What to Do When a Printer Shows as "Offline"

If your printer shows as "Offline" in Windows or on a Mac, your computer has lost communication with it. In most cases you can fix this yourself in a few minutes.

Quick Fix: Restart Everything

Restart the printer — turn it off, wait 15 seconds, turn it back on. Wait for it to fully initialize.
Restart your computer — this refreshes the print spooler and network connections.
Try printing again.

This resolves the issue in most cases.

If the Printer Still Shows Offline on Windows

Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click on the printer that shows "Offline."
Click Open print queue.
In the print queue window, click Printer in the menu bar.
Make sure "Use Printer Offline" is not checked. If it is checked, click it to uncheck it.
Cancel any stuck jobs in the queue (right-click each job > Cancel).
Try printing again.

Check the Printer's Network Connection

RCS printers are networked. If the printer itself lost its network connection, no computer will be able to reach it.

Walk to the printer and check its display panel — it should show it is connected to the network.
If it shows a network error, try turning the printer off and on to reconnect.
If the printer is connected via a cable, check that the ethernet cable is firmly plugged in at both ends.

Reinstall the Printer

If the printer keeps going offline, try removing and re-adding it:

Go to Settings > Printers & scanners.
Click the printer > Remove device.
Click Add a printer or scanner and let Windows find it again.
Alternatively, follow the steps in Adding a Printer or Print Drivers for All RCS Printers.

Still Offline?

If the printer is offline for everyone in the building (not just your computer), it may need IT attention:

📧 itsupport@redlandschristian.org
🎫 acarcs.zendesk.com

Adding a Printer
Print Drivers for All RCS Printers
How to Clear a Paper Jam on the Toshiba and Other Copiers

Contact IT Support

If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to the RCS IT Help Desk:

Submit a ticket through the IT Help Desk Portal
Email: helpdesk@redlandschristian.org

Keywords: printer offline, not printing, troubleshoot, restart printer

RCS Information Technology · IT Help Center