- Your printer says Offline in Windows
- You press Print and nothing happens
- Documents are stuck waiting in the queue
- Have the printer switched on and nearby.
- Check it has paper and no error lights or messages on its screen.
The Windows key is the key with the four-squares logo, usually bottom left between Ctrl and Alt. When a step says Windows key + I, hold the Windows key down, tap I once, then let go of both.
Basic checks
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Check the printer itself
Is it switched on, with paper in, no flashing orange lights and no message on its screen (such as a paper jam or low ink)? Deal with any message first.
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Restart the printer and computer
Switch the printer off, wait 30 seconds, switch it on and wait until it's quiet. Then restart the computer: Start → Power → Restart.
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WiFi printer? Check it's on your WiFi
Most printers with a screen show a WiFi symbol. If it has a cross through it, or the printer is on a different network, reconnect it using the printer's WiFi or Wireless setup menu.
Also check your computer is on the same WiFi, not a "Guest" network.
If the router has been replaced recently, the printer won't know the new WiFi name and password. You'll need to set up WiFi on the printer again.
Fix it in Windows
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Open your printer in Settings
Press Windows key + I.
- Windows 11: Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → click your printer.
- Windows 10: Devices → Printers & scanners → click your printer.
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Clear any stuck documents
Click Open print queue. At the top click Printer → Cancel All Documents → Yes.
One stuck document can block everything behind it. -
Turn off "Use Printer Offline"
In the same print queue window, click the Printer menu. If Use Printer Offline has a tick next to it, click it to remove the tick.
The window title no longer says "Offline". -
Stop Windows switching printers
Back in Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer. Then click your printer → Set as default.
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Remove and add the printer again
In Printers & scanners, click your printer → Remove → Yes. Then click Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner), wait for it to appear and click Add device.
If it doesn't appear, go to your printer maker's support website (HP, Canon, Epson or Brother), type your printer model, and download their driver or app (HP Smart for HP printers).
Slightly more advanced
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Restart the Print Spooler
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and press Enter. Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click it → Restart. Close the window and try printing.
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Keeps going offline every few days?
Your router is probably giving the printer a different address each time. The long-term fix is to reserve its address in the router's settings. That's router-specific, so ask me or your broadband provider if you're not comfortable doing it.
- The printer shows an error code or says parts are "at the end of their service life"
- It jams repeatedly or makes grinding noises
- You've tried everything above and it still won't print
Still stuck? I'm happy to help.
If this didn't sort it, or you'd rather not do it yourself, get in touch. I cover Sheffield S20 and the surrounding areas.
Did this guide help? These guides are free for everyone. If it saved you a call-out, you can say thanks with a coffee.
Buy me a coffeeThese guides are general advice for home users, checked in September 2026. Menus can differ slightly between versions of Windows and between phone makers. If something looks different or you're unsure, stop and ask rather than guessing. Parmar Tech Solutions can't accept responsibility for problems caused by following these steps, so please back up anything important first.