How to Fix Error 0x0000011b When Connecting a Printer in Windows 11 and Windows 10

The 0x0000011b error usually occurs when trying to connect a network printer in Windows 11 or Windows 10. It is often related to security changes introduced in system updates. This issue commonly appears after installing updates that strengthen printer security measures. To resolve this problem, you can try several methods:

1. Uninstall the Latest Windows Update

Sometimes security updates can cause conflicts when connecting a printer. Try uninstalling the latest update if the error appeared after its installation.

How to do it:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security → View Update History.
  3. Select Uninstall updates.
  4. Find the update installed before the error occurred and uninstall it.

Note: This method is not recommended as a long-term solution, as rolling back updates can leave your system vulnerable.

2. Modifying the Registry

You can try disabling enhanced printer security via the registry.

Instructions:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print.
  3. Right-click on an empty space in the right panel, select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Name the new value RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled.
  5. Set its value to 0.
  6. Restart your computer.

3. Using a Command to Open Printer Ports

Sometimes the problem is related to blocked network ports. You can try opening the necessary port for printing using a command.

How to do it:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose "Run as administrator").
  2. Enter the following command and press Enter: 
    netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Printer" dir=in action=allow protocol=TCP localport=445
  3. Restart your computer.

4. Manually Adding the Printer

If the automatic printer installation fails, you can try adding the printer manually.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers.
  2. Click Add a Printer.
  3. Choose The printer that I want isn't listed.
  4. Enter the printer's network address manually, for example, \\Printer_IP_Address\Printer_Name.

5. Disabling SMB 1.0 (If Enabled)

The SMB 1.0 protocol can cause security and device connection issues. It’s recommended to check if this feature is enabled and disable it if necessary.

How to do it:

  1. Open Control Panel, then go to Programs → Turn Windows features on or off.
  2. Look for SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support and make sure it’s unchecked. If it’s checked, uncheck it.
  3. Restart your computer.

6. Updating Printer Drivers

Make sure you have the latest drivers for your printer. Outdated drivers may cause conflicts with the updated operating system.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Find your printer in the list and right-click on it.
  3. Select Update Driver.

These methods should help you fix the 0x0000011b error. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your printer manufacturer’s support or Microsoft for further assistance.