Ever been in the middle of printing an important document only to find that your network printer has mysteriously gone offline? Frustration sets in as you desperately try to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.
Well, fear not! In this guide, we will walk you through the process of troubleshooting network printer offline problems on Windows 11.
From the basic steps of restarting and checking connections to more advanced techniques like updating drivers and resetting network settings, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your troubleshooting hat and let’s get started on bringing your printer back to life!
Introduction
Troubleshooting printer issues has always been a source of frustration for many computer users. With the recent Windows 11 22H2 update, some network printers have been experiencing connectivity problems, leaving users unable to print.
In this article, we will explore various troubleshooting methods to resolve network printer offline issues on Windows 11.
Restarting Printer And PC
One of the first steps to troubleshoot any printer problem is to restart both the printer and the computer. This simple step can often resolve temporary glitches and connectivity issues.
Make sure to turn off the printer, unplug it from the power source, and also shut down your PC. After a few minutes, plug in the printer, turn it on, and start your computer.
Check if the printer now shows up as online.
Checking Connection And Power
Ensure that your printer is properly connected to your PC and powered on. Make sure the USB cable or network cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the PC.
In case of a wireless printer, check if it is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. If there are any loose connections or faulty cables, replace them.
Also, verify that the printer has enough power and the indicator lights are on.
Setting Printer As Default
Sometimes, the printer may not be set as the default device, causing it to appear offline. To check and set the printer as the default device, follow these steps:
1.
Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I. 2.
Click on “Devices” and select “Printers & scanners”. 3.
Under the “Printers & scanners” section, locate your printer and click on it. 4.
Click on the “Manage” button and then select “Set as default”.
Note: Only one printer can be set as the default printer at a time. Make sure the desired printer is selected as default.
Updating Printer Driver
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause network printer offline problems. To update your printer driver, follow these steps:
1.
Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key + I. 2.
Click on “Devices” and select “Printers & scanners”. 3.
Under the “Printers & scanners” section, locate your printer and click on it. 4.
Click on the “Manage” button and then select “Printer properties”. 5.
Go to the “Hardware” tab and click on the “Properties” button. 6.
In the Properties window, click on the “Driver” tab and then click on the “Update Driver” button. 7.
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Verifying Printer Compatibility with Windows 11
Not all printers are fully compatible with Windows 11, especially after the 22H2 patch. It is important to ensure that your printer is certified to work with Windows 11.
Visit the manufacturer’s website and check for any available driver updates specifically designed for Windows 11. Installing the latest drivers can often resolve compatibility issues and restore printer functionality.
Temporarily Disabling Firewall or Antivirus Software
In some cases, third-party firewall or antivirus software can interfere with printer connectivity. To rule out this possibility, temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check if the printer comes online.
If the printer starts working after disabling the security software, you may need to configure the software to allow printer connections.
Ensuring PC and Printer are on the Same Network
For network printers to function properly, both the PC and the printer must be connected to the same network. Verify that your PC is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network or that the Ethernet cable is securely connected.
Additionally, check the printer’s network settings to ensure it is connected to the network and has a valid IP address.
Restarting the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service manages print jobs in the Windows operating system. Restarting this service can often resolve printer offline issues.
Here’s how to restart the Print Spooler service:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
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Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
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Scroll down and locate the “Print Spooler” service.
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Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Restart”.
Resetting TCP/IP Stack
Resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve network connectivity issues. Follow these steps to reset the TCP/IP stack:
1.
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. 2.
Type the following command and press Enter: “netsh int ip reset”. 3.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Resetting Printer Settings
If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting the printer settings. This will reset all printer settings to their default values.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Windows Settings.
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Click on “Devices” and select “Printers & scanners”.
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Under the “Printers & scanners” section, locate your printer and click on it.
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Click on the “Manage” button and then select “Printer properties”.
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Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Reset” button.
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Confirm the action and restart your computer.
Conclusion
Resolving network printer offline problems on Windows 11 can be a challenging task. However, by following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article, you can increase the chances of restoring printer connectivity.
Always remember to back up your Registry file and create a restore point before making any changes, as incorrect edits can cause system instability. With these tips, you can overcome the frustration caused by printer connectivity issues and get your printer up and running smoothly again.
