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Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b – Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b occurs when Windows fails to establish a connection to a network printer. To fix it, apply the registry fix (RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled = 0), uninstall the problematic Windows update (KB5005565 or similar), or update your printer driver. If the error persists, check printer sharing settings, run SFC and DISM, or perform a System Restore. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b Happens

Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is a network printing error that occurs when Windows cannot establish a connection with a shared printer. The error code 0x0000011b is associated with RPC (Remote Procedure Call) authentication issues, particularly after a Windows security update. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft Printer Error 0x0000011b documentation.

When Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b appears, it typically indicates that the RPC authentication settings on the client or print server are too strict. This error is similar to other printer errors like Printer Not Working on Windows 11, but it specifically points to a connection issue rather than a driver or hardware problem. Common triggers include the installation of Windows security updates (KB5005565, KB5005010, or later) that enforce stricter RPC authentication, network policy changes, or corrupted printer drivers.

Before diving into fixes, ensure your printer is powered on, connected to the network, and accessible from other devices. If Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b occurs, the solution often involves adjusting the registry, updating or removing specific Windows updates, or modifying printer sharing settings. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is often caused by security updates. Applying the registry fix reduces security slightly but resolves the connection issue.

1. Check and Install Latest Windows Updates

Before making major changes, ensure your system is up to date. Microsoft has released patches that resolve the Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b issue in later cumulative updates.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install all pending updates, especially cumulative updates.
  4. Restart your PC and test the printer connection.

✅ Expected Result: Installing the latest updates may resolve Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b without additional fixes.

2. Fix Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b via Registry

The most common fix for Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is creating a registry key that disables RPC authentication enforcement.

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
  3. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Name it RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled.
  5. Double-click the new value and set it to 0.
  6. Click OK and restart your PC.
  7. Try connecting to the printer again.

✅ Expected Result: This registry fix resolves Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b for most users immediately.

3. Uninstall the Problematic Windows Update

If the Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b started after a specific Windows update, uninstalling it may resolve the issue.

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
  2. Click Uninstall updates.
  3. Find updates like KB5005565, KB5005010, or KB5006670.
  4. Select and uninstall them.
  5. Restart your PC and test the printer.

⚠️ Warning: Uninstalling security updates may expose your system to vulnerabilities. Only do this as a temporary solution and reinstall the update after testing.

4. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b. Updating or reinstalling them can fix the issue.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Printers or Print queues.
  3. Right-click your printer and select Uninstall device.
  4. Check the box “Delete the driver software for this device” if available.
  5. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
  6. If Windows does not find a driver, visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.

💡 Quick Tip: Download drivers from the manufacturer’s support page rather than using Windows Update for the most stable version.

5. Remove and Re-Add the Printer

Sometimes, removing and re-adding the printer can resolve Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Find your printer and click Remove.
  3. Click Add device and let Windows search for the printer.
  4. If Windows doesn’t find it, click “Add manually” and follow the wizard.
  5. Choose “Add a printer using an IP address or hostname” if the printer is network-connected.

🔁 Alternative Solution: Use the printer’s IP address to add it manually. This often bypasses discovery issues causing Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

6. Check Printer Sharing Settings

If you are connecting to a shared printer on another PC, sharing settings may cause Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

  1. On the computer sharing the printer, open Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
  2. Ensure “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing” are enabled.
  3. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  4. Right-click the printer and select Printer properties.
  5. Go to the Sharing tab and check “Share this printer”.

💡 Quick Tip: Ensure both the client and host PCs are on the same network and workgroup to avoid Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

7. Check RPC and Network Settings

RPC (Remote Procedure Call) settings can cause Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b. Adjusting them may help.

  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
  2. Under Private (current profile), check “Turn on automatic setup of network-connected devices”.
  3. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
    netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
  4. Restart your PC and test the printer connection.

🔁 Alternative Solution: If using a VPN, disconnect it temporarily to test if Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is resolved.

8. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can interfere with printer connections and cause Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b. Running SFC and DISM repairs system files. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and try connecting to the printer again.

✅ Expected Result: SFC and DISM will repair corrupted files, which may resolve Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Check for Malware

Malware can block printer connections. Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Use the Printer Troubleshooter

Run the built-in printer troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Printer > Run.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot eliminates software conflicts. Press Win + R, type msconfig, go to Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” click Disable all, disable startup items in Task Manager, restart, and test the printer.

Reinstall the Printer Using IP Address

If other methods fail, manually add the printer using its IP address. Find the printer’s IP from its display or network settings, then in Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually > Add a printer using an IP address.

If you continue to experience issues, contact Microsoft Support or your printer manufacturer. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is a frustrating but fixable issue. The most reliable solutions are applying the registry fix (RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled = 0), uninstalling problematic updates, updating drivers, and checking sharing settings. If the error persists, running SFC and DISM, resetting network settings, or performing a System Restore will usually resolve the issue.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping Windows and drivers updated, can prevent Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on Printer Not Working, Windows Update Stuck, and Access Denied Error.

Related Guides

FAQ

What causes Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b?

Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b is caused by strict RPC authentication settings, often introduced by security updates like KB5005565, which block printer connections.

How do I fix Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b?

Apply the registry fix (RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled = 0), uninstall problematic updates, update printer drivers, check sharing settings, or run SFC and DISM scans.

What is the registry fix for printer error 0x0000011b?

Create a DWORD value named RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print and set it to 0.

Can I fix 0x0000011b without editing the registry?

Yes, you can uninstall the problematic Windows update (KB5005565, KB5005010) or update your printer driver. However, the registry fix is the most reliable solution.

Which Windows update causes printer error 0x0000011b?

KB5005565, KB5005010, KB5006670, and later cumulative updates that enforce stricter RPC authentication are known to cause Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

Can outdated drivers cause error 0x0000011b?

Yes, outdated or corrupted printer drivers can trigger this error. Updating or reinstalling the driver can resolve it.

How do I add a printer using an IP address?

Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually > Add a printer using an IP address or hostname, enter the printer’s IP, and follow the wizard.

Will disabling RPC authentication reduce security?

Yes, setting RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled to 0 reduces RPC authentication enforcement. Only do this if you trust your network and are experiencing Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

Can a System Restore fix printer error 0x0000011b?

Yes, if the error started after a system change, performing a System Restore to a point before the issue can resolve Windows Cannot Connect to Printer Error 0x0000011b.

Is error 0x0000011b related to network printers only?

Yes, this error typically occurs when connecting to shared network printers. Local printers (directly connected via USB) are usually not affected.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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