Being Tricky
The short answer
Seeing "printer offline" on Windows 11? Turn the printer off, unplug it for 30 seconds and turn it back on.
At a glance
About 30 minutes · Advanced · For Windows
Key point 1 of 5
Before you start, print from a second device if you can, such as another PC or a phone.
Key point 2 of 5
Microsoft's first step is a full power cycle, not just pressing the power button:
Key point 3 of 5
For a wireless printer, confirm it's connected to the same network as your PC.
Key point 4 of 5
Windows 11 has an automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
Key point 5 of 5
If jobs still won't clear, Microsoft describes a deeper reset.
Quick tip
Need a document copied today? Your phone can stand in as a scanner. See how to scan documents with your iPhone.
Watch out
Clearing the spool folder deletes every waiting print job. Send anything important to the printer again afterward.
You might ask
Why does my printer keep going offline on Windows 11? Usually the printer sleeps or drops off Wi-Fi, or a stuck job blocks the queue.
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Being Tricky