Printer Showing Offline

Answer a couple of questions and get the exact fix.

Why does this happen?

'Offline' usually means Windows lost contact with the printer, not that the printer is broken. Clearing the offline flag, restarting the spooler, and reconnecting fix most cases. The fixer below walks through them in order.

Common causes

• The 'Use printer offline' option got enabled.
• A stuck print spooler.
• A network printer dropped off the WiFi.
• A corrupt printer driver.

Symptoms

• Windows shows the printer as offline.
• Print jobs stay stuck in the queue.
• The printer won't wake from sleep.
• Only one app can't see the printer.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my printer say offline?

Windows lost the connection. Uncheck 'Use printer offline', restart the Print Spooler service, and restart the printer and router for network models.

How do I restart the print spooler?

Press Win+R, type services.msc, find Print Spooler, right-click and choose Restart. Then clear any stuck jobs.