ERROR 0x0000011b.

The fix depends on whether the printer is shared through another computer: for a shared printer, remove and reconnect it using its network share path; for a printer connected directly by USB or Wi‑Fi, reinstall the printer and its Windows 10 driver.

If the printer is shared from another PC

Error 0x0000011b is commonly encountered while connecting to a Windows-shared printer, but the code alone does not establish the cause.

1. Check sharing on the computer physically connected to the printer (the host):
   • Open Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer, then Manage → Printer properties.
   • Open Sharing, enable Share this printer, and note the share name.
2. Check access from the affected computer:
   • Confirm both computers are on the same local network.
   • Open File Explorer and enter:

          \\HostComputerName
     

   • If prompted, enter the username and password of an account on the host computer.
3. Enable sharing on the host:
   • Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network and Sharing Center.
   • Select Change advanced sharing settings.
   • Under Private, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
4. Remove and reconnect the printer on the affected computer:
   • Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
   • Select the affected printer and choose Remove device.
   • Restart the computer.
   • Return to Printers & scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
   • Select The printer that I want isn’t listed → Select a shared printer by name.
   • Enter:

          \\HostComputerName\PrinterShareName
     

   • Complete installation and print a test page. These are Microsoft’s current Windows 10 shared-printer recovery steps.^1^
5. If Windows requests administrator credentials, provide them. Windows updates from August 10, 2021 onward require administrator privileges by default when Point and Print needs to install or update a driver from another computer.^2^

Do not apply older workarounds that set RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled to 0 or broadly disable Point and Print restrictions. Those changes weaken printer-connection security. Keep administrator-only driver installation enabled and install the required driver with elevation instead.^2^

If the printer connects directly by USB or Wi‑Fi

1. For USB, reconnect the cable to another USB port. For Wi‑Fi, confirm the computer and printer use the same wireless network.
2. Open Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
3. Select the printer and choose Remove device.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Download a driver for the exact printer model, Windows 10, and the correct 32-bit or 64-bit system type from the printer manufacturer.
6. Install the driver, restart, and then select Add a printer or scanner.^3^

If installation still fails, run the automated Printer troubleshooter from the Get Help app. Microsoft’s general procedure then progresses to reinstalling the printer, installing the latest driver, and resetting the Print Spooler.^4^

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so it no longer receives free security fixes or technical support. Moving to Windows 11 is recommended if the computer supports it.^4^

If the error remains, the details needed to select the next branch are the printer make/model, whether it is USB, Wi‑Fi, or shared through another PC, and when the error appears—while adding the printer or while printing.

References

1. Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows
2. KB5005652—Manage new Point and Print default driver installation ...
3. Windows 10
4. Windows 10