Solutions to Fix Windows Error 0x0000011b Printer Issue
Error 0x0000011b, commonly known as Access Denied Printer Error in Windows is one of the known problems many Windows users experience, especially when they want to reach and use a shared printer on the network. This type of error, in most cases, will make it impossible to use the printer over a particular network, therefore making it hard to print any document or send any print commands. This problem is also prevalent in an office or home setting where a number of computers are configured to print to a single printer attached to a different device. The main underlying factors are usually conflicts between network security policies and settings, issues caused by various Windows updates, or incorrect opt in printer sharing policies.
For this article, we will take you through the steps, what causes the 0x0000011b error, and how to troubleshoot it quickly.
Have you ever experienced Error Code 0x0000011b?
To explain it in layman’s language, error 0x0000011b refers to the situation where a person cannot use any shared printer from Windows. It may emerge when one desires to integrate a network printer or while sending a print command across a printer connected via a network.
The common error therefore rendered by the system is usually:
“Windows can’t connect to the printer. Access is denied. Error 0x0000011b.”
This error is faced mostly when typography amenities are needed.
It can be a printing machine connected through the network.
The printer is connected to the computer shared on an inappropriate network.
The network policy, especially after a Windows upgrade, prevents using the printer.
Reasons for the Occurrence of 0x0000011b error… Among others, several factors may give rise to the 0x0000011b error:
Changes from Windows Updates: availability of certain Windows updates such as the security updates have been quoted as having introduced new network security protocols, which prevent sharing of printers. These changes were implemented in updates such as Windows 10 21H2 and beyond which blocked communication between computers and printers connected to the same network.
Tightened Network Security Protocols: With time, Windows adopted tighter network security protocols with the essence of restricting access and security risks. One of these is the security feature called “Netlogon” which for example prevents the use of network printers in case the connection is not secured or trusted.
Incorrect Configuration of Printer Sharing Option: If the printer is not shared properly or in case of error in the network or printer sharing settings on the host device, it can bring forth acute Commercial Ghostwriter services broken links and templates 0x0000011b error.
Team or Host-Side Printer Connection Error: Occasionally, client side or host side firewall settings, or even the application of antivirus software, may interfere with the connection to the printer thereby causing this error.
Driver Installation Error: Often, installation of corrupted or old printer drivers brings about problems of communication between the devices resulting in this situation.
Ways to Fix Error Code 0x0000011b
This is a simple procedure that can help address the error, and make the network printer work again.
1. Check and Change Printer Sharing Options
First, confirm that the sharing printer option has been enabled on the host’s end:
Get into the Control Panel of the system that is connected to the printer.
Find Devices and Printers.
By hovering over the printer that you want to share, right-click on it and go to Printer Properties.
Select Sharing and click on the box that says Share this printer.
Ensure the relevant sharing permission is applied on the printer.
2. Update Printer Drivers
Check that both the host and the client machines have the most recent versions of the printer driver.
Go to printer manufacturer’s website and download and install the latest drivers.
Also, you can remove the printer and add it again in both system as an option to update the drivers.
3. Turn Off SMB Signing
Server Message Block (SMB) signing is a security feature provided with Windows. The error 0x0000011b may appear while accessing the printers on machines which support SMB signing. The issue could potentially be fixed by turning off the SMB signing feature:
To turn off SMB signing:
Press the Windows key on your keyboard along with the R key. In the windows interface that opens write gpedit.msc and hit enter.
Locate Policies in the left pane and go to Windows Settings > Security Settings > Policy > Security Option > Modify Windows 2000 Security Policy.
Locate Enable security signatures and change it to Disabled.
In addition go to the Lanman Server under the Administrative Templates in Computer Configuration and set the option of Require security signatures to Disabled.
Wait for your system to restart in order for the changes to take effect.
4. Modification of the Registry (Advanced)
Note: Changing the Registry is a dangerous task that can destabilize the operating system. If you want to proceed, first back up the Registry.
Press the Windows key and the R key, enter regedit and press the Enter key.
Continue searching until you reach this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
Scan through the contents for a key called ‘RpcAuthnLevel’. Should it not be present, then it can be created by right-clicking the Print directory, then Deputy > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Call the newly created value, RpcAuthnLevel.
Change the value of RpcAuthnLevel to 0 (to turn off authentication).
When the changes are complete, close the registry window and reboot your computer.
5. Enable the Group Policy “Allow Insecure Guest Logons” if applicable.
Access the Group Policy Editor by clicking on the start menu and typing in gpedit.msc.
Expand to the following tree: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Netlogon > Allow Insecure Guest Logons
This policy needs to be set to Enabled.
6. Examine the Windows Firewall Setting and Make Necessary Changes
Make sure that the host machine and the client machine firewalls permit printer sharing:
Select Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Select the option Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
Make sure that File and Printer Sharing is allowed on the private network and on the public network.
