How to Change HP Printer from Offline to Online in Windows 10

One of the most frustrating experiences when using a printer is seeing it marked as "Offline" when you need to print something urgently. Fortunately, switching your HP printer from offline to online in Windows 10 is usually a straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your printer back online, along with some common troubleshooting tips to help you avoid this issue in the future.

Step 1: Check the Printer Connection

Before diving into software settings, it’s important to ensure that your HP printer is properly connected to your computer or network.

Check USB Cable (Wired Connection):

Make sure the PC and printer are both firmly attached to the USB cord.

To rule out hardware problems, try utilizing an alternative USB port or cable.

Check Wi-Fi Connection (Wireless Connection):

Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Verify that the printer’s Wi-Fi indicator light is on and not blinking, indicating a stable connection.

Restart Your Devices:

Turn off your printer, computer, and router. After a little while, switch them back on.

Sometimes, simply rebooting the devices can resolve the offline issue.

Step 2: Set Your Printer to Online in Windows 10

Once you’ve ensured that your printer is properly connected, follow these steps to change its status from offline to online:

Open the Control Panel:

Press the Windows key and type “Control Panel.” Click on the Control Panel app to open it.

Go to Devices and Printers:

In the Control Panel, select "Devices and Printers" under the "Hardware and Sound" category.

Locate Your HP Printer:

Find your HP printer in the list of devices. It should have a gray icon if it’s offline.

Right-click on Your Printer:

Right-click the printer icon, then select “See what’s printing” from the drop-down menu.

Set Printer to Online:

In the new window that opens, click on the "Printer" tab at the top.

Uncheck the option labeled “Use Printer Offline.” Your printer should now switch from offline to online.

Set as Default Printer (Optional):

To avoid future issues, right-click your printer icon again and select “Set as default printer.” This ensures that Windows sends all print jobs to your HP printer by default.

Step 3: Troubleshoot Common Issues

If your HP printer is still showing as offline after following the above steps, try these troubleshooting methods:

1. Check the Print Queue

Open the "See what’s printing" window again.

If there are print jobs stuck in the queue, they could be causing the printer to appear offline. Right-click each job and select "Cancel" to clear the queue.

2. Restart the Print Spooler Service

Windows has a service called Print Spooler that handles print tasks. Restarting it can sometimes resolve printer issues.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type services.msc and hit Enter.

Scroll down and locate “Print Spooler” in the list of services. Right-click on it and select “Restart.”

3. Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause your HP printer to show as offline.

Go to the HP website, download the latest drivers for your printer model, and install them on your computer.

Alternatively, you can use the “Device Manager” in Windows to update the drivers. Right-click on the Start menu, select "Device Manager," find your printer under "Printers," right-click it, and choose "Update driver."

4. Launch the HP Scan and Print Doctor.

The HP Print and Scan Doctor is a free utility offered by HP that helps identify and resolve common printer problems.

This utility may be downloaded and used from the HP website. It will guide you through troubleshooting steps specific to your printer model.

5. Check for Windows 10 Updates

Make sure the operating system on your Windows 10 PC is up to date. Sometimes, an update can fix bugs or compatibility issues that cause your printer to go offline.

Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" and click "Check for updates."

FAQs

Why does my HP printer keep going offline?

Your printer may go offline due to network connection issues, outdated drivers, or an incorrect printer setting. Restarting your devices and updating drivers can often resolve the problem.

How do I stop the offline state of my HP printer?

Ensure your printer is always connected to a stable network, set it as the default printer, and regularly update its drivers and firmware. Also, avoid large print queues by clearing stuck print jobs.

Can I change my printer to online mode without restarting my computer?

Yes, you can change the printer to online mode without restarting by following the steps mentioned in this guide. However, if the issue persists, a restart might help reset the connection.

What should I do if my printer is online but still not printing?

If your printer is online but not printing, check the print queue for stuck jobs, ensure the printer has paper and ink, and try printing a test page. If the problem persists, running the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool may help.

Can I change my printer from offline to online using a different method?

Yes, you can also try reconnecting the printer through the HP Smart app or by manually configuring the IP address if it's a network printer.

Conclusion

Changing your HP printer from offline to online in Windows 10 is usually a quick fix. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to get your printer back online in no time. Remember to check your connections, update drivers, and clear any stuck.