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How to Fix Network Printer Sharing Error in Windows 10 & Windows 11 (100% Working)

If your network printer sharing is not working, displaying errors like 0x0000011b, 0x0000007c, Printer Offline, or Windows cannot connect to the printer, this guide will help you fix the problem.

These solutions work for Windows 10, Windows 11, and most printer brands including HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, Ricoh, Kyocera, Xerox, Pantum, Samsung, and Zebra.

Step-by-step guide to fix network printer sharing errors, printer offline issues, and error 0x0000011b in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Common Network Printer Sharing Errors

• Windows cannot connect to the printer
• Error 0x0000011b
• Error 0x0000007c
• Error 0x0000011f
• Printer Offline
• Access Denied
• Network Path Not Found
• Shared Printer Not Available

Why Does Printer Sharing Fail?

• Windows Update issues
• Disabled Network Discovery
• Incorrect printer sharing settings
• Firewall blocking printer communication
• Outdated printer drivers
• Print Spooler service problems
• SMB configuration issues

Method 1: Enable Network Discovery

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
4. Enable Network Discovery.
5. Enable File and Printer Sharing.
6. Save the changes.

Method 2: Enable Printer Sharing

1. Open Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer.
3. Select Printer Properties.
4. Open the Sharing tab.
5. Check Share this printer.
6. Assign a simple share name.

Method 3: Restart Print Spooler

services.msc

Locate Print Spooler, right-click it, and choose Restart.

Method 4: Fix Error 0x0000011b

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

reg add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print" /v RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Start write the next paragraph here

Restart your computer after applying the command.

Method 5: Install the Latest Printer Driver

Download and install the latest driver for your printer model from the manufacturer's official support website, then restart your PC.

Method 6: Connect to the Shared Printer

\\ComputerName

Example:

\\OFFICE-PC

Method 7: Add Printer Using TCP/IP Address

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Device.
3. Select The printer that I want isn't listed.
4. Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
5. Enter the printer's IP address.

Method 8: Disable Password Protected Sharing

Open Advanced Sharing Settings and turn off Password Protected Sharing if appropriate for your trusted network.

Method 9: Check Windows Firewall

Allow File and Printer Sharing and Network Discovery through Windows Defender Firewall.

Method 10: Clear the Print Queue

Stop the Print Spooler service, delete all files from:

C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Restart the Print Spooler service.

Method 11: Enable SMB 1.0 (Legacy Printers Only)

If you use an older printer that requires SMB 1.0, enable SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support from Windows Features. Only do this on trusted networks because SMB 1.0 has known security risks.

Method 12: Update Windows

Go to Settings → Windows Update and install the latest updates before testing the shared printer again.

Supported Printer Brands

• HP
• Epson
• Canon
• Brother
• Ricoh
• Kyocera
• Xerox
• Pantum
• Samsung
• Zebra

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my shared printer not showing on the network?

Ensure Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled, both devices are on the same network, and the Print Spooler service is running.

How do I fix printer error 0x0000011b?

Apply the registry fix, restart Windows, and reconnect the shared printer.

Why does my printer show Offline?

Check the network connection, clear pending print jobs, restart the Print Spooler service, and verify the printer is powered on.

Can Windows 11 share printers with Windows 10?

Yes. Printer sharing works between Windows 10 and Windows 11 when sharing is enabled and compatible drivers are installed.

Does Windows Firewall block printer sharing?

It can. Ensure that File and Printer Sharing and Network Discovery are allowed through the firewall.

Conclusion

Most network printer sharing problems can be fixed by enabling Network Discovery, verifying printer sharing settings, restarting the Print Spooler service, updating printer drivers, and applying the appropriate Windows fixes. Following these steps should restore reliable printer sharing for most home and office environments.