Printer keeps going "offline" Windows 11

Anonymous
2024-02-18T09:07:50+00:00

My printer has worked fine until a month or two. Since then it keeps going offline. I have updated software drivers etc. I need to poke around with troubleshooters etc every time to get it to work. It's then fine for that session but the problem comes back every time i turn it off. Is there any solution to this?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

109 answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-17T00:08:56+00:00

    Similar problem with a Canon Maxify 5420 and the solution was to set the VPN (AVG's) to private (home use only) on Win 11 desktop and that fixed the problem.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-13T18:59:40+00:00

    I have the same problem with my Acer SwiftGo laptop - only resetting the Print Spooler puts the printer back online. BUT my husband's laptop never sees the printer offline.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-11T13:17:11+00:00

    Clearing the files in Print Spooler worked for me too. At least the first time, hoping it continues to work.

    I did have to R-click the PRINTERS folder and uncheck the "Read Only" checkbox so I could open that last folder and delete the files. Easy to do but weird that it was set as Read Only.

    Thank you for the link!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T09:08:19+00:00

    Cyndi,

    That's the way that worked for me too, some while ago now and still, fingers crossed, can print every time.

    CB

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T08:14:16+00:00

    Ahh, yes, I see:

    I was replying to Mpre at the bottom of page 5. His post was as follows:

    =============

    Hi,

    the following steps worked for me and survived 4 reboots within 2 days with an HP OfficeJet 6950 All-in-One. No idea if this lasts longer....

    Unfortunately I do not have the time for a thourough testing, but maybe it works for you or gives you an idea.

    Or even a better solution.

    1. Uninstall the printer
    2. Uninstall the "HP Smart" App (in case installed)
    3. Reboot
    4. Ensure the computer can access the printer in the network, e.g. via the printer's IP-address in the browser (HP has an Embedded Web Server in the printer)
    5. Install the "HP Smart" App via the Microsoft store - do not install the printer directly via Windows.

    My assumption is, that Win 11 is focusing on the manufacturers' printer apps instead on the printer drivers (although the drivers are offered via Windows itself).

    ================

    Has worked for me on Win 11.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments