Printer not printing / offline

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Printer not printing / offline. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Fix Steps

1. Check physical connections — ensure power and USB/network cables are secure
2. Check printer display — look for error messages or paper jams
3. Run the Windows Troubleshooter — go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
4. Remove and re-add the printer

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Basic Checks

• Make sure the printer is turned ON
• Check that paper is loaded properly
• Check ink or toner levels
• Look for any error lights or messages on the printer

Step 2: Check Printer Status in Windows

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
3. Find your printer in the list
4. Check the status — it should say "Ready", not "Offline"

Step 3: If Printer Shows Offline

1. Click on the printer name
2. Click Open print queue
3. If it says "Printer is offline", click Printer in the menu bar
4. Uncheck Use Printer Offline (if available)
5. Also uncheck Pause Print

Step 4: Network Printer Troubleshooting

If your printer is connected over the network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), the following checks are essential:

• Confirm the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. See How to connect to Wi-Fi if you need help reconnecting the printer.
• Restart your router or modem to refresh the network connection. See How to restart router/modem for step-by-step instructions.
• Ping the printer's IP address to confirm it is reachable on the network:
  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter
  2. Type ping [printer IP address] and press Enter
  3. If you receive "Request timed out" or "Destination host unreachable", there is a network connectivity issue

Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs. If it has stopped or become stuck, your printer may show as offline or print jobs may not process.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler
3. Right-click and select Restart (or Start if it is not running)
4. Wait for the service to restart, then try printing again

Step 6: Remove and Re-add Printer

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Click your printer
3. Click Remove device
4. Click Add device and follow the prompts to set it up again

Step 7: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot
2. Click Other troubleshooters
3. Find Printer and click Run

If It Still Doesn't Work

• Try a different USB port (if using a USB connection)
• Restart both your computer and printer
• Check Windows Update for driver updates — see How to update Windows
• Reinstall the printer drivers from the manufacturer's website

Still Having Issues?