My two printers starting going offline with the last windows update. will not stay online

[dro99]

off line -  can't get it online - checked all connections, wifi, for 3 days,  seems it happened after the last windows update

[Alden4]

Hi @dro99,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The issue of printers going offline after a Windows update is common and may relate to updated drivers, system settings, or connectivity glitches. Here are some steps to get your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printers back online and ensure they stay connected.

Check the Printer's Connection Settings

• Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network.
  • On the printer control panel, go to Wireless Settings and confirm it’s connected to the same network as your computer.
• IP Address: Make a note of the printer’s IP address from the printer menu.
  • Open a browser on your computer, enter the printer’s IP, and check if the printer’s webpage loads. If not, it indicates a connectivity issue.

Disable "Use Printer Offline" Mode

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer and select See what’s printing.
3. Click the Printer menu and ensure Use Printer Offline is unchecked.

Restart Print Spooler Service

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.

Reinstall or Update the Printer Driver

• Reinstall Driver:
  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  2. Remove the printer.
  3. Download and install the latest driver for the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 from the HP Support website.
• Update Driver:
  1. Go to Device Manager.
  2. Expand Printers, right-click your printer, and choose Update Driver.

Assign a Static IP to the Printer

1. Access your router’s admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or similar into your browser).
2. Reserve a static IP for your printer using its MAC address (found on the printer’s settings).
3. Reconnect the printer using this static IP.

[Alden4]

Reset the Network Settings on the Printer

1. On the printer’s control panel, navigate to Network Settings > Restore Network Settings.
2. Reconnect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.

Roll Back the Recent Windows Update

If the problem started after a Windows update, rolling it back might help:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click View update history > Uninstall updates.
3. Uninstall the update and check if the issue resolves.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor to diagnose and resolve any connectivity issues.

Configure Windows Firewall or Security Software

Sometimes, updates modify firewall settings, blocking printer communication. Ensure:

1. Open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through the firewall.
2. Ensure your printer software is allowed on both Private and Public networks.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support