How to Get Your Offline Printer Back to Work?

Printers have been a part of productive technology for a long time now, but it still isn’t perfect. There is a huge room for improvement for the product. But one of the most common issues that the users face is that the printer goes into offline mode when connected with Windows 10 even when both the devices are connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You might get worried about this recurring issue on your devices, but this issue can be quickly resolved using the hacks we mention in this article. 

But first things first, make sure both the devices are well connected, and there is no loose connection or drop in your Wi-Fi connectivity. If everything looks fine and the printer still fails to respond, turn off your desktop and printer and switch them back on after 30 seconds. If neither of these works, then use the following hacks and steps to get the printer working in online mode:

Disable ‘Use Printer Offline’ mode

You must have accidentally hit the ‘Use Printer Offline’ mode, or probably any software update or the printer itself has switched on this mode. To disable this mode, use the following guide:

1. Go to Settings of your desktop and click on Devices.
2. Select Printers & Scanners.
3. Find and select your Printer.
4. Click on the Open Queue option. 
5. From the new toolbar, click on Printer.
6. Check if the box for the ‘Use Printer Offline’ has a checkmark or not. Disable the mark if there is any. 

Run the troubleshooter

Windows 10 users might know that their device comes with a few troubleshooters that automatically aim to detect and resolve the issues on the device. You will find a troubleshooter for the printer as well that will help you fix the bug and set your printer at work. For running the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your desktop.
2. Select Devices and click on Printers & Scanners.
3. On the right-hand side panel, click on Related Settings.
4. Click on Run the troubleshooter. 

Then you will find a series of checks and operations running through the desktop screen. You will get an analysis of the issue surfing on the screen. Optimize the problems and if there is no issue, then click on View Detailed Information to check what was going on with the printer. 

Set your printer as Default

Although Windows sets your last-used printer as Default (which is helpful as you won’t have to make settings), it could also be the culprit for switching the printer on offline mode. To resolve this issue, use these steps:

1. Open the Settings on your desktop and go to Devices.
2. Select Printers & Scanners and select your printer.
3. Hit on the Open Queue option.
4. From the toolbar, select your printer and choose Set as Default Printer.

Don’t get worried if you see setting this printer as Default means that Windows will stop managing your default printer popping up on the screen. Hit the OK button if you agree. To enable the feature all over again, follow the same steps to go back to the Printers & Scanners page. Then tick marks the box for Allow Windows to Manage My Default Printer.

Clear the queue

Having a clogged printing queue can also lead to a lot of issues, one of which includes the offline printer mode. To resolve the queue, go back to Printers & Scanners from the Settings of your device. Then select your printer and hit on the Open Queue option. From the toolbar appearing on the screen, go to Printer and click on Cancel All Documents. 

Use Printer’s Software

Some printers have their unique software which enables the users to manage and troubleshoot their printers when required. If your printer is one of those, then install its software which might have come along in a CD. Or, you can find the software on their website as well. If it is already installed, check your printer using these steps:

1. Go to the Printers & Scanners section from the Settings of your desktop. 
2. Select your printer and click on Manage. 
3. If the software is installed, you’ll find the Open Printer App button.
4. Check the software for a restart and troubleshoot options. 

All of these methods should be able to resolve the issues related to your printer. If it doesn’t, try updating the software of your printer and desktop. And remove and re-add the printer on your computer or laptop. Your issues will be resolved. 

source: https://wiredk.com/how-to-get-your-offline-printer-back-to-work/