Epson printers are widely used in homes and offices for their high-quality printing and reliable performance. However, one of the most common issues faced by users is the “Epson printer showing offline” error in Windows 10 or Windows 11. This problem prevents you from sending print jobs to your device, disrupting workflow and causing unnecessary delays.

The good news is that this issue can be resolved easily with proper troubleshooting. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover the main causes of the offline error and provide solutions to get your Epson printer back online in Windows 10 and 11.

Why Does an Epson Printer Show Offline in Windows 10/11?

Your Epson printer may appear offline due to various reasons, including:

Loose USB or faulty WiFi connection – Poor connectivity often leads to offline errors.

Incorrect default printer settings – If Epson is not set as the default device, Windows may not detect it.

Driver or software issues – Outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent communication.

Print spooler service errors – This Windows service manages print jobs; if it fails, printers may go offline.

Firewall or antivirus interference – Security programs sometimes block printer connections.

Outdated firmware – Older printer firmware may not work smoothly with Windows updates.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Epson Printer Offline in Windows 10/11
Step 1: Restart Devices

Turn off your Epson printer and unplug it from the power source.

Restart your computer.

Plug the printer back in, turn it on, and check if it comes online.

This simple restart can often fix temporary glitches.

Step 2: Check Printer Connections

For USB Printers:

Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected.

Try a different USB port.

Replace the cable if it looks damaged.

For WiFi Printers:

Make sure your printer and computer are on the same WiFi network.

Restart your router for a fresh connection.

If the WiFi signal is weak, move the printer closer to the router.

Step 3: Set Epson Printer as Default in Windows

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Find your Epson printer in the list.

Select it and click Set as Default Printer.

This ensures that Windows always sends print jobs to the correct printer.

Step 4: Disable “Use Printer Offline” Mode

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Right-click your Epson printer and select See What’s Printing.

Click on Printer in the menu bar.

Uncheck the option Use Printer Offline.

This step alone often resolves the issue.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Epson Printer Drivers

Visit the official Epson Support Website.

Enter your printer model and download the latest drivers for Windows 10/11.

Install the driver package and follow the instructions.

Restart your computer after installation.

Updated drivers ensure proper communication between your computer and the Epson printer.

Step 6: Restart Print Spooler Service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Scroll down to Print Spooler.

Right-click it and select Restart.

The print spooler manages print jobs; restarting it often resolves offline errors.

Step 7: Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Some security programs block printer connections.

Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and check if the Epson printer comes online.

If it works, add Epson software as an exception in your security program.

Step 8: Update Printer Firmware

Go to Epson’s official support page.

Check if a firmware update is available for your model.

Install the update carefully and restart your printer.

Step 9: Add Printer Manually (If Not Detected)

Open Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Click Add a Printer or Scanner.

If your Epson printer doesn’t appear, choose The printer that I want isn’t listed.

Follow the wizard to add it manually via USB or IP address.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues

If your Epson printer still shows offline in Windows 10/11:

Assign a static IP address to your printer to prevent frequent WiFi disconnections.

Reset network settings on the printer and reconnect it.

Reinstall Epson ScanSmart or other Epson utility software for better compatibility.

Perform a factory reset on the printer if all else fails (check your user manual).

Tips to Prevent Epson Printer Offline Errors

Keep your printer drivers and firmware updated regularly.

Avoid using cheap or incompatible third-party USB cables.

Ensure a stable WiFi network with good signal strength.

Restart your router and printer occasionally for smoother operation.

Set Epson as your default printer in Windows.

Final Thoughts

The Epson printer showing offline in Windows 10/11 is a common but fixable error. In most cases, it’s caused by connection issues, outdated drivers, or incorrect printer settings. By following the step-by-step troubleshooting guide above, you can quickly resolve the problem and get your Epson printer back online.

If the issue persists even after trying all solutions, it may point to deeper hardware or firmware issues. In such cases, contacting Epson customer support or visiting an authorized service center is the best course of action.

With proper setup and regular maintenance, your Epson printer will stay connected and continue to deliver reliable performance without offline interruptions.