How to Fix Network Printer Offline Only From This PC

🔧Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Verify Network Connection and Settings

Make sure your PC is on the same network as the printer:

1. Check that you're connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (not a guest network or different SSID)
2. Verify your network profile is set to "Private":
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet)
   • Click on your connection name
   • Under "Network profile type," select "Private"
3. Ensure Network Discovery is enabled:
   • Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
   • Click "Change advanced sharing settings"
   • Under "Private," make sure "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing" are both selected

Solution 2: Remove and Reinstall the Printer

A fresh installation often resolves driver or configuration issues:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Find your offline printer and click on it
3. Click "Remove" or "Remove device"
4. Confirm the removal
5. Restart your computer
6. After restarting, go back to Printers & scanners
7. Click "Add device" or "Add a printer or scanner"
8. Wait for Windows to find your printer
9. Select it from the list and click "Add device"

If Windows doesn't automatically find the printer, click "The printer that I want isn't listed" and add it manually using its IP address.

Solution 3: Add Printer Using TCP/IP (Static IP Method)

The WSD (Web Services for Devices) protocol that Windows uses by default can be unreliable. Adding the printer as a TCP/IP device works better:

1. Find your printer's IP address (usually printed on a network configuration page from the printer itself or check your router's connected devices)
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
3. Click "Add device"
4. Click "Add manually"
5. Select "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname"
6. Enter the printer's IP address in the "Hostname or IP address" field
7. Leave "Query the printer" checked
8. Click Next and follow the prompts
9. Windows will install the appropriate driver

Important: For best results, assign your printer a static IP address in your router settings so the IP never changes.

Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause offline status issues:

1. Visit your printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.)
2. Navigate to the Support or Downloads section
3. Enter your printer model number
4. Download the latest driver for Windows 11 or Windows 10
5. Run the installer and follow the instructions
6. Restart your computer after installation

Alternatively, update through Device Manager:

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager
2. Expand "Print queues" or "Printers"
3. Right-click your printer and select "Update driver"
4. Choose "Search automatically for drivers"

Solution 5: Disable SNMP Status

SNMP monitoring can sometimes cause false offline reports:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Click on your printer
3. Click "Printer properties"
4. Go to the "Ports" tab
5. Select the port your printer uses (usually has a checkmark)
6. Click "Configure Port"
7. Uncheck "SNMP Status Enabled"
8. Click OK on all windows
9. Try printing again