Windows & BSOD · low

How to fix Printer is offline in Windows

Error code: PRN-OFFLINE

What this error means

Windows shows the printer as Offline, and print jobs stay in the queue instead of printing. The printer is usually fine; Windows simply cannot reach it. Common reasons are that the printer or PC is on a different Wi-Fi network, the printer went to sleep or got a new network address, a stuck job blocks the queue, or the Print Spooler service needs a restart. Microsoft's troubleshooting starts with restarting the printer and checking the network.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10, USB and network printers
Difficulty
Beginner
Before changes
Low; clearing the queue deletes waiting print jobs

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's printer troubleshooting articles; not tested with every printer.

Before you begin

Note whether the printer is connected by USB, Wi-Fi or a network cable. Have the printer's model number at hand for the driver step. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Restart the printer and check its connection

Microsoft's first step is to power cycle the printer, which reconnects it to the network.

  1. Turn the printer off, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and turn it on.
  2. For a USB printer, check the cable at both ends and try another USB port.
  3. Restart the PC as well.
What to expect

The printer shows as Ready or Idle instead of Offline.

If it does not help

If it is still offline, check the network in step 2.

Browse related errors
02Check that both are on the same network

Microsoft notes the printer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.

  1. On the printer's display or a printed network report, check which Wi-Fi network it is connected to.
  2. Make sure the PC is connected to the same network, not a guest network or a different band name.
  3. Run the printer's wireless test, if it has one.
What to expect

Both are on the same network.

If it does not help

If the printer was moved to a new router, connect it to the new Wi-Fi using its control panel or app.

Browse related errors
03Set the printer as default

Microsoft's offline troubleshooting includes setting the printer as default so Windows uses it directly.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select the printer.
  2. Choose Set as default. If that option is missing, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer first.
  3. On Windows 10, open the queue and clear Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline in the Printer menu.
What to expect

The printer is the default and shows as online.

If it does not help

Try printing a test page.

Browse related errors
04Clear the print queue

A stuck job can block everything behind it.

  1. In Printers & scanners, select the printer > Open print queue.
  2. Click the three dots (...) > Cancel all, and confirm.

Cancelling deletes all waiting print jobs.

What to expect

The queue is empty.

If it does not help

Print again. If jobs cannot be cancelled, reset the spooler in step 5.

Browse related errors
05Restart and reset the Print Spooler

Microsoft recommends restarting the Print Spooler service and, if needed, clearing its files.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, right-click Print Spooler > Restart.
  2. If that is not enough: open Print Spooler, click Stop, then delete all files in %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS.
  3. Return to Print Spooler, set Startup type to Automatic and click Start.

Delete only the files inside the PRINTERS folder, not the folder itself.

What to expect

The spooler runs and the printer is online.

If it does not help

If the spooler stops again by itself, a printer driver may be damaged; reinstall it in steps 6 and 7.

Browse related errors
06Remove and add the printer again

Re-adding the printer refreshes its connection details, such as a changed network address.

  1. In Printers & scanners, select the printer > Remove > Yes.
  2. Click Add device (or Refresh) and select the printer when it appears.
  3. If it is not listed, choose Add manually and follow the steps.
What to expect

The printer is added again and prints.

If it does not help

For network printers that keep going offline, reserving a fixed IP address for the printer in the router can help.

Browse related errors
07Install the printer maker's driver

Microsoft recommends installing the latest printer driver when problems continue.

  1. Download the latest driver or full software package for your exact printer model from the maker's website.
  2. Install it and add the printer again if asked.

Download drivers only from the printer maker.

What to expect

The printer works with the current driver.

If it does not help

Microsoft's Get Help app also has a printer troubleshooter that checks these steps automatically.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • The printer and PC are not on the same network
  • The printer is asleep, switched off or got a new IP address
  • A stuck print job blocks the queue
  • The Print Spooler service is stuck
  • Pause Printing or Use Printer Offline is turned on (Windows 10)

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

services.msc

Sources & further reading