To resolve the error code 0x0000011b "Windows cannot connect to the printer", you can follow these steps: 1. Uninstall the problematic printer update (such as KB5009543) or install the update patch; 2. Restart and configure the Print Spooler service while clearing the print queue folder; 3. For professional users, enable unsecure guest authentication through Group Policy; 4. Try manually adding the printer and setting the standard TCP/IP port. These methods can usually effectively fix connection problems caused by system updates or network configuration, and can restore normal printing functions without reinstalling the system or replacing the hardware.

If you're getting the error "Windows cannot connect to the printer" with the code 0x0000011b , you're not alone. This is a common issue that pops up after Windows updates, especially when connecting to a shared printer over a network. The good news is that it's usually fixed without too much hassle.

Here are some of the most effective ways to resolve this problem.

1. Reinstall the Printer Update (KB5009543 or newer)

Microsoft released an update in early 2022 that changed how Windows handles remote printer connections — and that's often the root cause of this error. If you recently updated your system and started seeing this error, try uninstalling the problematic update :

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history
• Click Uninstall updates
• Look for KB5009543 , KB5018482 , or any other recent print spooler-related update
• Right-click and uninstall it

After removing the update, restart your computer and try reconnecting to the printer.

Note: Microsoft has since rolled out newer fixes, so if possible, install a more recent patch instead of completely removing the old one.

2. Fix Print Spooler Settings

The Print Spooler service handles communication between your PC and the printer. Sometimes it gets stuck or misconfigured:

• Press Win R , type services.msc , and hit Enter
• Scroll down and find Print Spooler
• Right-click and select Stop
• Then right-click again and choose Start

Also, make sure it's set to run automatically:

• Double-click Print Spooler
• Under Startup type , select Automatic
• Click Apply and OK

You can also clear the spool folder:

• Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
• Delete all files inside (make sure the spooler is stopped first)

3. Use the Group Policy Fix (for Pro Users)

If you're on Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can tweak a policy to allow insecure guest logos:

• Press Win R , type gpedit.msc , and open the Local Group Policy Editor
• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Netlogon > Maximum password age
• Find the setting Allow Insecure Guest Authentication
• Set it to Enabled

Then run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt as admin to apply the changes.

This helps when connecting to printers shared from another machine or a server using older protocols.

4. Try Adding the Printer Manually

Sometimes Windows gets confused trying to auto-connect. Instead, try adding it manually:

• Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
• Click Add a printer or scanner
• Wait a few seconds — if it doesn't show up, click The printer that I want isn't listed
• Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings
• Choose Create a new port , pick Standard TCP/IP Port , and enter the printer's IP address

Follow the prompts to install the correct driver if needed.

Fixing error 0x0000011b usually comes down to a mix of updates, policies, and connection methods. One of these steps should get your printer working again — no need to reinstall Windows or replace hardware.

Basically that's it.

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