There’s nothing more frustrating than when you’re trying to print something important, and your computer flashes an error message saying that it cannot connect to the printer.
If this happens to you on a Windows 10 computer, you may see an error code 0x0000011b. This error can occur for various reasons, including printer driver issues, connectivity problems, or outdated software.
Fortunately, there are several easy steps you can take to fix the problem and get your printer back up and running.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some troubleshooting tips to help you solve the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” issue on your Windows 10 computer.
Causes of Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b
Printing is a crucial task in an office or school environment, and it can be frustrating when you encounter errors such as the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b.
This error message indicates that your Windows 10 computer failed to connect to a network printer. It can be due to various reasons, and we’ve listed them below:
Incompatible Printer Drivers
One possible cause of the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b is having incompatible printer drivers installed on your computer.
Sometimes, the driver used by the printer you are connecting to is outdated or incompatible with the Windows version you are running. It can lead to this error message.
To resolve the issue, you can check if there are available updates for the printer driver. You can visit the manufacturer’s website and look for the latest driver update for your specific printer and Windows version. Once you have updated the printer driver, you can try connecting to the printer again.
Incorrect Printer Configuration
An incorrect printer configuration can also trigger this error message. It can be caused by the incorrect printer name, printer IP address, or network settings.
If any of these settings are incorrect, you may encounter the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b.
To fix this issue, you need to check the printer’s configuration settings, such as the printer name and IP address.
You can do this by going to the printer’s web interface, which you can access by typing the printer’s IP address on your web browser.
Once you have the correct details, you can update your printer configuration by going to the “Devices and Printers” section in Windows settings. Then, you can add the printer and enter the updated configuration settings.
Firewall Settings
Your computer’s firewall settings can also cause issues when connecting to a network printer. If your Windows Firewall is blocking the printer’s communication, it can lead to the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b.
To fix this problem, you can temporarily disable your computer’s firewall and check if you can connect to the printer.
If disabling the firewall resolves the issue, you can add an exception for the printer in your firewall settings to allow its communication. You can do this by going to “Windows Security” in the Windows settings and clicking on “Firewall and Network Protection.”
Network Connectivity Issues
Another possible reason for the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b is network connectivity problems.
If the computer and printer are not connected to the same network, or if the network connectivity is unstable, it can cause this error.
You can troubleshoot the network connectivity by checking the cables, ports, and router settings. Make sure that both your computer and printer are connected to the same network and that the network is stable.
You can also try restarting your network devices, such as the modem and router, to fix any connectivity issues.
Printer Spooler Service
The printer spooler service is an essential component of the printing process in Windows. It manages the print jobs and sends them to the printer.
If the printer spooler service is not running correctly, it can cause the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b.
You can check the printer spooler service status by going to the “Services” section in your Windows settings and verifying that the “Print Spooler” service is running. If it is not running, you can start the service and try connecting to the printer again.
Overall, the causes of the Windows cannot connect to the printer windows 10 error 0x0000011b can be due to various reasons, such as incompatible printer drivers, incorrect printer configuration, firewall settings, network connectivity issues, and printer spooler service problems.
By troubleshooting and resolving these issues, you can connect to the printer and get your printing tasks done.
Troubleshooting steps for Windows cannot connect to the printer error
Windows 10 is a reliable operating system that supports various hardware and software devices, including printers.
However, users may sometimes encounter issues when trying to connect their printers to the computer. One of the most common problems reported by Windows 10 users is the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” error 0x0000011b.
This error message indicates that your computer is unable to establish a connection to the printer, which can be frustrating.
If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry. This post will help you troubleshoot and resolve the Windows cannot connect to the printer error 0x0000011b. Here are some steps you can take:
Step 1: Check your printer connection
The first step in troubleshooting the Windows cannot connect to the printer error is to check your printer connection.
Ensure that your printer is properly plugged in, turned on, and connected to your computer using a USB or network cable.
Also, check the printer manual for specific instructions on how to connect the printer to your computer. It’s important to ensure that your printer is set up correctly, as this could be the reason for the error message.
Step 2: Reinstall the printer driver
If your printer is correctly connected, the next step is to check if your printer driver is installed correctly. Sometimes, outdated or incorrect printer drivers can cause the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” error. To reinstall the printer driver:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Select “Hardware and Sound.”
- Select “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click on your printer and select “Properties.”
- Click the “Change Driver Settings” button.
- Click “Driver” and select “Update Driver.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Step 3: Use Windows troubleshooter
If reinstalling the printer driver does not resolve the issue, you can use the Windows troubleshooter to diagnose and fix issues with your printer. To use the Windows troubleshooter:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select “Hardware and Sound.”
- Select “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click on your printer and select “Troubleshoot.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix issues with your printer.
Step 4: Check your printer settings
If the above steps don’t work, the problem could be related to your printer settings. Check your printer settings and ensure that your printer is configured to the correct port. You can also check the “Advanced” settings and make sure that the printer is set up correctly. To access your printer settings:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Select “Hardware and Sound.”
- Select “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click on your printer and select “Printer Properties.”
- Click on “Advanced” and select the right settings.
Step 5: Contact the manufacturer
If the above steps don’t work, you can reach out to the manufacturer of your printer for further assistance. Contact their customer support team and provide them with your printer’s model number and the error message.
They may be able to provide you with specific instructions on how to resolve the Windows cannot connect to the printer error 0x0000011b.
getting the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” error message can be frustrating, but it’s a problem that can be resolved. If you’re experiencing this issue, try these five troubleshooting steps, and one of them is bound to resolve the problem.
How to check printer drivers for Windows cannot connect to the printer error
If you have encountered the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” error with the error code 0x0000011b on your Windows 10 computer, one of the reasons could be an issue with the printer drivers.
Printer drivers are software that allow your computer to communicate with your printer, and if they are outdated, missing, or not functioning properly, your computer may not be able to connect to the printer.
To fix this issue, you may need to check and update your printer drivers. Here are some steps you can take:
Step 1: Check for printer driver updates
The first thing you should do is check if there are any updates available for your printer driver. Here’s how:
- Open the Windows Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu.
- Expand the “Printers” category and locate your printer.
- Right-click on your printer and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update your printer driver.
If there are no updates available for your printer driver, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Reinstall your printer driver
If updating the driver did not solve the issue, you may need to reinstall your printer driver. Here’s how:
- Open the Windows Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu.
- Expand the “Printers” category and locate your printer.
- Right-click on your printer and select “Uninstall device” from the context menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the driver.
- Once the driver is uninstalled, restart your computer.
- After your computer has restarted, connect your printer to your computer and install the driver again.
If reinstalling the printer driver did not resolve the issue, you may need to try the next step.
Step 3: Check your printer hardware
If none of the above steps have worked, the issue may be with your printer hardware. Here are a few things you can check:
- Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer.
- Check if the printer is displaying any error messages or lights.
- Make sure there is sufficient paper and ink/toner in the printer.
- Try connecting your printer to a different USB port on your computer.
- Check if your printer is compatible with Windows 10.
If your printer is still not working after checking the above, you may need to contact your printer manufacturer for further assistance.
if you are getting the “Windows cannot connect to the printer” error with the error code 0x0000011b, it could be due to issues with your printer drivers.
Follow the above steps to check and update your printer drivers and troubleshoot any hardware-related issues to resolve the problem.
Resolving network connectivity issues causing Windows cannot connect to the printer error
It can be frustrating when you need to print an important document, and your Windows 10 PC cannot connect to your printer.
The error message that comes up reads, “Windows cannot connect to the printer. Error 0x0000011b.” This error means that your computer has failed to find and connect to the printer, likely due to network connectivity issues. Below are four methods to resolve such network connectivity issues causing this error:
Method 1: Check Network Connectivity
The first step is to check your network connectivity and ensure that your Windows PC is connected to the same network as the printer.
If you’re using a wired connection, check to make sure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected and plugged in.
If you’re connecting wirelessly, verify that your PC is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. Once you’re sure that your PC is connected to the right network, attempt to connect to the printer again.
Method 2: Restart the Network Devices
If you’re sure that you’re connected to the right network, try restarting the modem, router, or access point that your printer is connected to. Power off the devices, wait for a few seconds and then turn them back on. After the devices have restarted, try to re-establish the connection between your printer and PC.
Method 3: Verify Printer Sharing Settings
You should ensure that your printer sharing settings are configured correctly if you’re printing via a network. You should check that the printer is shared on the network as well as the Windows 10 PCs on which it is to be accessed.
To check sharing settings, navigate to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers.” Right-click the printer in question and choose “Printer Properties.
” Click on the “Sharing” tab and confirm that the printer is shared correctly by selecting “Share this Printer.” On the other Windows 10 PCs, add the shared printer and try connecting to it again.
Method 4: Remove and Reinstall the Printer
If the steps above don’t solve the issue, remove and reinstall the printer. To do this, navigate to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers” and search for your printer.
Once found, right-click on it and choose “Remove Device.” Next, restart your PC and add the printer again. To do so, navigate to “Start” > “Settings” > “Devices” and click the “Add a Printer or Scanner” button.
Follow the instructions to add the printer and see if your PC can successfully connect to it.
there are several reasons why your Windows 10 PC might not be able to connect to your printer, such as network connectivity issues and sharing settings.
The methods suggested above should be sufficient to resolve the Windows cannot connect to the printer error 0x0000011b.
If these fixes don’t work, it may be necessary to consult with manufacturer support for further assistance.
Fixing Printer Spooler Service to Resolve Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer Error
Windows 10 is a great operating system, but each user can face various mysterious issues from time to time. One of such issues is when you cannot connect to the printer.
This issue can be identified by the error code 0x0000011b. When you receive this error message, it means that a printer driver on your computer is outdated or missing.
The error can occur due to several reasons, including network issues, driver issues, or software conflicts. Fortunately, there are ways to resolve this error.
One of the most effective methods is to fix the printer spooler service. Here, we will show you how to fix the printer spooler service to resolve windows cannot connect to the printer error.
What is Printer Spooler Service?
The printer spooler service is a software program that allows your computer to communicate with your printer.
When you send a print command from your computer, the printer spooler service manages the print job by placing it in a queue. The spooler then sends the print job to the printer in an organized manner.
It also provides status updates on the print job, such as whether it is currently printing or has been completed.
Steps to Fix Printer Spooler Service
Fixing printer spooler service is crucial if you want to resolve windows cannot connect to the printer error. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Stop the Printer Spooler Service
The first step you need to take is to stop the printer spooler service. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows + R key on your keyboard.
- In the Run box, type services.msc and press Enter.
- In the Services window, scroll down until you see “Print Spooler.”
- Right-click on Print spooler and select “Stop” from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Delete the Printer Jobs
After stopping the printer spooler service, you need to delete all the printer jobs from the queue. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R key on your keyboard.
- Type “C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS” in the Run box and press Enter.
- Select all the files in the “PRINTERS” folder and delete them.
Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler Service
Now that you have stopped the print spooler service and deleted the printer jobs, you need to restart the print spooler service. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R key on your keyboard.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Start from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
If the above steps do not solve the issue, you may need to update or reinstall the printer driver. To update the printer driver, follow these steps:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R key on your keyboard.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
- Click on Printers in the Device Manager window.
- Check the printer that is causing the issue and right-click on it.
- Select “Update Driver Software.”
To reinstall the printer driver, follow these steps:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R key on your keyboard.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
- Click on Printers in the Device Manager window.
- Check the printer that is causing the issue and right-click on it.
- Select “Uninstall.”
- Download the latest printer driver from the printer manufacturer’s website.
- Install the latest printer driver on your computer.
The windows cannot connect to the printer error 0x0000011b is an issue that can be caused by several factors.
However, one of the most effective ways to resolve it is to fix the printer spooler service. You can fix printer spooler service by stopping the service, deleting printer jobs, and restarting the service.
If the issue persists, you may need to update or reinstall the printer driver. Following these steps will help you resolve the error code 0x0000011b and reconnect your printer to your computer.