printer goes offline randomly on my windows pc even though the wifi signal is strong.

Diagnosis

This issue is typically caused by a "WSD" (Web Services for Devices) port conflict. By default, Windows installs the HP LaserJet Tank MFP 2604sdw using a dynamic WSD port, which relies on the printer broadcasting its presence to the PC. If the printer enters a deep-sleep state or the router rotates the internal IP address via DHCP, the WSD handshake fails, and Windows marks the printer as "Offline" even if the Wi-Fi signal is perfect. Furthermore, the 2604sdw often broadcasts a Wi-Fi Direct signal (HP-Print-xx-LaserJet). Windows frequently detects this secondary signal and attempts to switch the active print queue from your home network to the direct wireless connection. Because the direct connection is not authenticated or active, the printer appears offline. You can confirm this by checking the "Printers & Scanners" menu; if you see two versions of the same printer—one with "Direct" in the name and one without—Windows is likely toggling between them.

How to Fix It

To resolve this, you must move the printer from a dynamic WSD port to a static TCP/IP port. This creates a permanent "hard-wired" digital path between your PC and the printer.

1. Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer's control panel to find the current IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.1.15). Write this number down.
2. On your Windows PC, open the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
3. Right-click the HP LaserJet Tank 2604sdw and select Printer Properties (not just "Properties").
4. Navigate to the Ports tab. You will likely see a checkmark next to a port labeled "WSD" or "HP Network Port."
5. Click Add Port..., select Standard TCP/IP Port, and click New Port.
6. In the "Printer Name or IP Address" field, type the exact IPv4 address you wrote down from the configuration page. Click Next and then Finish.
7. Ensure the checkmark is now on the new TCP/IP port you created. Click Apply and OK.
8. Restart your computer and the printer to lock in the routing table.

If That Didn't Work

• Assign a Static IP via EWS: Access the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) by typing the printer's IP address into a web browser. Go to the Network tab > IPv4 Configuration. Change the setting from "Automatic/DHCP" to "Manual/Static." This prevents the router from changing the printer's address, which is the primary cause of the "Offline" status after a power outage.
• Disable Wi-Fi Direct: If you do not print directly from a phone without a router, disable Wi-Fi Direct via the EWS settings under Network > Wi-Fi Direct. This removes the competing signal that confuses the Windows print spooler.
• Adjust Power Management: Go to Device Manager on your PC, find your Network Adapter, right-click Properties, and under the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." This ensures the PC doesn't drop the network handshake during idle periods.
• Clear the Print Spooler: Open cmd as Administrator and type net stop spooler, then navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files. Return to cmd and type net start spooler. This clears corrupted "Offline" flags cached in the system memory.

Heads Up

• Avoid using the "Add a printer" wizard in Windows Settings; always use the HP Smart app for initial discovery, but always manually switch to a TCP/IP port for long-term stability.
• Ensure your router is not using "Smart Connect" or "Band Steering" that merges 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, as the 2604sdw can occasionally drop connections when forced to jump between bands.
• If you change your router or Wi-Fi password, you must perform a network reset on the printer before the TCP/IP port will function again.
• Check for firmware updates via the HP Smart app monthly; HP frequently releases patches specifically for the 2600 series to improve sleep-mode wake-up triggers.