What is Printer Error 0x0000011b?

The 0x0000011b printer error usually appears after a Windows update when trying to connect to a shared network printer. Users often see messages like:

“Windows cannot connect to the printer”
“Operation failed with error 0x0000011b”
“Cannot complete operation”

This issue mainly affects:

Windows 10
Windows 11
Shared office printers
Network printers
Why Does Error 0x0000011b Happen?

This error is commonly caused by:

Recent Windows security updates
Print spooler issues
Incorrect registry settings
Network sharing problems
Outdated printer drivers
Method 1: Restart Print Spooler Service
Step-by-Step
Press Windows + R
Type:
services.msc
Press Enter
Find Print Spooler
Right-click → Restart

Now try printing again.

Method 2: Registry Fix (Most Working Solution)

⚠ Important: Backup registry before changes.

Follow These Steps
Press Windows + R
Type:
regedit
Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
Right-click blank area → New → DWORD (32-bit)
Create this name:
RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled
Set value to:
0
Restart computer

This fix works for most shared printer connection problems.

Method 3: Uninstall Problematic Windows Update

Some Windows updates trigger this error.

Steps
Open Control Panel
Go to:
Programs → View Installed Updates
Remove recent updates like:
KB5005565
KB5006670
KB5007186
Restart PC
Method 4: Reinstall Printer Driver

Old drivers may cause connection failure.

Steps
Open:
Device Manager
Expand:
Printers
Right-click printer → Uninstall Device
Download latest driver from official website:
HP Support
Canon Support
Epson Support
Brother Support
Install latest version
Method 5: Add Printer Using IP Address

Instead of shared printer name, use IP address.

Steps
Open:
Control Panel → Devices and Printers
Click:
Add Printer
Select:
The printer that I want isn't listed
Choose:
Add printer using TCP/IP address
Enter printer IP

Done.

Method 6: Enable SMB Printing
Steps
Open:
Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows Features On or Off
Enable:
SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Restart system
Common Printers Affected
HP printers
Canon printers
Epson printers
Brother printers
Bonus Tips

✅ Keep Windows updated
✅ Use original printer drivers
✅ Avoid corrupted shared printer settings
✅ Restart router for network printers
✅ Use static IP for office printers

FAQ
How do I permanently fix 0x0000011b printer error?

The registry method using:

RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled = 0

works permanently for most users.

Does Windows 11 cause printer error 0x0000011b?

Yes. Many users reported this issue after Windows security updates.

Can antivirus cause printer connection problems?

Sometimes yes. Disable firewall temporarily and test printer connection.

0x0000011b printer error fix
Windows cannot connect printer
printer sharing problem
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network printer fix
Windows 11 printer issue
print spooler solution

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