How to Fix “Printer Offline” Error in Windows (Step by Step)
- micheluccijr
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Seeing a Printer Offline error in Windows when you’re trying to print can be frustrating. Thankfully, this problem usually has a simple fix. In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven methods to get your printer back online and printing again.
Step 1: Check the Basics
Before diving into settings, start with the essentials:
Ensure your printer is powered on.
Double-check that all cables are firmly connected (USB or Ethernet).
If using Wi-Fi, make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your PC.
Step 2: Set Your Printer as the Default
Windows sometimes sends jobs to the wrong printer. To fix this:
Open the Windows search bar and type Printers & Scanners.
Click your printer in the list.
Select Set as default printer.
This ensures print jobs always go to the correct device.
Step 3: Clear the Print Queue
A jammed print queue is a common reason for the offline error.
Right-click your printer in Printers & Scanners.
Select See what’s printing.
Cancel any stuck documents by clicking Cancel all documents.
Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service
The print spooler manages print jobs on Windows. Restarting it often helps.
Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Scroll down and find Print Spooler.
Right-click it and select Restart.
Step 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in tool that can automatically detect issues.
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
Select Printer, then click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the prompts to apply fixes.
Step 6: Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
If the error persists, your driver may be outdated or corrupted.
Open Device Manager (search for it in Start).
Expand the Printers section.
Right-click your printer and select Uninstall device.
Restart your PC.
Download and install the latest driver from your printer manufacturer’s website.
Step 7: Check for Network or Hardware Issues
If none of the above works:
Try connecting your printer via USB to rule out Wi-Fi issues.
Test it with another computer.
If it still doesn’t work, the problem may be hardware-related.
FAQs About Printer Offline Errors
Why does my printer keep going offline in Windows?
Common causes include unstable Wi-Fi connections, outdated drivers, or stuck print jobs. Sometimes, Windows simply sets another printer as default.
How do I stop my printer from going offline repeatedly?
Make sure your printer has a stable network connection, keep drivers updated, and always set your printer as the default in Printers & Scanners.
Does restarting my computer fix the offline error?
In some cases, yes. Restarting can clear temporary glitches, but if the issue continues, follow the steps in this guide.
Final Thoughts
The Printer Offline error in Windows is one of the most common printing issues, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start with the basics — power, cables, and Wi-Fi — then move on to clearing the queue, restarting the spooler, or reinstalling drivers if needed.
With these steps, you’ll usually have your printer back online in just a few minutes.