Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows
Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10Notes: We are aware of some ARM PC’s (for example Copilot+ PC’s) not being able to add/install a printer using the included installer or by downloading the installer from the manufacturer’s website.
-
To fix this, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click on "Add device" instead to add the printer manually, unless the manufacturer has specific guidance for Windows on ARM PCs.
-
To find out if you have an ARM device, go to Settings > System > About, and look for "System type" property under "Device specifications". ARM devices have "ARM based processor" under system type.
If the printer appears as Offline even though it is powered on and connected, follow the below troubleshooting steps to resolve.
Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most printer problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General troubleshooting section.
Run the troubleshooter in Get Help
If the printer troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your printer issue, follow the steps mentioned in the below General troubleshooting section.
General troubleshooting
Sometimes power-cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on.
To find out if your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, see if your printer's built-in menu has options for checking its Wi-Fi connection, or check the printer's manual for instructions about how to add it to a Wi-Fi network.
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners .
-
Select your printer and then select Set as default.
If you don't see the Set as default option, the Let Windows manage my default printer option may be selected. You'll need to turn that off before you can choose a default printer manually.
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices >Printers & scanners.
-
Select your printer and on the page that opens, select Open print queue.
-
Click on ... (ellipsis) and select Cancel all if there are any pending jobs.
-
Go to Search in the taskbar, type services, and then select Services in the list of results.
-
Scroll down to the Print Spooler service, select and hold (right-click) it, and select Restart.
Try removing and reinstalling your printer.
Remove your printer:
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Select the printer you want to uninstall, select Remove, and then select Yes.
Reinstall your printer:
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Make sure your printer is turned on and connected. Next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device and follow the instructions to add your printer.
Restarting your PC can sometimes help to refresh the services and components necessary for your device to communicate with your printer.
If the printer appears as Offline even though it is powered on and connected, follow the below troubleshooting steps to resolve.
Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most printer problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General troubleshooting section.
Run the troubleshooter in Get Help
If the printer troubleshooter in Get Help app is unable to resolve your printer issue, follow the steps mentioned in the below General troubleshooting section.
General troubleshooting
Sometimes power-cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on.
To find out if your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, see if your printer's built-in menu has options for checking its Wi-Fi connection, or check the printer's manual for instructions about how to add it to a Wi-Fi network.
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .
-
Select your printer and then select Open queue.
-
Select Printer, then select Set As Default Printer, and clear Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline if they are selected.
If you see a message that says, "Windows will stop managing your default printer for you," select OK.
Note: If you select OK, Windows will stop automatically setting the last printer you used as your default printer. To turn this feature back on, select Start , and then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Let Windows manage my default printer.
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Select your printer and then select Open queue.
-
Under Document Name, select any documents listed, then select Document, and select Cancel.
-
Go to Search in the taskbar, type services, and then select Services in the list of results.
-
Find the Print Spooler service, select and hold (right-click) it, and select Restart.
Try removing and reinstalling your printer.
Remove your printer:
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Select your printer, select Remove device, and then select Yes.
Reinstall your printer:
-
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Make sure your printer is turned on and connected. Select Add a printer or scanner and follow the instructions to reinstall your printer.
Restarting your PC can sometimes help to refresh the services and components necessary for your device to communicate with your printer.
Related topics
-
Find out how to install a printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to add a printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to download printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to install printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to set up a default printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to view a printer queue in Windows.
-
Find out how to change the printer status from "offline" to "online" in Windows.
-
If you are having a problem with printer connectivity in Windows, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.
