How to Fix a Canon Printer Offline Error in Windows 10

If you're encountering a 'Canon printer offline' error on your Windows 10 system, fear not! This article will walk you through a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.

Step 1: Check Printer Status

First and foremost, ensure that your Canon printer is properly powered on. Additionally, check the printer's display for any error messages that might indicate issues such as low ink, paper jams, or an open cover. Addressing these can often resolve the 'offline' status.

Step 2: Verify Connections

Depending on how your printer is connected, follow the steps outlined below to check the connections.

For USB-connected printers:

Inspect the USB cable for any loose connections. Try plugging the cable into a different USB port or using a different cable to see if this resolves the issue.

For network-connected printers (Wi-Fi or Ethernet):

Make sure your printer is also connected to the same network as your computer. You can check the printer's network settings or run a network diagnostic to confirm connectivity. If you encounter problems, a network diagnostic tool can help identify and resolve the issue.

Step 3: Set Printer as Default

Ensure your Canon printer is set as the default printer on your Windows 10 system. Navigate to Control Panel Devices and Printers. Here, right-click your Canon printer and select Set as Default Printer.

Step 4: Remove Print Jobs

If there are any print jobs stuck in the queue, you might need to remove them. Go to Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select See What’s Printing. Uncheck Use Printer Offline if it’s selected.

Step 5: Restart the Printer Spooler Service

Occasionally, the Printer Spooler service might need to be restarted. Press Windows R, type , and press Enter. Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart. Afterward, try printing again to see if it resolves the issue.

Step 6: Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity issues. Visit the Canon website and download the latest drivers specific to your printer model. Open Control Panel Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and select Remove device. After uninstalling, reinstall the printer with the updated drivers.

Step 7: Reconnect the Printer

For network printers, re-run the printer setup on your computer or reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi through its control panel. For USB printers, ensure the printer is disconnected and then reconnected to your computer to ensure it is detected properly.

Step 8: Test with Another Device

Connect the printer to another computer or mobile device to rule out any hardware-specific issues. If the same problem persists, it might be a hardware problem.

Step 9: Update the Printer Firmware

Ensuring your printer has the latest firmware can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance. Download and install the latest firmware from Canon’s official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.

Step 10: Reset the Printer (As a Last Resort)

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you might need to reset the printer to its factory settings. Refer to the printer's user manual for instructions. This will clear all settings, so you will need to reconfigure the network and other settings.

If the problem persists after following these steps, it may indicate a hardware issue, and it would be advisable to contact Canon support for further assistance.