How do I change my printer status to online? It is currently offline and will not allow me to print.

Anonymous
2010-03-25T14:58:35+00:00

I cancelled some print requests and it put my printer to status offline and I cannot figure out how to get it back to online!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2010-03-26T03:05:11+00:00

Hi Steve7878,

You may also try these:

1.       Open the Start menu and click on the "Printers and Faxes" icon. This will open a window with a list of the printers currently set up on your computer.

2.       Double-click on the icon of the printer you want to change to online. A pop-up window detailing all current print jobs will open.

3.       Go to "Printer" in the menu bar of the pop-up window and uncheck "Use Printer Offline." This action will change the printer from offline to online.

Also change the default printer by following the steps in “Change your default printer” http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Change-your-default-printer

Diana DMicrosoft Answers Support Engineer

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-06-06T22:07:46+00:00

    this is not working for me

    My printer will not go to online

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-07-12T02:06:22+00:00

    For Windows 10  this is not helpful.  My computer still says my printer is offline.  Going to"Devices and Printers" and trying to selelct the printer icon does absolutely nothing as it will not enable me to click on it.  You can click to your hearts content and zip, nada, nothing!  Really really awful system.  3 hours now and still unable to print or find a solution.

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  3. Anonymous
    2016-07-17T21:12:46+00:00

    For Windows 10  this is not helpful.  My computer still says my printer is offline.  Going to"Devices and Printers" and trying to selelct the printer icon does absolutely nothing as it will not enable me to click on it.  You can click to your hearts content and zip, nada, nothing!  Really really awful system.  3 hours now and still unable to print or find a solution. 

    Hi I too have tried putting my printer back online.  I have a Brother MFC-J475DW Wireless and a HP Pavilion PC Windows 10 and they have always worked flawlessly until a couple of days ago. Under the documents scheduled for printing, the option that says 'print offline' shows no check mark.  I have also unplugged the printer for at least 30 seconds then plugged it back in but it remains offline.  I agree there must be a simpler way of going back on line without uninstalling then reinstalling!  TY

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-08-05T22:52:52+00:00

    how to put my printer back on line

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