HP Printer Offline? Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Fix It

What Causes the HP Printer Offline Error?

The HP Printer Offline error is a common issue caused by several factors. One of the most common reasons is connection issues between the printer and computer or wireless network. This could be due to incorrect settings, software conflicts, outdated drivers, faulty cables, or router problems.

Another possible cause of the HP Printer Offline error message is an incompatible paper size selected in the printer settings. This can occur if you try to print documents not supported by your chosen paper size. It’s important to ensure that the correct paper size is selected before printing.

A faulty USB cable or an outdated printer driver may also cause this error. If these are suspected, the USB cable should be replaced, and the printer driver should be reinstalled. It is also important to check for any pending software updates from the manufacturer and install them if necessary. The article below will discuss the best methods to resolve this error with your HP printer.

Check for Printer Offline Mode

If the HP printer is offline, the error message pops up on the screen, then it could be the mode of default printer set on the device. In this context, the Windows settings app can be used to fix offline HP printer issues. Here is how to resolve the HP printer offline error.

Step 1: Launch windows settings via the keyboard key+ I skeyboard’sys. In the settings menu, select the option of devices.

Step 2: In the devices menu, select printers and scanners from the left pane.

Step 3: In the next step, select the targeted printer, i.e., HP printer, and click the option of the open queue. In the queue menu, navigate to the printer tab and select use printer online from the context menu.

Step 4: In the next window, uncheck the box to use the printer offline. It will get the printer back to online mode on the device.

Set the Printer as Default

Sometimes, suppose the printer is connected to the device appropriately yet. In that case, you are getting an error message, i.e., the HP printer keeps going offline, then set it as the default printer will resolve offline status issues. It can be done with a control panel. Here is hotaskbar’s select the printer status.

Step 1: Launch the Run utility from the keyboard’s Windows key+ R shortcut keys. In the run command box, type control. 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 it to select set as default printer.

Update Outdated Drivers

Most of the time, offline printer issues are due to outdated drivers for external devices. These drivers are essential to establish communication between the operating system and the external hardware device. In this context, updating the outdated drivers for HP printers can resolvtaskbar’swireless printer offline error. Here is how you can update the printer driver.

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

Step 2: In the device manager menu, navigate to the option of portable devices and expand it to select printer queue. Expand the option to choose HP printer.

Step 3: Right-click the option to select update driver. In the next window, select the search option automatically for updated driver software.

Remove Printer Drivers and Packages

If printer drivers are the issue that is causing the HP printer offline error, then removing the printer driver and packages can resolve the issue. Here is how you can fix the error.

Step 1: Launch the command prompt from the taskbar’s search box in the Windows main menu. Type cmd in the search box and click the option of run as administrator to launch a command prompt.

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.

Troubleshoot Printer Spooler Settings

It is not always the printer driver causing HP printer offline error. Rather, the issue with the printer spooler can also result in offline status. In this regard, setting up a print spooler service on the device can help to resolve the problem. Here is how you can change your status from offline to online.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why is My Printer Offline