How to Fix Printer Offline in Windows 11: 9 Checks
If Windows 11 says your printer is Offline, the computer may not be able to communicate with it. This can happen even when the printer is switched on. Try these steps in order, testing a print job after each one.
1. Restart the printer and your PC
- Turn off the printer using its power button.
- Wait about 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Restart your Windows 11 computer and try printing again.
2. Check the USB or Wi-Fi connection
For USB printers, reseat the cable at both ends and try a different USB port. For Wi-Fi printers, check the printer's network display or settings page to confirm it is connected to the correct network. Your computer and printer generally need to be on networks that can communicate with each other. Guest Wi-Fi networks may isolate devices.
3. Check the printer status in Windows 11
- Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer and choose Open print queue.
- Look for any paused or stuck jobs. If necessary, cancel only jobs you no longer need.
4. Turn off “Use Printer Offline” if enabled
In the printer queue window, look for the Printer menu and make sure Use Printer Offline is not selected. The menu layout varies by Windows 11 version; if you do not see it, try the classic printer queue interface through Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
5. Set the correct default printer
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. If you prefer to choose your own default printer, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, then select the printer you actually use and choose Set as default where available.
6. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and look for Printer. On some current Windows 11 versions, Microsoft may direct you to the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app instead. Follow the on-screen prompts.
7. Restart the Print Spooler service
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Find Print Spooler.
- Right-click it and choose Restart. You may need administrator permission.
This restarts the service responsible for managing print jobs. Active queued jobs may be interrupted, so avoid this step while someone else is printing to a shared device.
8. Check for a driver or Windows update
Open Settings → Windows Update and install relevant updates. For printer-specific drivers, use the printer manufacturer's official support website. Avoid third-party “driver updater” tools and unsolicited download links.
9. Remove and re-add the printer as a last resort
If nothing else works, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, select the printer and choose Remove. Then use Add device to set it up again. Before removing it, make sure you know how it connects and have access to any required setup information.
How to fix printer offline quickly
If your printer says offline, first confirm it is powered on and connected by USB or to the correct Wi-Fi network. Next, check the printer queue in Windows 11, make sure “Use Printer Offline” is disabled where available, and retry a test page. If the issue persists, follow the Print Spooler and driver checks below rather than repeatedly reinstalling the printer.
What if the printer still shows offline?
Print a network configuration page using the printer's own controls, if available. If the printer cannot connect to Wi-Fi or shows a hardware error even without the PC, consult the manufacturer's support documentation. If only one computer is affected, focus on its printer configuration, driver, or network access.
Quick diagnosis: which problem do you have?
Printer is off or shows an error: Check its display, power, paper and ink or toner before changing Windows settings.
Printer works from your phone but not your PC: Focus on the Windows printer selection, queue and driver. The printer itself may be connected correctly.
Nothing prints from any device: Check whether the printer has disconnected from Wi-Fi or has a device-side fault.
USB printer is offline: Try a different USB port and inspect the cable; avoid USB hubs during testing.
What to record if the problem continues
Note the printer brand and exact model, whether it connects by USB or Wi-Fi, the Windows status message, and whether another device can print. This helps distinguish a printer fault from a computer or network problem without sharing passwords.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my printer back online?
Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi or USB connection, select the correct printer in Windows, check the queue and test printing. If Windows still reports offline, follow the numbered troubleshooting steps above.
Why does my printer say offline when it is turned on?
Powering on does not guarantee a working connection. Wi-Fi changes, USB problems, an incorrect printer selection, a stuck queue, or outdated drivers can all make Windows report the printer as offline.
Will restarting the Print Spooler delete my documents?
Restarting the service can interrupt active print jobs. Check your queue afterward and resend a document if it did not print.
Does this guide apply to HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers?
Most Windows-side checks apply across brands, but wireless menus and driver installation steps differ by model. Consult the manufacturer's official instructions for device-specific steps.
General educational information for Windows 11 users. Menu names can vary by Windows update and printer model.
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Still need help? Contact Support →Related guides: printer not detected in Windows 11 · HP printer offline but connected to Wi-Fi · printer not printing.