The printer is one of the most important devices in offices and homes. It lets you take printouts from computer data, which can be carried and filed and perused at leisure or need.
There are many things, which can go wrong with the printer, such as when the local print spooler service is not running, the printer is offline, or the print paper is jammed. Following are some things you can do when the printer shows an offline status.
When the Printer Is Offline
- Check the printer connection. Maybe this is a hardware issue. Turn it off and back on. If it is connected by USB, see that the connections are secure. If it is connected via Wi-Fi, see if it shows up on the network.
- Use Windows troubleshooter. This tool is designed to be able to diagnose and resolve almost any problem your system may exhibit, such as when the local print spooler service is not running. You will find it in Settings; type in Troubleshoot and choose the option when it comes up. Find and select Printer, and then Run the Troubleshooter. You may be asked to restart the computer.
- Check the printing settings, especially if you are fresh out of an OS update. Head to Devices, choose Bluetooth & Other Devices, and from Related Settings, choose Devices and Printers. If the printer is inactive, right click and choose Set as a Default Printer. This may also help in cases where the local print spooler service is not running.
Adding Another Printer
- If the printer is connected through a network, try adding another printer. You will need the printer’s IP address for this, so dig it out from the printer manual or product website.
- Head to Settings and choose Devices and Bluetooth & Other Devices in succession. From the Related Settings section, find Devices and Printers. Find the default printer, right click it, and choose Printer Properties.
- Go to the Ports tab and choose Add Port… If you cannot select this, right click and choose See What’s Printing. Select Printer, and then Open as Administrator. Choose Printer again, and then Properties. Go back to Ports and choose Add Port…
- Choose Standard TCP/IP Port and then New Port.
- Click Next in the wizard window, ensuring that the printer is turned on and set up right. Type in its IP address, and a new name for it. Hit Next to proceed and complete the installation.
FAQs
What does it mean when a printer shows as offline?
When a printer shows as offline, it means that your computer is unable to communicate with the printer. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a connection issue, outdated drivers, or a malfunction with the printer itself.
What are some common causes of a printer showing as offline?
Some common causes of a printer showing as offline include connection issues, outdated or corrupt printer drivers, or a malfunction with the printer hardware.
How can I fix a printer that shows as offline?
You can fix a printer that shows as offline by checking the printer’s connectivity, updating or reinstalling printer drivers, restarting the print spooler service, or resetting the printer.
How do I check the connectivity of my printer?
You can check the connectivity of your printer by ensuring that it is powered on, connected to your computer or network, and that there are no error messages or warning lights on the printer.
What should I do if I’m still unable to get my printer online?
If you’re still unable to get your printer online, you may need to seek assistance from a professional technician or contact the manufacturer of your printer for further support.
