The Ultimate Guide: Troubleshooting HP Printer Offline Issue

Encountering an “offline” status while attempting to print important documents can be quite frustrating and time-consuming. Navigating through the labyrinth of printer settings and attempting to resolve technical glitches might seem daunting, but worry not! We have compiled the ultimate troubleshooting guide to help you swiftly overcome the HP printer offline issue that has been standing between you and seamless printing experience.

By following our comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you will be able to tackle the most common causes of the offline status and bring your HP printer back online in no time. So, whether you are a professional looking to maximize productivity or a home-user seeking hassle-free printing, this ultimate guide is here to help you overcome the offline hurdle and get back on track without breaking a sweat.

How to Repair HP Printer Offline Windows Error

Use Printer Offline Setting

If you get a hp printer offline error, then the foremost thing that should be checked is the printer settings. If you use the printer offline mode, you will get a hp printer offline issue. Setting the printer to online mode will resolve the problem in this context. This could be done from the Windows settings menu. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the main menu. Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of devices.

Step 3: In the devices window, navigate to the option of printers and scanners in the left pane. Double-click the option to launch.

Step 4: From the list of printers, select the HP printer and click the option of the open queue.

Step 5: Select the printer option from the header menu in the pop-up queue window. Click printer and select the use printer offline option. It will disable the offline mode.

Fix the Printer via Services

To fix the hp printer offline issue, one can use Windows services. This can be pursued if your device uses a WSD port for the printer. Here is how you can check the utilization of the WSD port, followed by changing the settings from services.

Step 1: Launch settings from Windows + I shortcut keys via the keyboard. In the settings menu, select the option of devices.

Step 2: In the devices menu, double-click the option of printers and scanners from the left pane to launch a new window. Select the HP printer from the list.

Step 3: Click the printer to select an open queue. In the next window, click the printer option from the header menu and select properties from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties menu, head to the ports tab and check if the device uses a WSD port.

If yes, then follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 5: Launch the Run utility from the Windows key+ R shortcut and type services.msc in the run command box. Click ok to continue.

Step 6: In the services menu, navigate to the Function Discovery Provider Host and Function Discovery Resource Publication options.

Step 7: Check the status and startup type for both options and set the status as start and startup type as automatic from the context menu.

Remove Pending Print Jobs

If your HP printer device gives a printer offline error, it could happen due to an overloaded queue of printing commands. A stuck printing queue can cause the HP printer to restrict the printer network connection. In this context, removing the print queue, i.e., pending print jobs, can resolve the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the main menu. Click the Windows icon and select the gear icon for settings. Double-click it to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of devices followed by selecting the option of printers and scanners in the left pane. Double-click the option to launch.

Step 3: From the list of printers, select the HP printer and click the option of the open queue.

Step 5: In the pop-up queue menu, select all the stuck printing queues and right-click to select the cancel option.

Remove Printer Drivers and Packages

Sometimes, if the device shows an offline printer error, it could occur due to incompatible printer drivers and their respective packages installed. One can easily remove the faulty printer drivers and packages to fix the offline printer to resolve the problem. This action can be performed from the command prompt utility in Windows. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the command prompt from the run utility. Click Windows key +R, and in the run command box, type cmd to launch the command prompt window.

Step 2: In the command prompt window, type printui /s /t2 and click enter to continue. It will launch the printer server properties.

Step 3: In the properties window, select remove the driver and driver package option. Click ok to apply and save changes.

Reinstall the Drivers

In case of faulty or missing driver files for the HP printer, reinstallation of updated versions for printer drivers can resolve the HP printer offline issue. Printer drivers can be reinstalled from Windows settings and printer properties. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the main menu. Click the Windows icon and select the gear icon for settings. Double-click it to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of devices followed by selecting the option of printers and scanners in the left pane. Double-click the option to launch.

Step 3: From the list of printer devices, right-click the HP printer and select the properties option from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties window, navigate to the driver’s tab, and under the section of details, click the driver button and choose the driver again for reinstallation. Click ok to complete the action.

Troubleshoot Printer Spooler Settings

Printer spooler service also plays a vital role in various printer functionality. Troubleshooting the printer spooler service, i.e., restarting the service, can fix the printer offline error. Here is how you can act.

Step 1: Launch the Run utility from the Windows key+ R. In the run command box, type services.msc and click ok to continue. It will launch the Windows services menu.

Step 2: In the services menu, navigate to the printer spooler option. Right-click it to select the option of the stop from the context menu.

Step 3: In the next step, launch windows file explorer and type C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printer in the address bar. Click ok to continue.

Step 4: Clear all pending files in the printer queue in the next window. Restart the printer spooler service by following the steps mentioned above.

Set as Default Printer

If the printer offline error persists and impedes the printing service, then setting the printer device as default can fix the error. This can be done via the control panel. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the Windows main menu. Type control in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch the menu.

Step 2: Select the devices and printers option in the control panel menu.

Step 3: In the next window, select the HP printer from the list of devices and right-click it to select set as default printer.

Remove the Printer

If none of those mentioned above quick fix solutions didn’t work to get the printer back online, removing and reinstalling the printer device can resolve the problem. This action can be performed from the Windows control panel. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the run utility. Click Windows key+ R and type control panel in the run command box. Click ok to continue.

Step 2: Select the devices and printers option in the control panel menu.

Step 3: In the next window, select the HP printer from the list of devices and right-click to select the option of remove device from the context menu.

Resolving the HP Printer Offline Issue – The Ultimate Guide

Say goodbye to the frustrating HP printer offline issue with our comprehensive troubleshooting guide. Following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can regain the connection and ensure smooth printing operations.

Whether it’s checking the printer status, restarting devices, or updating drivers, we’ve got you covered. Don’t let the offline status hinder your productivity—empower yourself with the knowledge to troubleshoot and keep your HP printer online. Get back to printing hassle-free and never experience the offline dilemma again.

Frequently Asked Questions About HP Printer Offline