How to Fix the 0x0000011b Network Printing Error in Windows?

Are you experiencing the 0x0000011b issue that is hindering your ability to print from your Windows PC? I understand. This regular problem, which usually manifests itself while printing over a network, is generally associated with problems with connectivity or driver conflicts.

Problems with printing can stall production in any setting, be it a home office, a small workplace, or a big corporation. Rest assured, this mistake is not as difficult to fix as it first appears.

Find out how to fix the 0x0000011b error and restore normal printer operation with the help of this comprehensive guide. If you’re having problems printing, we’ll walk you through every step of resolving the problem, from checking your network connection to changing your Windows settings.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, because we’re about to reveal a simple solution that will allow you to resume your job uninterrupted.

Table of Contents

A Brief About Windows 0x0000011b Network Printing Error

A common issue that happens when trying to print across a network is the Windows 0x0000011b network printing error. This problem typically manifests itself following a Windows upgrade or as a result of improper network or printer configuration. Occasionally, this problem will show up as “Windows cannot connect to the printer” or “Operation could not be completed (error 0x0000011b).”

In most cases, Windows is unable to establish a stable connection to the shared printer due to a network printing dispute, which is the underlying reason for this problem. Problems with printer permissions, outdated drivers, or corrupted updates are other possible causes. Windows 10 and subsequent editions have mostly observed this problem after installing specific security updates.

Particularly in a business setting, this problem can severely impair productivity since users may lose the ability to send print jobs to a shared network printer. You can fix the 0x0000011b error by changing some Windows settings, installing new printer drivers, or removing any security features that prevent you from printing from your network.

Why You May Face Windows 0x0000011b Network Printing Error?

When dealing with the Windows 0x0000011b network printing error, it’s essential to understand the possible causes behind it.

Printer Drivers That Are Too Old: The 0x0000011b problem could be caused by conflicts with network printing, which might be caused by older or incompatible printer drivers.
The Windows Update for Security: Network printing may become unusable if you install some Windows updates, particularly security patches, because these updates modify critical network settings.
Problems with Network Setup: Windows may fail to establish a stable connection to the printer due to incorrect network settings or insufficient connections.
Problems with Sharing Printers: Misconfigured shared printer settings can prevent Windows from successfully connecting to network printers.
Printer Driver Files That Are Corrupted: The inability of Windows to deliver a print job could be caused by files that are either missing or corrupted in the printer driver.
The Misuse of Access Rights or Permissions: Users on the network may not be able to access the printer or send print jobs if the printer does not have enough rights.
Connection Blocked by Firewall: This error could be caused by security software or firewalls that prevent your computer and printer from communicating over the network.
The Firmware or Model of the Printer Is Not Compatible: There may be connectivity issues with some printers—particularly older models—because they aren’t completely compatible with current versions of Windows.

Ways to Fix 0x0000011b Network Printing Error in Windows

There are a number of ways to fix the annoying problem with 0x0000011b network printing and get your printer working again. You can always resolve problems, whether they stem from out-of-date drivers, incorrectly configured network settings, or recent Windows upgrades. To help you overcome the issue, I have outlined five different methods below.

Solution 1. Install or Update the Drivers for Your Printer

One of the most prevalent reasons for the 0x0000011b problem is printer drivers that are outdated or corrupted. If your computer and printer are no longer able to communicate, try updating or reinstalling the drivers.

Press Windows + X, then choose Device Manager to open the Device Manager.
After you expand the Printers section, find your printer and right-click on it. Then, choose the update driver.
Windows will automatically look for updated drivers if you choose this option.
To remove the driver, right-click on the printer and choose “Uninstall device.” If that approach is unsuccessful, please consider updating the driver.
Turn off your computer and then reinstall the printer’s drivers using the CD that came with your device or the manufacturer’s website.

Solution 2: Remove All Windows Updates

The 0x0000011b issue can be caused by some Windows security updates that change the network printing settings. If the error occurred after an update, reverting to a previous version of the software can resolve the problem.

Select Update & Security from the list of options that appears in Settings (Windows + I).
Go to the top of the page and click on Uninstall updates. Then, choose View Update History.
You should look for the most recent updates (especially security updates) that could be the source of the issue.
Restart your computer after selecting the update and clicking Uninstall.
See whether the problem continues to occur. Consider suspending updates until a new update becomes available to address the issue.

Solution 3. Modify Printer Sharing Preferences

Windows may be unable to access a shared printer due to incorrectly configured printer sharing settings. Fixing the 0x0000011b error requires making sure the printer is correctly shared and can be accessed across the network.

Launch the Control Panel and navigate to the Devices and Printers section.
If you want to see the printer’s properties, right-click on them and choose Printer Properties.
Verify that the Sharing tab has “Share this printer” checked.
Make sure that the 32-bit and 64-bit drivers are installed correctly under the Additional Drivers section.
Before submitting a test print job, double-check the settings and make sure the connection is stable.

Solution 4. Turn off the Printer’s SNMP Status

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) function occasionally causes printer connectivity issues. The 0x0000011B problem can be fixed if you disable this option.

Launch the Control Panel and navigate to the Devices and Printers section.
Choose “Printer properties” from the context menu that appears when you right-click with your printer.
Press the Configure Port button in the Ports section.
Select “SNMP Status Enabled” and then uncheck the box.
If the problem persists after clicking OK, try testing the printer again.

Solution 5. Adjust Firewall or Security Software Settings

A firewall or security program might prevent your computer and printer from communicating, which can cause the 0x0000011b error to appear. Restoring connectivity is possible by modifying these settings.

Windows Defender Firewall can be accessed from the Control Panel.
Select the app or functionality you want to allow through Windows Defender Firewall.
For all networks, public and private, make sure that File and Printer Sharing is enabled.
Open the printer’s settings to confirm that no third-party security software is blocking its network communication.
Make sure that the problem has been fixed by trying to print again after making the necessary adjustments.

If your printer is experiencing the 0x0000011b error, try these methods to fix it and get it working again on the network. After exhausting these options without success, you may want to contact the printer’s manufacturer or an expert technician.

Conclusion

Finally, getting past the Windows 0x0000011b network printing error isn’t rocket science—as long as you know what you’re doing. You can fix your printer and remove the issue by following the procedures provided: upgrading the drivers, uninstalling troublesome updates, changing the sharing settings, turning off SNMP, and adjusting the firewall settings.

Resolving this problem will make sure that printing works well whether you’re at home or you’re responsible for a busy office. Please do not hesitate to seek expert assistance or contact your printer’s manufacturer for further support if the issue persists after attempting all of the alternatives. Using these options, you may quickly resume uninterrupted printing!