How to Fix HP Printer Offline Error on Windows 10?

The HP printer offline error on Windows 10 is one of the most common problems users experience while printing documents. When your HP printer shows an offline status, it prevents print jobs from processing, even if the printer is properly connected. This issue can occur due to connection problems, outdated drivers, incorrect printer settings, Windows updates, or spooler service errors.

What Does HP Printer Offline Mean?

When your HP printer shows “Offline” in Windows 10, it means the computer is unable to communicate with the printer. This can happen due to:

Weak or disconnected Wi-Fi connection
USB cable issues
Incorrect default printer settings
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
Windows 10 update conflicts
Print spooler service stopped

Fixing the issue usually requires checking both hardware and software settings.

Common Causes of HP Printer Offline Error on Windows 10

Understanding the cause helps resolve the problem quickly. Below are the main reasons:

Printer is not set as default
“Use Printer Offline” option enabled
Printer driver is outdated or corrupted
Network configuration changed
Firewall blocking printer communication
Pending print jobs stuck in queue

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting to Fix HP Printer Offline Error

Follow these proven troubleshooting steps carefully.

Restart Printer and Computer

Sometimes a simple restart fixes communication issues.

Turn off your HP printer.
Shut down your Windows 10 computer.
Wait 2–3 minutes.
Turn both devices back on.
Check printer status again.

This refreshes the connection between devices.

Check Printer Connection (USB or Wireless)

Make sure the printer is properly connected:

For USB Printer:

Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
Try a different USB port.

For Wireless Printer:

Ensure printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
Restart your router.
Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi using the control panel.

Set HP Printer as Default Printer

Press Windows + R
Type control printers
Right-click your HP printer.
Select Set as Default Printer

If another printer is selected, Windows may show HP printer offline.

Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

Open Control Panel
Click Devices and Printers
Right-click your HP printer.
Click See what’s printing
Click Printer in top menu
Uncheck Use Printer Offline

If this option is enabled, it forces the printer to stay offline.

Clear Print Queue

Pending print jobs can block communication.

Open Devices and Printers
Right-click HP printer
Select See what’s printing
Cancel all print jobs
Restart the printer

Restart Print Spooler Service

Press Windows + R
Type services.msc
Find Print Spooler
Right-click → Click Restart

This refreshes Windows printing services.

Update or Reinstall HP Printer Driver

Outdated drivers commonly cause offline errors.

Update Driver:

Open Device Manager
Expand Printers
Right-click HP printer
Click Update Driver

Reinstall Driver:

Remove printer from Devices and Printers
Restart computer
Install latest HP printer driver
Add printer again

Make sure you install the correct Windows 10 compatible driver.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor Tool

HP provides a built-in troubleshooting utility called:

HP Print and Scan Doctor

This tool automatically detects and fixes:

Printer offline errors
Driver issues
Connectivity problems
Print spooler errors

Download and run the tool on your Windows 10 PC, then follow on-screen instructions.

Check Windows 10 Update Issues

Sometimes Windows updates may change printer settings.

Go to Settings > Update & Security
Check for pending updates
Install latest updates
Restart system

If the issue started after an update, reinstalling the printer driver usually resolves it.

Reset HP Printer Network Settings

For wireless printers:

Go to printer control panel
Open Network Settings
Select Restore Network Defaults
Reconnect to Wi-Fi
Add printer again in Windows

This resolves most wireless offline errors.

HP Printer Login, Setup & Activation Support

To properly configure your printer:

Complete HP printer setup
Install full-feature software
Sign in to your HP account (if required for cloud printing)
Activate printer services
Register printer for warranty and support

Correct setup ensures smooth communication between Windows 10 and the printer.

When HP Printer is Still Not Working

If your HP printer still shows offline:

Check firewall or antivirus settings
Disable VPN temporarily
Try connecting printer via USB
Perform factory reset
Contact HP customer support for advanced troubleshooting

Prevent HP Printer Offline Error in Future

Follow these best practices:

Keep printer firmware updated
Always use updated Windows 10 drivers
Maintain stable Wi-Fi connection
Clear print queue regularly
Restart printer occasionally

Conclusion

The HP printer offline error on Windows 10 is usually caused by connection problems, driver issues, or incorrect settings. By carefully following the troubleshooting steps above, you can quickly bring your printer back online and restore smooth printing.