up of unfinished tasks, delete them from the list.

6) In the Queue window, select Printer, and then uncheck the Use Printer Offline option.

7. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The printer spooler service is a service that the printer uses to perform its job. For this reason, it is convenient to restart it to put the printer back in working order. Here's how!

1) Simultaneously press the printed Windows key and the "r" key.

2) Enter "services.msc".

3) Press Enter or click OK.

4) This triggers the opening of the Services window. Then locate the "Print Spooler" service.

5) Right-click Print Spooler

6) Select Restart.

This may or may not solve the problem. But, it is important to keep in mind that this is by no means a permanent solution. You may need to follow these steps again if the problem recurs.

8. Change the properties of the printer

If the previous methods did not work for you, you can try changing the printer settings as follows:

1) Go to Control Panel.

2) Click Devices and Printers.

3) Right-click on the desired printer.

4) Click Printer Properties.

5) Go to the ports window.

6) Select the IP address of your printer from the list and select Configure Port.

7) Uncheck SNMP Port Status.

8) Select OK to save the changes.

9. Manually set the status to Online.

This is one of the simplest and most effective steps on the list:

1) Go to Control Panel.

2) Click Devices and Printers.

3) Right-click on the desired printer and choose "View Impressions".

4) This opens a window. Select the printer in the same menu.

5) This would open a drop down menu. Uncheck the option "Use the printer offline".

10. Reinstall the printer drivers

Users say that we can solve this problem easily by reinstalling the printer drivers. Do not believe their word? Go ahead and see for yourself:

1) Go to Control Panel.

2) Select Devices and Printers.

3) Right click on the printer you are using and click on "Remove Device".

4) You will receive a confirmation dialog. Click on "yes".

5) Download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website of your printer or use the CD that came with the printer. The drivers can also be updated if you click "Check for Updates" on the Windows Update page. You can also install the drivers by simply plugging in the printer.

If the drivers are not updated, you can use driver update software. The software will check and update the latest printer driver on your device.

11. Install the latest updates

You may encounter so many errors because you have not regularly updated the device. To do this:

1) Click the Windows key and me together.

2) In the Settings application, go to Update and Security.

3) Click Check for Updates.

This triggers automatic download of updates if they are available.

12. Remove printer drivers and packages

To continue with this method, it is important that you use your Windows device as the administrator.

1) Type "CMD" in the search bar. This would open the command prompt.

2) In the command prompt, type "printui / s / t2". Please note that spaces are intentional. This opens the Print Server Properties window.

3) You can now remove the driver and packages from the desired printer.

This may have solved the problem and brought your printer back to the "Online" state.

Final words

If none of the steps mentioned above has worked for you, it is possible that there is a defect in the printer electronically. At this point, it is highly recommended to contact the printer manufacturer or a printer technician directly. A very important tip would be to check the cost of correcting this error in the printer. Indeed, it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new printer. Good impression!

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