Printer "offline" when it is not

[Jim811]

My printer will print via my phone, but when attempting to print from computer it is "ready" until I hit "print." It then says it is offline (but it isn't).

[Max3Aj]

@Jim811, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I understand your HP DeskJet 4255e prints fine from your phone but shows as "offline" when printing from your Windows 11 PC. Let’s walk through some steps to get this resolved.

Check Printer Connection

Make sure your printer and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

• On the printer, print a Wireless Network Test Report:
  • Press the Information button (i) and the Wireless button together.
  • Check the report to confirm the printer is connected to the correct network.

Set Printer as Default

Sometimes Windows selects a different printer.

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
• Select your HP DeskJet 4255e, then click Set as default

Disable "Use Printer Offline"

This setting can cause confusion.

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right-click your printer > See what’s printing
• Click Printer in the top menu and uncheck “Use Printer Offline”

Reinstall the Printer Driver

Corrupt drivers can cause offline errors.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, uninstall any HP printer software
• Reinstall the latest driver from: Official HP® Support

Check for Windows Updates

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates

Additional Tips

• If you're using HP Smart, ensure it's updated from the Microsoft Store
• Restart both your printer and PC after completing the steps

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support