Fixing Printer Showing as Offline in Windows

A printer showing as Offline in Windows means the computer cannot communicate with the printer. The physical printer itself may be fine. Check the following in order. First, ensure the printer is powered on and not in sleep/energy-save mode — press any button to wake it. For network printers, ping the printer's IP address from command prompt to verify network connectivity. If ping fails, the printer has lost its IP address (reboot the printer to get a new DHCP lease, or assign a static IP). In Windows, go to Settings > Printers & scanners, click the printer, and select 'Open print queue.' Click Printer in the menu bar and uncheck 'Use Printer Offline' if checked. If the printer has a new IP address, delete and reinstall it. For USB printers, try a different USB port or cable. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Printer) for automated diagnosis.