Error codes would certainly appear at the worst time possible, that being when you most desperately needed to print some documents, especially the worst being when they won’t let you finish an important task. The most reported problems, based on complaints from several users, involve issues related to Printer Error Code 0x0000011b. This deals with network printing, brought about by compatibility or connection issues.
In this blog post, we will try and break down what printer error code 0x0000011b is; then what might be a whole comprehensive guide to troubleshoot some network printer errors 0x0000011b.
What is Printer Error Code 0x0000011b?
Printer error code 0x0000011b normally occurs while printing from a networked printer. This error code is only recently becoming quite more frequent with some of the updates that come into Windows after security patches are made. Mostly, this arises from problems with network connectivity with your computer, a problem with the printer, and as well as issues between your printer and the computer, with the faulty settings in the printer. Most of the time, users receive error messages that read “Windows cannot connect to the printer” or “Access Denied.”
This usually happens due to corrupted printer drivers, firewall configurations, or network settings. Well, the good news is that the network printer error 0x0000011b can be fixed with a few easy procedures.
Common Causes of Printer Error Code 0x0000011b
Here are some common causes of Printer Error Code 0x0000011b: Before walking on to the solutions
1. Windows Update: These may have interfered with your use of the windows 10/11 and presented this error for you.
2. Wrong driver of the Printer: Lousy drivers might not be up to the mark, outdated ones or corrupted so the communication interface is disturbed to the printer, your computer end.
3. Poorly configured Firewall settings or network settings, it prevent the needed communication, and printing too.
4. Sharing Settings: Sharing settings for printers are not done properly on the network; thus, it can’t be accessed.
Printer Error Code 0x0000011b Troubleshooting
Now that you know what causes Printer Error Code 0x0000011b, let’s see how to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Verify and Update Printer Driver
This problem is likely because of old or incompatible drivers. In most cases, the fix for Printer Error Code 0x0000011b is updating your printer driver to the latest version.
How to update the printer driver:
-Type Device Manager in the Windows search bar.
Select Printers, where your printer appears, and click it.
Open right click of your mouse; on the left of your pop-up menu choose update driver. On this screen there is an option to search automatically for updated driver software select that and follow all on-screen instructions.
Otherwise, printer vendors put their special drivers on their websites. They probably have listed the latest ones. Try printing and see if the error message keeps on popping up afterward from that updated driver.
2. Deselect Windows Print Spooler Service
Windows Print Spooler is responsible for the print queues. Sometimes, temporarily disabling or restarting your computer helps to resolve the Printer Error Code 0x0000011b.
How to fix the Print Spooler:
Open Run dialog by Win + R. Type services.msc and press Enter. Scroll down to and expand the Print Spooler section. Right-click on it and Restart.
Print again.
If this does not work, then just temporarily disable the service of Print Spooler, and then enable it after some troubleshooting.
3. Disable the SMBv1 Protocol
The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol primarily controls network printing. Perhaps a new Windows update has disabled SMBv1, which will certainly cause the error message of 0x0000011b. Disabling this will remove your error problem.
How to disable SMBv1:
Open your Control Panel and go to Programs.
Click on Turn Windows features on or off
Uncheck SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support
Accept OK and reboot your computer.
This will get rid of the SMBv1 protocol, which everybody is comfortable with, and which has been known to resolve the printing issues with most network printers.
4. Change Group Policy Settings
In the worst case scenario for you, you will be left with no option but to change the group policy settings on the printer sharing.
How to change the group policy:
Windows + R keys. Typing in gpedit.msc and clicking Enter.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers
Find the policy “Allow Print Spooler to accept client connections” and check it
Then restart your computer
This configuration will work just fine with network printer error 0x0000011b as print spooler will allow all connections made from a client machine.
5. Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software interrupts the process of desired communication in network printing. Try disabling the firewall or antivirus software to see if that is the reason for Printer Error Code 0x0000011b.
Check the settings for the firewall:
Open the Control Panel. Open System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Open Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Ensure that File and Printer Sharing is turned on for both your private and public networks.
If you have third-party antivirus software, go there to check if the firewall is preventing your printer.
6. Reinstall the Printer
You’re now left with a last resort-to uninstall and reinstall your printer on your network.
How to reinstall your printer
Open the Control Panel, then click Devices and Printers
-On your printer, right click and delete device. Reboot your computer, reattach your printer to the network; re-install driver for your printer. Now see if problem still persists or not.
Final Words
Sometimes, the error code 0x0000011b can be very irritating, but at least it is possible to remove the error pretty simply by following some kind of troubleshooting steps. Whether it is updating the printer driver disabling SMBv1 or changing network and firewall settings, it will help troubleshoot the network printer error 0x0000011b successfully. If that doesn’t work, then contact Printer Not Working for further guidance.