Sometimes, your printer might show up as offline even when it’s on and connected. This can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix. You’ll need to check physical connections, restart devices, and tweak some settings in Windows 10. Follow these steps to get your printer back online.
How to Change Printer Status to Online in Windows 10
First, we’ll go through the basic steps to change your printer status from offline to online in Windows 10. This process involves checking connections, restarting devices, and adjusting settings.
Step 1: Check Physical Connections
Make sure your printer is plugged in and turned on. Then, check that the printer is connected to your computer via a USB cable or your Wi-Fi network.
Simple, right? Sometimes the problem is just a loose cable or your printer losing connection to the Wi-Fi. Ensure all physical connections are secure and that the printer and router are turned on.
Step 2: Restart Your Devices
Restart both your printer and your computer. Turn off your printer and your computer, wait a minute, and then turn them back on.
Rebooting can solve many issues. It allows the devices to reset and can re-establish the connection between them. Make sure to give it a full minute before turning them back on.
Step 3: Set Printer to Online
Go to the Control Panel on your computer, select ‘Devices and Printers,’ right-click your printer, and select ‘See what’s printing.’ Then click ‘Printer’ and select ‘Use Printer Online.’
This setting is crucial. It forces the computer to recognize the printer as online, bypassing any minor glitches that might be causing the offline status.
Step 4: Cancel All Print Jobs
In the same ‘See what’s printing’ menu, cancel all print jobs. Right-click each job and select ‘Cancel.’
Sometimes a stuck print job can make your printer appear offline. Clearing the print queue can often solve this.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Go to ‘Device Manager,’ locate your printer, right-click it, and select ‘Update driver.’ If that doesn’t work, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website.
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause communication issues between your computer and printer. Updating or reinstalling these drivers ensures compatibility and functionality.
After completing these steps, your printer should show up as online in Windows 10. You can now print without any issues.
Tips for Changing Printer Status to Online in Windows 10
- Regularly Check Connections: Ensure that cables are securely connected and that your printer is properly connected to the Wi-Fi network.
- Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly update your printer drivers through the manufacturer’s website to avoid compatibility issues.
- Restart Devices Periodically: Restarting your printer and computer occasionally can help maintain a good connection.
- Clear Print Queue: Regularly check and clear your print queue to prevent stuck jobs from causing issues.
- Use Manufacturer’s Tools: Some printer manufacturers offer troubleshooting tools. Use these to diagnose and fix issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my printer?
Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for about a minute, and then plug it back in and turn it on.
Why does my printer keep going offline?
This could be due to connectivity issues, outdated drivers, or stuck print jobs. Ensure your printer is connected properly and drivers are up to date.
Can I change my printer status to online remotely?
Yes, if your printer is networked, you can use remote desktop or similar software to access your computer and change the printer status.
How do I update my printer driver?
Go to Device Manager, find your printer, right-click, and select ‘Update driver.’ Follow the on-screen instructions or download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
What if my printer is still offline after following all these steps?
Check for any error messages on the printer, consult the printer manual, or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.
Summary of Steps to Change Printer Status to Online in Windows 10
- Check physical connections.
- Restart your devices.
- Set printer to online.
- Cancel all print jobs.
- Update or reinstall printer drivers.
Conclusion
Changing your printer status to online in Windows 10 is usually a straightforward task, but it requires checking multiple factors. Start with physical connections and simple restarts, then move to software solutions like updating drivers. These steps ensure that your printer and computer can communicate effectively.
Remember that keeping your drivers updated and regularly checking your print queue can help prevent issues. If you’ve tried everything and your printer is still offline, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer’s support for more help.
Stay proactive with these tips, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches in the future. Happy printing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.