You’ve checked all the basics — the cables are connected, the printer is powered on, and the devices have been restarted. But your printer still shows “Offline”? One often-overlooked culprit could be your security software, like a firewall or antivirus program, which may be blocking the connection unintentionally.
This guide from novyza.info explains how your security settings might interfere with printer communication and provides simple, step-by-step instructions to help restore your printer’s functionality without uninstalling any software or drivers.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. We are independent and not affiliated with any printer or software companies. We do not provide downloads, technical support, or remote assistance. For product-specific help, please refer to your printer’s official website.
🔍 Why Security Software Might Block Your Printer
Firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer by monitoring network traffic. However, sometimes they mistakenly flag your printer’s communication as a potential threat — especially if it’s a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network printer.
Common Signs:
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The printer worked fine before but now shows as offline after a system update or a security software update.
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You can access the printer’s IP address via a browser, but printing doesn’t work.
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Printing works temporarily after disabling the firewall or antivirus software.
🧪 Step 1: Temporarily Disable Security Software (For Testing)
Note: This step is for testing purposes only. Be sure to re-enable your protection immediately after testing.
A. Windows Defender Firewall
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Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security (or Update & Security).
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Click Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
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Select your current network (Private or Public).
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Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall off.
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Try printing a document.
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After testing, turn the firewall back on.
B. Third-Party Antivirus/Firewalls
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Right-click the antivirus icon in your system tray.
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Choose the option to pause or disable protection (e.g., “Pause Protection”).
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Try printing again.
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Re-enable the protection after testing.
🔧 Step 2: Add a Firewall Exception in Windows
If the printer works after disabling the firewall, you can allow it permanently:
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Go to Start > Settings > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
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Click Allow an app through firewall.
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Click Change settings.
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Find your printer software in the list and enable both Private and Public network checkboxes.
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If the software is missing, click Allow another app > Browse, then select your printer’s application.
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Save and restart your computer.
🔐 Step 3: Configure Exceptions in Third-Party Security Software
If you’re using third-party antivirus/firewall software, follow these steps:
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Open your security software and find the Firewall, Network Protection, or Exceptions section.
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Add your printer’s IP address to the allow list.
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Allow access to printer-related applications (e.g., print monitor or spooler).
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If available, manually enable these printer ports:
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TCP 9100 (Raw printing)
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TCP 631 (IPP)
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TCP 515 (LPD)
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UDP 161/162 (SNMP)
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Refer to your printer’s manual or official website for specific port details.
🏠 Step 4: Set Network Profile to “Private”
Ensure your computer recognizes your network as Private (for home/office use), which can improve device communication.
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Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
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Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
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Select your current network.
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Set the Network profile to Private.
✅ Final Thoughts
Security software plays an essential role in protecting your system, but it can occasionally interfere with printer communication. By following these simple steps to adjust your firewall and antivirus settings, you can usually resolve the “Offline” issue without reinstalling anything.
For model-specific guidance or software updates, always consult your printer’s official website.