The 0x0000011b network printing error is a common problem affecting Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, particularly when trying to print via a shared network printer. This error is often caused by recent Windows security updates, which introduce stricter authentication policies for network printing. If you’re encountering this issue, don’t worry—we have compiled a detailed troubleshooting guide to help you resolve the error and restore seamless network printing.

What Causes the 0x0000011b Network Printing Error?

The 0x0000011b error is primarily triggered by security updates that impact how Windows handles Remote Procedure Call (RPC) authentication. The main causes include:

✔ Microsoft Security Updates – Updates like KB5005565, KB5006670, and KB5007186 implement stricter security for network printing.
✔ RPC Authentication Level Enforcement – New security policies require authentication settings that can block network printing.
✔ Incorrect Printer Sharing Settings – If the printer is not properly shared, Windows devices on the network may fail to connect.
✔ Outdated or Corrupt Printer Drivers – An incompatible printer driver can prevent communication between the computer and printer.
✔ Print Spooler Issues – The print spooler service, which manages print jobs, may not be running correctly.

How to Fix the 0x0000011b Network Printing Issue

Method 1: Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates

If the error started after a Windows update, uninstalling the latest update may fix the issue.

Steps to Uninstall a Windows Update:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.

3. Click View update history, then select Uninstall updates.

4. Locate updates like KB5005565, KB5006670, KB5007186, and uninstall them.

5. Restart your computer and check if network printing is working.

Method 2: Modify the Registry to Disable RPC Authentication Enforcement

Microsoft’s security patches enforce RPC authentication, which can interfere with network printing. Disabling this feature via the registry can resolve the error.

Steps to Modify the Registry:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   mathematica

   CopyEdit

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print

3. Right-click the Print folder and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

4. Name the new value RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled and set its value to 0.

5. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Method 3: Add the Printer Manually Using an IP Address

If Windows fails to detect the printer automatically, you can manually add it using the printer’s IP address.

Steps to Manually Add a Printer:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.

2. Click Add a printer > The printer that I want isn’t listed.

3. Select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname and click Next.

4. Enter the printer’s IP address and follow the installation instructions.

Method 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service is responsible for managing print jobs, and restarting it may resolve the issue.

Steps to Restart Print Spooler:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Locate Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.

3. Try connecting to the printer again.

Method 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause the 0x0000011b error. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can fix the problem.

Steps to Update Printer Drivers:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand Printers, right-click your printer, and select Update driver.

3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and install any available updates.

If updating doesn’t work, download the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Method 6: Disable Print Spooler Isolation in the Registry

For some users, disabling print spooler isolation in the registry helps resolve the 0x0000011b error.

Steps to Disable Print Spooler Isolation:

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).

2. Navigate to:

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   CopyEdit

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print

3. Find SharedPrinterSettings and set its value to 0.

4. Restart your PC and try printing again.

Method 7: Enable Printer Sharing and Set Proper Permissions

Ensuring that printer sharing is enabled on the host computer and that network users have the right permissions can prevent connectivity issues.

Steps to Enable Printer Sharing:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.

2. Right-click the shared printer and select Printer properties.

3. Go to the Sharing tab and check Share this printer.

4. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Steps to Set Proper Permissions:

1. In the Printer properties window, go to the Security tab.

2. Ensure that Everyone or specific network users have Print permissions.

3. Click Apply and OK.

See Also: Printer in Error State” Windows 10

Conclusion

The 0x0000011b network printing error can be frustrating, but by following the right troubleshooting steps, you can easily fix it. Start by uninstalling recent updates, then modify the registry settings, manually add the printer, or update your printer drivers. If the issue persists, check printer sharing settings and restart the Print Spooler service.