Printer keeps going "offline" Windows 11

Same issue. I can't get my HP printer, which formerly worked fine with my HP laptop running Windows 11, to work anymore.

Until this weekend, I USED to be able to click on the printer Troubleshooter, and this would fix the issue. HOWEVER, since the last Windows update pushed out c. February 21, 2025, it seems they got rid of the Troubleshooter!

This is a KNOWN ISSUE. WHY did Microsoft get RID of the ONE TOOL that fixed it? This is terrible code-writing, tone-deaf customer relations, just a total middle finger to people who are paying license fees to use Microsoft's software. Corporations suck.

Hello! I'm Jen, and I'd be happy to help you out with this issue.

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this issue. Please check if you have Printer Offline mode enabled and make sure to turn it off. To do so, click Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanner > Choose your printer and click Open print queue.Under Printer, please ensure "Use Printer Offline" is not selected.Let me know how it goes. Thank you.

I hope this information helps. If you have any questions, please let me know and I'll be glad to assist you further.

Best Regards!
Jen :)

These instructions are WRONG for Windows 11. Following the sequence, there is NOT an option to enable/disable offline printing.

This problem seems to come each and every time Windows does an update.

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).

The solution that works for me for this issue, first was validate that my wireless printer was not block out by Firewall (windows, antivirus, etc).

That was fine in my case. But what works after all was to access services.msc (You may access it pressing Windows key + R, type services.msc and press enter) to visualize all the services in my system (windows 11 latest version on a Snapdragon X laptop), look for Spooler service, select it, right click and stop it, and try to print now (for me works at first shoot), otherwise restart your computer and voila!

My printer has worked fine until a month ago. 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?

Why must we endure this? I have to believe there is a tech representative and/or update that could correct this issue. When I need to print, it takes half my day to get it working again. Between HP and Windows support, this should not be allowed to continue to happen. I have had to do so many things to get it working again that I cannot recall what actually works.