Printer Offline on Windows 10 [Solved]

PRINTER OFFLINE ON WINDOWS 10 [SOLVED]

Windows 10 came out about a year ago and complaints from its users never cease to stop. This time, it’s about the printer. It happens to a lot of Windows 10 users that they are in the middle of printing out their documents, all of a sudden, the printer stops working and the status of the printer shows “Offline” in Devices and Printers.

You might even see this notification when the problem occurs:

When you see this information, the printer will not print because this message indicates that the computer is unable to communicate with the printer. Worse of all, the printer goes offline unexpectedly in some network conditions.

There are different reasons that could cause this problem, so are the many solutions. If possible, it is suggested that you try them one by one until you find the solution that is workable for you.

Quick Pass:
Step One: Check the printer status in Devices and Printers 
Step Two: Install Windows Update KB3147458
Step Three: Make sure the correct port is selected
Step Four: Add a second printer device to Windows (network connections only)
Step Five: Reinstall printer software 

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Step One: Check the printer status in Devices and Printers
1) Turn your printer off and then turn it on again, please make sure that it is in a ready state.

2) In the search windows, type in devices, then choose Devices and Printers from the list of choice.

3) Right-click the icon with a green check-mark and choose to See what’s printing.

If there is a color or a gray icon displays without a green check-mark, please right-click the icon and choose Set as Default Printer. Then follow the instruction above.

4) Click Printer. If you can see a tick next to the option Pause Printing and Use Printer Offline, click the option and make sure the ticks are removed.

5) Check if you can print. If this offline issue happens every now and then, please continue to the next step. 

Step Two: Install Windows Update KB3147458
Note: This method is for Windows 10 users only. 

Microsoft released an update for Windows 10 that helps improve the notification of printers when a device wakes up from sleep mode. This update prevents your printers from going offline, especially when you are using wireless connections.

1) Type windows update in the search box and then choose to Check for updates from the list of choice.

2) Then Check Updates to make sure all critical and important Windows Updates are installed. On the left side of the pane, choose Windows Update, then on the right side, scroll down a little bit, then choose Advanced option.

3) In this page, choose View your update history. Then you will be able to see the updates that you have made. If the KB 3147458 is missing from your list, please update it manually from this website.

Step Three: Make sure the correct port is selected
1) Type devices and printers in the search box, then choose Devices and Printers option from the list of choice.

2) Right click the name of your printer and select Printer properties.

3) In the Properties window, go to Ports tab. Find the name of  your printer in the Printer column.

4) Choose the correct port type if the selection does not match the current used by the printer.

If you are connecting you printer with a USB connection, please make sure that the port or the description includes USB or DOT4. If you are connecting your printer via a network connection, please make sure that the port name or the description includes WSD, network or IP.

Step Four: Add a second printer device to Windows (network connections only)

1) Type devices and printers in the search box, then choose Devices and Printers option from the list of choice.

2) Right-click the name of your printer and select Printer properties.

3) Click the Ports tab, and then click Add Port.

4) Select Standard TCP/IP Port, then click New Port.

5) Then type in the printer’s IP address. And click Next to continue.

The ways to find the IP address of your printer differs from one printer to another printer, so if you still have the instruction of your printer, please go to it and see if you can find the way. If not, it is suggested that you go to the manufacturer’s support website and then search for the exact way.

6) Select the new Standard TCP/IP Port from the list, and then click OK.

Try and see if you can get your printer work again.

Step Five: Reinstall printer software

1) Type devices and printers in the search box, then choose Devices and Printers option from the list of choice.

2) Right click the name of your printer and choose Remove Device.

3) If you are prompted for Administrator permission, please click OK. Then continue the removal of your device by clicking Yes.

4) Then go to the manufacturer website for the printer driver that you need, find it and install it on your own.

To know more details: http://printerissue.com