Is your printer showing as “Offline” even though it’s powered on and properly connected? While it might seem like a printer malfunction, the real cause is often your computer’s security software. Firewalls and antivirus programs can sometimes block printer communication by mistake, especially for network or wireless printers.
In this guide, we’ll explain how security tools can interfere with printing and walk you through clear, step-by-step fixes to get your printer back online — without uninstalling drivers or security software.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any printer manufacturer or software provider. We do not supply downloads, remote assistance, or technical support. For model-specific help, always refer to your printer manufacturer’s official website.
Why Security Software Can Interfere with Printing
Firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to protect your system from suspicious network activity. In some cases, however, they may incorrectly flag your printer’s communication as a threat — particularly if the printer connects over Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Common Signs This Is the Problem
- The printer worked previously but began showing “Offline” after a Windows or security update
- You can open the printer’s IP address in a web browser, but print jobs fail
- Printing works briefly when the firewall or antivirus is turned off
🧪 Step 1: Temporarily Disable Security Software (Testing Only)
Important: This step is strictly for testing. Always turn protection back on immediately after.
A. Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall
- Open Start > Settings > Privacy & Security (or Update & Security on some systems)
- Select Windows Security
- Click Firewall & network protection
- Choose your active network (Private or Public)
- Toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall off
- Try printing a document
- Turn the firewall back on right after testing
B. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall
- Locate the antivirus icon in the system tray
- Right-click and select an option like Pause protection or Disable temporarily
- Try printing again
- Re-enable protection immediately
If printing works during this test, your security software is likely blocking the printer.
🔧 Step 2: Create a Firewall Exception in Windows
If disabling the firewall resolved the issue, adding a permanent exception is the best solution.
- Go to Start > Settings > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection
- Click Allow an app through firewall
- Select Change settings
- Locate your printer software and check both Private and Public
- If it’s not listed, click Allow another app > Browse and select the printer application
- Save your changes
- Restart your computer
🔐 Step 3: Add Exceptions in Third-Party Security Software
For non-Microsoft antivirus or firewall tools:
- Open your security program
- Navigate to Firewall, Network Protection, or Exceptions
- Add your printer’s IP address to the allowed list
- Allow printer-related services (print monitor, spooler, etc.)
- If required, manually allow common printer ports:
- TCP 9100 – Raw printing
- TCP 631 – IPP
- TCP 515 – LPD
- UDP 161 / 162 – SNMP
Check your printer’s documentation for any model-specific port requirements.
🏠 Step 4: Set Your Network Profile to Private
A Public network profile can restrict device communication.
- Open Start > Settings > Network & Internet
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Click your connected network
- Set Network profile to Private
This allows devices like printers to communicate more freely.
✅ Final Thoughts
Security software is essential for protecting your computer, but it can occasionally disrupt printer connectivity. By testing your firewall settings and creating the right exceptions, you can often resolve the “Printer Offline” problem quickly — without reinstalling drivers or compromising system security.
A few targeted adjustments are usually all it takes to restore smooth, reliable printing.