printer

[marjoe1]

my printer says it is ready, but when I put a printing job it comes up at unknown or off line. This has happened before. I have done everything.

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @marjoe1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how discouraging it feels when the printer shows as ready but the job still comes up as unknown or offline. You’ve already put in a lot of effort, and I appreciate the steps you’ve tried. 

Let’s go through a few focused checks that often resolve this situation on Windows:

Check printer status in Windows

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Make sure your printer is set as the default.
• If it shows “Offline,” right‑click the printer icon and select “Use Printer Online.”

Restart the Print Spooler service

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate “Print Spooler,” right‑click, and choose Restart.
  This refreshes the print queue and clears any stuck jobs.

Remove and re‑add the printer

• In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, remove the printer.
• Re‑add it using “Add device.”
  This ensures Windows has a fresh connection to the printer.

Update printer drivers

• Visit the HP support page for your model and download the latest drivers.
  Link: HP Printer Drivers and Downloads
• Install the updated driver and restart your computer.

Use the HP App for connectivity checks

• Install the HP App on your Windows PC.
• Add the printer and confirm it shows as “Ready” in the app.
  Link: Install HP App

Test with a direct connection
If you are using Wi‑Fi, try connecting the printer temporarily with a USB cable. If printing works over USB, the issue is likely with the wireless connection, and re‑running the wireless setup through the HP App can help.

These steps should help bring the printer back online and keep jobs from showing as unknown. Since you’ve already done resets, focusing on the Windows side and ensuring the driver and spooler are refreshed is the most effective next move.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye