Fix Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer – Error 0x0000011b (2025 Guide)

Many Windows 11 and 10 users encounter the frustrating “Windows cannot connect to the printer – Error 0x0000011b” when trying to print. This error typically occurs due to network printer issues, Windows updates, or driver conflicts, preventing you from sending documents to your printer.

Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this error, ranging from updating drivers to modifying registry settings. This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to restore your printer functionality.

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Common Causes of Error 0x0000011b

1. Recent Windows Updates – Certain updates can cause network printing issues.
2. Incorrect or outdated printer drivers – Missing or corrupted drivers trigger connection failures.
3. Network configuration issues – Firewall or IP conflicts may block printer access.
4. Printer spooler problems – Corrupted spooler files can prevent printing.
5. Registry settings conflicts – Specific Windows registry keys may cause the error after updates.

Understanding these causes helps determine the most effective fix for your situation.

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Fix 1: Restart Printer and PC

Firstly, a simple restart often resolves temporary glitches:

1. Turn off your printer → wait 30 seconds → turn it back on.
2. Restart your Windows PC.
3. Attempt to reconnect the printer.

💡 This clears temporary errors and refreshes the connection.

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Fix 2: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix printer issues:

1. Press Windows + I → Devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select your printer → click Manage → Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

✅ The troubleshooter can resolve driver and network-related issues.

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Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Printers.
2. Right-click your printer → Update driver → Search automatically.
3. If updating fails, uninstall the driver → restart PC → reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

💡 Always download drivers compatible with your Windows version (11/10).

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Fix 4: Modify Windows Registry (For Network Printers)

Warning: Incorrect registry edits can harm your system. Create a restore point first.

1. Press Windows + R → regedit → Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
3. Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → name it RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled.
4. Double-click → set value to 0 → OK.
5. Restart your PC.

✅ This fix is often required after Windows updates causing 0x0000011b errors.

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Fix 5: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes security software blocks printer connections:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall.
2. Attempt to connect to the printer.
3. If successful, add the printer as an exception in your security software.

💡 Do not leave antivirus disabled permanently; it’s just for testing.

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Fix 6: Reset the Print Spooler

Corrupted spooler files can prevent printing:

1. Press Windows + R → services.msc → Enter.
2. Locate Print Spooler → Right-click → Stop.
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS → delete all files inside.
4. Return to Services → Start Print Spooler.

✅ This clears stuck print jobs and frees the spooler.

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Fix 7: Connect Printer Using IP Address

If network detection fails, connecting via IP may help:

1. Press Windows + I → Devices → Printers & scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
2. Click The printer that I want isn’t listed → Add a printer using a TCP/IP address.
3. Enter your printer’s IP → follow prompts to install the driver.

💡 This bypasses network discovery issues that cause error 0x0000011b.

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Fix 8: Remove and Re-add the Printer

1. Press Windows + I → Devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select your printer → Remove device.
3. Restart PC → click Add printer or scanner → reinstall the printer.

✅ This clears old settings that may conflict with your connection.

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Fix 9: Roll Back Recent Windows Updates

If the error appeared after a recent update:

1. Press Windows + I → Update & Security → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.
2. Select the recent update → click Uninstall.
3. Restart PC → try connecting to the printer again.

💡 This is especially helpful if registry or network settings changed after updates.

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Fix 10: Use Manufacturer’s Troubleshooting Tool

Most printer brands provide diagnostic software:

1. HP Print and Scan Doctor (HP)
2. Canon My Printer (Canon)
3. Epson Printer Utility (Epson)

✅ These tools detect and fix printer-specific issues automatically.

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Additional Tips

• Always use genuine drivers from the manufacturer.
• Keep your Windows updated, but verify compatibility with printers.
• Avoid connecting multiple printers simultaneously if not needed.
• Regularly clear print queue to prevent stuck jobs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is error 0x0000011b?
A1: It’s a network printer error that occurs due to driver conflicts, Windows updates, or network issues.

Q2: Can I fix it without editing the registry?
A2: Yes, try updating drivers, resetting the spooler, or using IP-based connection first.

Q3: Is it safe to disable antivirus for this fix?
A3: Temporarily, yes, to test printer connectivity. Always re-enable it after.

Q4: Why does this error appear after Windows updates?
A4: Some updates modify network authentication settings, causing conflicts with shared or network printers.

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Conclusion

The Windows cannot connect to the printer – Error 0x0000011b can disrupt workflow, but it’s usually fixable. Firstly, check drivers, restart devices, or use Windows troubleshooting tools. Additionally, registry edits, spooler reset, or connecting via IP often resolves network printer issues.

By carefully following these steps, you can restore printer functionality and prevent error 0x0000011b from interrupting your printing tasks on Windows 11 or 10.