# 1-866-203-7571 Lexmark printer says offline on Windows 11? How to fix it?

Printers are essential tools in both home and office environments. However, running into problems like your **Lexmark printer showing as offline in Windows 11** can be extremely frustrating. This guide explains why your Lexmark printer may appear offline and provides multiple ways to fix it, step by step.

## Why Your Lexmark Printer Says Offline on Windows 11

Several factors can cause a Lexmark printer to appear offline:

1. **Connection Issues** – If your printer is not properly connected to your PC or network, Windows 11 may not recognize it. This includes USB or Wi-Fi connection issues.
2. **Printer Status Settings** – Sometimes the printer is set to “Use Printer Offline” in Windows.
3. **Outdated or Corrupt Drivers** – Printer drivers may be outdated or incompatible with Windows 11.
4. **Windows Update Conflicts** – Recent updates may sometimes interfere with printer connectivity.
5. **Network Problems** – For wireless Lexmark printers, network instability can cause the printer to show offline.
6. **Spooler Service Issues** – The Print Spooler service, which manages printing tasks in Windows, may be stopped or malfunctioning.

Understanding the cause helps determine the correct solution. Let’s go through the detailed steps to fix your Lexmark printer offline issue.

## Step 1: Check Printer and Network Connections

Before diving into software solutions, always start with **hardware and connection checks**:

1. Ensure your Lexmark printer is **powered on**. Check for lights or display messages.
2. For USB-connected printers:

* Make sure the cable is **firmly connected** to both the printer and your PC.
* Try a **different USB port**.
3. For network printers (Wi-Fi or Ethernet):

* Check that the printer is **connected to the correct network**.
* Print a **network configuration page** from the printer to verify its IP address.
* Ensure your PC is on the **same network** as the printer.

If connections are secure but the printer is still offline, proceed to software fixes.

## Step 2: Set Your Lexmark Printer Online

Sometimes, Windows incorrectly sets the printer to offline. Here’s how to correct it:

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `control printers`, and press Enter.
2. Locate your **Lexmark printer** in the list.
3. Right-click on the printer and select **See what's printing**.
4. In the window that opens, click **Printer** in the menu bar.
5. If **Use Printer Offline** is checked, click it to **uncheck it**.
6. Close all windows and check if the printer shows online.

This simple step often fixes the offline issue immediately.

## Step 3: Restart Printer and Windows 11 PC

Restarting can resolve temporary software glitches:

1. Turn off your **Lexmark printer**.
2. Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.
3. Restart your **Windows 11 PC**.
4. Check if the printer is online.

If the printer still appears offline, continue to driver troubleshooting.

## Step 4: Update or Reinstall Lexmark Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a common cause of offline printers.

### Update Drivers

1. Press **Windows + X** and select **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.
3. Right-click your **Lexmark printer** and choose **Update driver**.
4. Select **Search automatically for drivers**.

### Reinstall Drivers

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `appwiz.cpl`, and press Enter.
2. Locate any **Lexmark printer software** installed, right-click, and select **Uninstall**.
3. Visit the **Lexmark official website** and download the latest drivers for **Windows 11**.
4. Install the drivers and restart your PC.

Driver updates usually resolve offline issues caused by compatibility problems.

## Step 5: Check Printer Spooler Service

The **Print Spooler service** manages print jobs in Windows. If it’s stopped, your printer may show offline.

1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
2. Scroll to **Print Spooler** and check its status.
3. If not running, right-click and select **Start**.
4. Set **Startup type** to **Automatic** to ensure it starts with Windows.
5. Restart your PC and printer.

This often resolves offline issues caused by spooler errors.

## Step 6: Run Windows 11 Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in printer troubleshooter that can detect and fix problems:

1. Press **Windows + I** to open **Settings**.
2. Go to **System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters**.
3. Find **Printer** and click **Run**.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will attempt to identify the problem and suggest solutions.

## Step 7: Assign a Static IP Address (For Network Printers)

For network printers, IP changes can cause Windows to lose connection:

1. Print a **network configuration page** to find the current IP.
2. Press **Windows + R**, type `control printers`, and press Enter.
3. Right-click your printer > **Printer Properties** > **Ports** tab.
4. Select the current port and click **Configure Port**.
5. Set a **static IP address** that matches the printer’s IP.

After assigning a static IP, your printer should stay online.

## Step 8: Disable SNMP Status in Printer Port Settings

Sometimes, SNMP settings in Windows cause network printers to appear offline:

1. Open **Control Panel > Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your Lexmark printer and select **Printer Properties**.
3. Go to the **Ports** tab, select the printer port, and click **Configure Port**.
4. Uncheck **SNMP Status Enabled** and click **OK**.
5. Check if the printer status changes to online.

## Step 9: Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Windows Firewall or third-party antivirus software can block printer connections:

1. Temporarily **disable firewall** and antivirus software.
2. Check if the printer comes online.
3. If yes, create an **exception** in the firewall or antivirus for your Lexmark printer.

Always re-enable security software after testing.

## Step 10: Check Windows Update Issues

Recent updates can sometimes break printer connectivity:

1. Press **Windows + I**, go to **Windows Update**.
2. Check for **optional updates**, especially printer driver updates.
3. Install updates and restart your PC.
4. If issues began after a specific update, consider **rolling back** that update.

Keeping your system updated often resolves driver and compatibility issues.

## Step 11: Use Lexmark Software Utilities

Lexmark provides tools to detect and fix printer problems:

1. Visit the **Lexmark Support website**.
2. Download the **Lexmark Printer Diagnostic Tool** for Windows 11.
3. Run the utility and follow instructions to repair connectivity.

These tools can automatically correct configuration issues and driver problems.

## Step 12: Contact Lexmark Support

If all else fails, professional support can quickly fix the problem.
**Call Lexmark printer support (USA) at 1-866-203-7571**.

The support team can:

* Walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting.
* Assist in driver updates and installation.
* Resolve complex network or hardware issues.
* Provide guidance for persistent “printer offline” problems.

Calling the toll-free number is often the fastest way to restore your printer.

## Additional Tips to Prevent Offline Issues

1. **Keep Printer Drivers Updated** – Check Lexmark’s website regularly.
2. **Avoid Changing Networks Frequently** – For Wi-Fi printers, network changes may cause offline status.
3. **Restart Devices Regularly** – Restart both printer and PC periodically.
4. **Use Static IP for Network Printers** – Helps maintain consistent connectivity.
5. **Avoid USB Hubs** – Connect the printer directly to the PC when using USB.

## Conclusion

Facing a **Lexmark printer offline issue on Windows 11** can disrupt productivity, but it’s often fixable with systematic troubleshooting. Start by checking connections and printer settings, then move on to driver updates, spooler checks, network configurations, and built-in Windows troubleshooting tools.

For persistent or complicated issues, **call Lexmark support at 1-866-203-7571 (USA)**. Expert technicians can help restore your printer quickly and ensure smooth printing operations. Following the preventive tips above will also help maintain long-term printer reliability.

By following this guide carefully, most users can resolve offline issues without professional intervention. However, having **professional support just a call away** ensures you can print without long delays.