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 the printer on your Windows PC suddenly shows status as offline, apply these 5 fixes in order. One of them must fix the problem unless the printer is broken!
Is your printer offline? Setting it online is very simple but sometimes it is more than just setting it online.
Option 1: Check Physical Connection and Power
Before you do anything, the first step to perform some physical inspections:
- Check that your printer is connected to power and is turned on.
- If you connect to the printer using a USB cable, check that the cable is properly connected. Resit the cable at the printer and on your computer.
- However, if you connect to the printer using Wifi check that you are connected as well.
Once you complete physical inspection and are happy it is properly connected, check the printer status. If Printer offline issue is not resolved, proceed to the next fix below.
Popular on Amazon
- IN THE BOX: (1) 6-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference
Option 2: Manually Set Offline Printer Online
To manually force offline printer online:
- On the search bar, type printers & scanners. Then select it from the search result.
- When Printers & Scanners settings open, beneath the printer that is offline, click Open queue.
- Next, click Printer then click Use Printer Offline.
If there is nothing else wrong with your printer, the status will change from offline to online.
However, if there is an underlying problem, the last method will not fix the problem. Try my next recommended fix below:
Also popular on Amazon
- Ideal Printer Scanner Cable: UGREEN USB 2.0 printer cable is ideal for connecting your scanner, printer, server, hard drive, camera, piano, and other USB b devices to a laptop, computer (Mac/PC), or other USB-enabled devices for data transfer.
- High-Speed Transfer: Up to 480 Mbps transfers data speed for USB 2.0 devices, the USB Type B cable is backward compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) and low-speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps). Compared with a WIFI connection, this USB B Cable provides a more stable data transmission and offers a more efficient work way for you.
- Wide Compatibility & Reliable Performance: Designed for broad compatibility, this printer cable is compaible with Xiaomi Pro 15.6, Dell OptiPlex 3080, HP 14Pro, Lenovo T490, and MacBook Pro, as well as printers such as Canon LBP2900Plus, HP LaserJet Pro M1216nfh MFP, and RICOH P200. Enjoy reliable plug-and-play connectivity with Windows and macOS. Supports printing resolutions up to 1200 dpi when used with the RICOH P200
- Premium Quality: Corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors and foil/braid shielding make the SB 2.0 Male to USB B Male cable cord more long-term performance (without noise or signal loss).
- Important Note: 1. This printer USB cable has a USB 2.0 Type B Interface, not USB 3.0 Type B. 2. This cable is 5 ft/1.5M long. Please confirm that the length meets your needs before purchasing.
Option 3: Update Printer Driver
To perform the steps for this fix:
- Press Windows + R (Windows logo on your keyboard simultaneously with the R key). This will open Run command.
- At the Run command, type devmgmt.msc. Then press OK to open Device Manager.
- To get to the printer drivers, expand the arrow pointing towards Printers (see the image above). You may need to scroll down a bit to get to Printers. You will then see a list of all printers currently installed on your computer.
- Right-click the printer that has the problem. Then select Update Driver.
- At the Update Drivers – <printer name>, click the first option – Search automatically for updated drivers.
Windows will attempt to find an updated driver for your printer online. If there is a driver newer driver than what you have and Windows is able to find it, the driver may be updated.
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 →When the update completes successfully (Or if it completes successfully!), check your printer. If it comes back online congratulations! But if it is still offline, try the next fix.
Also popular on Amazon
- IN THE BOX: (1) 10-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to protect against noise, minimizing interference for a clear signal
Option 4: Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer Driver
This method is similar to the last one. But instead of updating the driver, you uninstall it. Then reinstall it.
Here are the steps:
- Use the steps in Method 3 to get to Device Manager. When you get to the point you right-click your printer driver select Uninstall device.
- At the Uninstall device prompt, check Delete the driver software for this device. Then click Uninstall.
- When the uninstall completes successfully, disconnect the printer from your computer. Then restart your computer.
- When your computer boots, download the latest printer driver from the printer manufacturer’s website. Then reinstall the driver.
If the printer re-installation prompts to restart the computer, restart it. Then check your printer status. It should now be online. If in the rare instance that you still have printer offline, try the last method below.
Also popular on Amazon
- Extra Long 20FT Freedom: Say goodbye to distance limits. This long printer cable 20 ft gives you the ultimate flexibility to place your printer or scanner exactly where you want it. It acts as a perfect usb to printer cable solution, bridging the gap between your computer and devices without the need for clunky extension cords
- High-Speed & Flawless Transfer: Enjoy blazing-fast data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps with this premium printer cable to usb connection. Unlike unreliable Wi-Fi connections that frequently drop, this physical usb a to usb b cord guarantees a stable, error-free printing experience with absolutely no data loss
- Nylon Braided & Built to Last: Engineered with a premium nylon braided jacket, this heavy-duty printer cord is completely tangle-free and proven to withstand over 25,000+ bends. The robust aluminum alloy shell protects the usb b cable connectors from daily wear and tear, ensuring a significantly longer lifespan than standard PVC cables
- DOUBLE SHIELDED FOR SIGNAL INTEGRITY - Features aluminum foil and braided mesh shielding layers to block EMI and RFI interference; provides a clean and zero latency signal for professional MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces
- Plug & Play Simplicity: No drivers or software required. Simply plug the standard Type-A connector into your Mac, PC, or laptop, and the usb b to usb a plug into your printer to start working immediately
Option 5: If Everything Else Fails, Check These
This last option is my final attempt to help you fix your printer offline issue. If after going through methods 1 to 4 in this guide, your printer is still offline:
- Change the cable you use to connect the printer to your computer. If the cable is bad, changing it may fix this problem.
- Swap your connection method. If you connect using USB and your printer has a Wifi option, use it and try if it works. Alternatively, if you have been connecting via Wifi, try using a USB cable.
- Finally (and this is very possible), your printer may be bad and need to be fixed or replaced! If you have the option to take it to the manufacturer or reseller, take that option.
Conclusion
I am confident that after going through the 5 options I explained in this guide, you would be able to use your printer unless it is broken.
Also popular on Amazon
- SOLVE WIFI PRINTER DROPOUTS: A direct USB A to USB B printer cable gives your printer a stable wired connection, helping avoid WiFi dropouts, offline errors, failed print jobs and repeated reconnection headaches
- PLUG AND PLAY USB 2.0 CONNECTION: Connect the USB-A end to your computer and the square USB-B end to your printer for quick recognition on Windows or Mac, with up to 480 Mbps data transfer for daily printing and scanning
- Nylon Braided + SR Joint Design Prevents Wire Breakage — Solid metal housings with reinforced stress-relief joints tested to 25,000+ bends resist fraying, cracking, and internal wire breaks from daily plugging, unplugging, and constant desk movement
- STABLE SIGNAL FOR CRITICAL TASKS: Built for more than basic printing, this USB B cable supports firmware updates, scanner transfers, document printing and photo printing where a dropped wireless connection can interrupt the job
- MADE FOR HOME OFFICE AND WORKSTATIONS: The 6 ft length reaches across desks, shelves and printer stands without excessive cable clutter, ideal for home offices, schools, shared workstations and backup wired printer setups
If you found this guide helpful, kindly spare two minutes of your time to share your experience with us by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Lastly, for more Windows 10 fixes, visit our Windows 10 Fixes page.
Quick Recap
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.
![DistributedCOM DC Server Event ID 10016 DCDIAG Error [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DistributedCOM-DC-Server-Event-ID-10016-DCDIAG-Error-Fixed-768x494.jpg)
![Attribute Editor Tab Missing in ADUC [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Attribute-Editor-Tab-Missing-in-ADUC-Fixed-featured-image-768x512.jpg)
I think this is one of the most important information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But want to
remark on few general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D.
Good job, cheers
When someone shares valuable information on the web, it is our responsibility to appreciate the writers of those articles and blogs because these days valuable and informative information is rarely seen.
Thank you for your kind words and for appreciating us!
it is very helpful to get back my printer online, thank you.
It is turned off or disconnected from the PC. If it connected by wired or wireless network, the network address (IP address) might have changed.
Since you’re still under warranty, call HP. Open your Device Manager to see if the printer driver is up to date or properly installed. If you see a yellow triangle of caution, go the HP site, download the latest driver for your device. But since the printer works with a usb connect, I doubt if that’s the case. Try a battery change.