Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If Windows says your printer is offline, start with the printer’s power and connection, then check its Windows status and print queue. In Windows 11, run the printer troubleshooter in Get Help first. If those steps do not work, restart Print Spooler and, as a last resort, remove and add the printer again.
1. Run the Windows 11 printer troubleshooter
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run its printer troubleshooter. Follow the prompts, then try printing again. If it cannot resolve the problem, continue with the checks below. Microsoft’s offline-printer guide covers both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
2. Check that the printer is powered on and connected
Restart the printer
- Turn the printer off and unplug its power cable.
- Wait 30 seconds, reconnect the cable, and turn the printer on.
- Wait for it to finish starting, then check whether Windows shows it online.
For a Wi-Fi printer
Use the printer’s screen or its manual to confirm that it is connected to Wi-Fi. The printer and PC must be on the same network. This matters if your home has an extender, access point, or multiple wireless routers with different network names (SSIDs). If the printer offers a wireless connectivity test, run it. Microsoft’s connection and printing guidance also recommends checking for device-side errors such as a paper jam, empty ink, or an open cover.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For a USB printer
Confirm the printer is on and connected to the PC by USB. The documented Windows guidance emphasizes checking the connection but does not provide detailed cable diagnostics. If the cable is missing or visibly damaged, replacing it may be appropriate; a new cable is not a general fix for a Wi-Fi printer.
#1 Best Overall
- UPC: 198828789662
- Weight: 10.450 lbs
3. Check the printer status and clear its queue
Windows 11
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer and open its print queue.
- Cancel pending jobs if a stuck job is blocking the queue, then try printing again.
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and open its queue.
- In the queue window, open the Printer menu.
- If Use Printer Offline or Pause Printing is selected, select it to clear the check mark. Cancel stuck jobs if necessary.
For queue access details, see Microsoft’s instructions for viewing a printer’s print queue. If the printer itself reports an error, resolve the displayed condition—such as a jam or open cover—before testing another print job.
4. Restart Print Spooler if jobs remain stuck
Print Spooler manages the Windows print queue. Restart it when jobs remain stuck or the queue is not responding; this is a different step from restarting the printer.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- Press Windows key + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In the Services app, find and right-click Print Spooler, then choose Restart.
- Try printing again.
If restarting the service does not help and spooler or queue problems persist, Microsoft’s Print Spooler troubleshooting guide describes stopping the service, deleting spool files, and starting the service again. That more involved procedure is for persistent failures, not the first thing to try.
5. Remove and add the printer again
If the printer is powered on and connected, the queue is clear, and restarting Print Spooler did not help, remove the printer from Windows and set it up again:
Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer and choose the option to remove it.
- Make sure the printer is on and connected, then use the same Settings page to add it again.
- Restart the PC if Windows still does not recognize it, then test printing.
An offline label does not identify one cause by itself. The problem may be the network or cable connection, a paused queue, a stuck service, a printer-side error, or another setup issue; use the checks above to narrow it down.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The troubleshooting steps can still be relevant to a Windows 10 PC, but support status is separate from whether those steps work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
