What is PRN-OFFLINE?
PRN-OFFLINE is a low-severity Windows operating system problem. Although the printer is turned on and connected, Windows says it is in Offline mode. Another common trigger is the WSD port created an incorrect connection. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.
Common Causes
- Changing the IP address of the network printer
- Bitten Print Spooler service
- The WSD port created an incorrect connection
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Restart the Spooler service
Begin with Restart the Spooler service; it's the step that resolves PRN-OFFLINE for the largest share of reported cases.
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2
Set the printer to a static IP in the router and create a standard TCP/IP port
When the first step isn't enough, the later steps handle the edge cases tied to windows instability.
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3
Uncheck 'Use the printer offline'
"Uncheck 'Use the printer offline'" is worth trying when changing the IP address of the network printer turns out to be the culprit.
Commands & Diagnostics
net stop spooler
net start spooler
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of PRN-OFFLINE is changing the IP address of the network printer, though bitten Print Spooler service and the WSD port created an incorrect connection also show up in our reports.
"Restart the Spooler service" clears up most PRN-OFFLINE reports by itself. The remaining steps above cover what's left.
As a low-severity issue, PRN-OFFLINE is more of a stability annoyance than a hardware risk — the steps above should clear it up.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves PRN-OFFLINE without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including PRN-OFFLINE. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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