How to Fix Printer Offline Windows 10 Issue

If your printer suddenly stops working and shows the Printer Offline Windows 10 error, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues Windows users face. The good news? It’s completely fixable. In this comprehensive guide, WinTechSupport — the best technology customer support— explains the exact steps to bring your printer back online quickly.

Whether your printer is connected via USB or Wi-Fi, the methods below will work for all major brands including HP, Canon, Brother, and Epson.

Why Does the Printer Offline Windows 10 Error Occur?

Windows shows the Printer Offline Windows 10 error when your computer cannot communicate with the printer.
Common reasons include:

 

• • Wrong printer settings

• • Outdated or corrupt drivers

• • Wi-Fi disconnection

• • Loose USB cable

• • Printer spooler issues

• • Network configuration errors

• • Windows 10 update conflicts

Identifying the cause helps fix the problem faster.

1. Check Printer Power & Connection

Start with the basics:

 

• • Is your printer switched ON?

• • Is the USB cable plugged properly?

• • Is your printer connected to the correct Wi-Fi network?

• • Any blinking or error lights?

• • Any paper jam?

A small connection issue can cause the Printer Offline Windows 10 message instantly.

2. Turn Off the “Use Printer Offline” Setting

Windows may automatically turn this option ON.

Steps to fix it:

 

1. 1. Go to Control Panel
      

1. 1. Open Devices and Printers
      

1. 1. Right-click your printer

1. 1. Select See what’s printing
      

1. 1. Click Printer from the menu

1. 1. Uncheck Use Printer Offline
      

Try printing again — most users report the issue gets solved here.

3. Restart the Print Spooler Service

Print Spooler is the backbone of the Windows printing system. When it crashes, you see the Printer Offline Windows 10 error.

Restart it like this:

 

1. 1. Press Win + R
      

1. 1. Type services.msc
      

1. 1. Scroll down to Print Spooler
      

1. 1. Right-click → Restart
      

This refreshes all print tasks.

4. Reconnect Your Wireless Printer

If you are using a Wi-Fi printer, reconnecting often solves the issue.

Steps:

 

• • Go to the printer’s Wi-Fi menu

• • Reconnect to your home or office network

• • Enter the correct password

• • Restart your printer

• • Restart your router

• • On PC: Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer
    

Wireless drop is one of the biggest reasons behind Printer Offline Windows 10 problems.

5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers trigger the Printer Offline Windows 10 error frequently.

Fix this by:

 

1. 1. Visiting your printer brand’s official website

1. 1. Searching your exact model

1. 1. Downloading the latest Windows 10 printer driver
      

1. 1. Installing the driver

1. 1. Restarting your PC

Better drivers = smoother performance.

6. Remove and Add the Printer Again

Steps:

 

1. 1. Go to Settings
      

1. 1. Open Devices
      

1. 1. Click Printers & Scanners
      

1. 1. Select your printer → Remove Device
      

1. 1. Click Add a Printer or Scanner
      

1. 1. Re-add your printer

This resets the connection and fixes hidden configuration errors.

7. Set Your Printer as Default

Windows may switch to another printer automatically.
Fix it by right-clicking your printer and selecting Set as Default Printer.

8. Run the Built-in Windows Troubleshooter

Steps:

 

1. 1. Go to Settings
      

1. 1. Select Update & Security
      

1. 1. Click Troubleshoot
      

1. 1. Choose Printer
      

1. 1. Run the troubleshooter

Windows automatically detects and repairs the Printer Offline Windows 10 problem.

9. Restart Devices (Simple but Effective)

 

• • Restart your printer

• • Restart your PC

• • Restart your Wi-Fi router

A complete device refresh solves hidden glitches.

10. Still Stuck? WinTechSupport Can Fix It Remotely

If none of the above steps resolve the Printer Offline Windows 10 error, it may be due to:

 

• • Deep driver corruption

• • Faulty Windows settings

• • Firmware issues

• • Network misconfiguration

• • Print spooler registry damage

WinTechSupport experts can fix your printer online within minutes through safe and secure remote assistance.

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FAQs – Fixing Printer Offline Windows 10

1. Why does my printer keep going offline in Windows 10?

Most commonly due to network issues, outdated drivers, or print spooler errors.

2. How do I get my printer back online?

Disable “Use Printer Offline,” restart print spooler, reconnect Wi-Fi, or reinstall drivers.

3. Does reinstalling drivers fix the Printer Offline Windows 10 error?

Yes, outdated or corrupt drivers are a major cause of the issue.

4. Can a wireless printer show offline even if connected?

Yes, weak Wi-Fi signals or incorrect configuration can cause this problem.

5. Does WinTechSupport fix offline printer issues?

Yes! WinTechSupport provides fast and professional remote tech support.

Final Thoughts

The Printer Offline Windows 10 error may look frustrating, but most issues can be fixed quickly using the steps in this guide. From resetting spooler services to reinstalling drivers, each solution helps restore communication between your printer and computer.

Contact WinTechSupport

Still facing the Printer Offline Windows 10 issue?
  Contact WinTechSupport for quick, affordable, and reliable printer support.
Our experts will bring your printer back online in minutes!