Windows cannot connect to the printer

The printer is not responding. Windows cannot find the printer.

The windows cannot connect to the printer registry fix is a solution for Windows users who have been experiencing issues when connecting to their printers.

Milan Stanojevic is a writer who lives in Belgrade, Serbia.

Expert in Windows and Software

Milan has been fascinated by computers since he was a kid, and this has led him to be interested in all PC-related technology. He worked as a front-end web developer before joining WindowsReport. Continue reading

This page was last updated on September 17, 2021.

Originally published in March 2019

• If Windows is unable to connect to the printer, the issue is generally with the printer’s drivers.
• Keep in mind, however, that you may do some basic tests to verify whether the printer is functioning correctly.
• It’s also a good idea to double-check the physical connections and cords connecting all of the printing components. 

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If you just upgraded to Windows 10 or updated to the most current Windows 11 version, you may have received an error message stating that Windows cannot connect to the printer.

There are tried-and-true remedies to the problem, which are covered in this article. Please feel free to read and follow the instructions in order to fix this annoying issue.

Some printers may not operate properly with Windows 10 S, or you may have restricted functionality with your printer.

This tutorial will also assist you if you get the message “Windows cannot connect to the printer 0x0000011b” or “Operation failed with error 0x0000011b.”

However, before we begin the major procedures to resolve this issue, we must first conduct a few diagnostic measures to verify that the printer and other components are operational.

What can I do to ensure that my printer is operational?

A lot of printer connection difficulties stem from simple issues like a cable that isn’t fully connected in or other fundamental settings.

Although these may seem self-evident to many of you, there’s no harm in checking them out before moving on to more complex matters.

Ensure that your printer is switched on and powered up.

Check to see whether the printer is switched on.

Check to see whether the printer’s power cord is connected into an outlet. Make that the printer is switched on by pressing the power button. It should be a light or a display indicator.

Ensure that the data connection is correctly connected.

It’s possible that the data wire between your printer and computer isn’t fully connected in; double-check both ends for correct connection.

If you have any cause to suspect that the present cable has been damaged, you may try a different one.

Turn on the wireless option on your printer, then perform the wireless connection test from the menu option for wireless printers (if you have one).

All network components should be turned on.

If you’re using a shared printer or network, make sure all of the necessary components are switched on.

If a printer is shared via a network PC, for example, that PC should be switched on. In addition, the router that links the PC must be operational.

Restart your computer.

It’s possible that restarting your computer may fix the issue.

Although it is not directly linked to the problem with your printer, a reboot of Windows may resolve a variety of problems.

Simply press the Start button, then the Power symbol, then Restart. Wait for the computer to restart and check for any changes.

What can I do if my printer won’t connect to my computer?

1. Check to see whether your printer is an Unspecified device and make sure the drivers are up to date.
2. Your printer should be uninstalled and reinstalled.
3. Disable your antivirus protection program for the time being.
4. Check the printer’s default settings.
5. Install a Windows Update.
6. Spooler files should be cleared and the service should be restarted.

1. Determine if your printer is an Unspecified Device and update the drivers if it is.

1.1 Check to see whether your printer is displayed as an Unspecified Device on your computer.

1. Click the Start button, enter control into the search box, then choose Control Panel from the list of options.
2. Select your printers and devices.
3. Check the Unspecified area to check whether your printer is listed.

If your printer is listed in the Unspecified area, go to the next step.

1.2 Drivers should be updated

1. Select Device Manager from the list by right-clicking the Start button.
2. Expand Printers or Printer Queues, locate your printer in the list, right-click it, and choose Update Driver. If you can’t locate it in the parts above, check under USB controllers or LPT on your computer.
3. Select Automatically search for drivers now.
4. If a new driver is found, the system will install it, and you will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Most printers need driver software to function correctly. You may need to update your existing printer driver if you updated or upgraded to Windows 10.

Manually downloading and installing the driver is another option to explore. If Windows can’t locate a driver update for your printer or you don’t have an installation CD, try this.

You may look for the newest driver for your printer on the manufacturer’s website. Additionally, if you have the installation DVD, it may include software for installing a printer driver.

Another option for updating your drivers is to utilize a program like DriverFix. Install it, and it will automatically update all obsolete drivers with only a few clicks.

To find possible problems, run a System Scan.

To detect Windows problems, click Start Scan.

To solve problems with Patented Technologies, click Repair All.

To identify faults causing security issues and slowdowns, do a PC Scan using Restoro Repair Tool. The repair procedure will replace damaged files with new Windows files and components once the scan is completed.

If you don’t want to search for and download drivers manually, this approach is ideal, so give it a go.

2. Reinstall your printer after uninstalling it.

2.1 Remove the printer from your computer

1. Choose Start and then Settings.
2. Select your devices.
3. On the left pane, choose Printers & Scanners.
4. Locate your printer and right-click it, then choose Remove device.

If you’re having trouble with this step, we also offer a guide on how to uninstall a printer in Windows 10.

2.2 Install the printer once again

1. Select Settings from the Start button.
2. Select your devices.
3. On the left pane, choose Printers & Scanners.
4. Select Add a printer or scanner to your setup.
5. If your printer is detected by the system, choose it and continue with the installation. If the printer you want isn’t displayed, you may click on The printer I want isn’t listed.
6. You now have a variety of choices, including a network or Bluetooth printer, for every scenario. Because it’s the most frequent, we selected Add a local printer in our example. Choose the best choice for you and then click Next.
7. Then, from the drop-down box, choose the port to which your printer is attached and click Next. Printers are typically linked to a USB connection nowadays, although this may not be the case in your circumstance. If you’re not sure which one it is, look it up in the printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
8. Look through the list for the manufacturer and model. If there aren’t enough options, hitting the Windows Update button will add a lot more, but it will take a few minutes.
9. If you have the software disk that came with the printer, you may also click the Have Disk option. Click Next once you’ve chosen your printer.
10. Click Next after selecting the printer name (it’s already there, but you may change it).
11. The printer will be installed in a matter of seconds by the system. You may choose whether or not to share the printer, but at the conclusion of the process, click Next.
12. You may choose Finish after clicking the Print a test page button in the final box. We suggest printing the page since it will inform you whether the printer is working.

You may print a test sheet to make sure the printer is working properly. If it’s installed but not working, look for troubleshooting or driver upgrades on the device’s manufacturer’s website.

To connect to a local printer, connect the printer’s USB cord to a computer USB port, then turn on the printer.

3. Turn off your antivirus protection program for the time being.

1. Click the Start button, enter security into the search box, and then choose Windows Security from the list of options.
2. Select Virus and Threat Protection from the drop-down menu.
3. Under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, scroll down and select Manage settings.
4. Real-time protection should be turned off.

We’ve shown you how to disable your system’s fundamental security, Microsoft Windows Defender, in this solution.

If you have a third-party antivirus installed, however, the Windows Defender protection has already been overcome, and you will need to deactivate that antivirus instead.

Look for the deactivate option in your antivirus’s main window or in its settings window. Don’t worry, they all have the ability to turn themselves off.

Uninstalling third-party software on your PC, such as computer cleaners or antivirus programs, is another alternative.

When it comes to safeguarding your PC with antivirus software, temporarily deactivate it since you’ll need it to keep your computer safe from security threats.

You may activate it again as soon as you’ve resolved the connection problem. However, if the antivirus is the source of the problem, this may be a good time to switch to a new one.

Try Eset Internet Security if you want a trustworthy antivirus that won’t interfere with your system in any manner.

4. Verify the printer’s default settings.

1. Select Settings from the Start menu.
2. Select your devices.
3. On the left pane, choose Printers & Scanners.
4. Uncheck the option next to Let Windows control my default printer.

You may change this option on Windows 10 from the current printer to the one you wish to use if your printer keeps switching from the default one.

5. Run a Windows Update to keep your computer up to date.

1. To check for updates from the results, go to Start, enter update, and then click Check for updates from the results.
2. Right-click the Check for Updates button.
3. If the system detects new updates, they will be downloaded and installed; however, you must restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Keep Windows up to date with the latest system updates and drivers for a healthy PC. This also aids in the resolution of any problems or difficulties you may be having.

If you’re having difficulty upgrading your operating system, we have a great article that will walk you through what to do if Windows Update isn’t functioning correctly.

6. Restart the spooler service after clearing the spooler files.

6.1 Disconnect from the Print Spooler service.

1. Click Start, type services, and then choose the app from the list of options.
2. Double-click Print Spooler under Services.
3. Choose Stop, then OK.

6.2 Restart the Print Spooler service after deleting the contents of the Spool folder.

1. To open File Manager, press Windows key + E, then go to the following path (administrator rights are required to view the folder): C:\WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS
2. If you discover any folders in the folder, delete them all. The folder seems to be empty in our example, but this may not be the case in your situation.
3. Select the Services app from the results by pressing the Start button and typing services.
4. Double-click Print Spooler under Services once again.
5. Start by pressing the Start button.
6. Select Automatic from the Startup Type drop-down menu.
7. After that, click Apply, then OK.

We also have a helpful post that will show you what to do if the Print Spooler on Windows 10 keeps halting.

How do I go to Windows 10’s printing preferences?

It’s easy to configure the printer if it comes with its own software for printing, scanning, and administration, but if you don’t have it, it might be difficult.

You may search for your printer on the manufacturer’s support website and download the software if it’s available. If not, you may change your printing settings by following our simple guide.

1. Select Settings from the Start button.
2. From the left pane, choose Printers and Scanners.
3. Select Manage from the drop-down menu next to your printer.
4. Select the Printing Preferences option now.
5. You may customize the parameters in the following window, but bear in mind that it may appear different depending on your printer type and manufacturer.

If none of our suggestions helped, contact the manufacturer of your printer for further troubleshooting and assistance depending on your particular problem.

Of course, additional cords for your printer, such as the power, data, and network connections that may be attached to your printer, may also be useful.

Cables, in our experience, are susceptible to wear and strain and may result in a variety of issues, including total disconnection.

We hope that our solutions assisted you in resolving this printer connection issue, and that you are now able to continue working without interruption.

We also suggest reading our tutorial on how to delete a corrupted printer driver since the primary cause of such an issue is a faulty driver.

In the comments area below, please share your experiences and any questions or ideas you may have.

Are you still experiencing problems? Use this tool to fix them:

1. Download this TrustPilot.com-rated PC Repair Tool (download starts on this page).
2. To identify Windows faults that may be causing PC difficulties, click Start Scan.
3. To resolve problems with Patented Technologies, click Repair All (Exclusive Discount for our readers).

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The windows cannot connect to the printer there is not enough memory error can be caused by a variety of reasons. It’s important to troubleshoot the issue and find the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix Windows Cannot connect to the printer?

The printer might be offline, or the printer might not have a driver for your operating system.

Why does my computer say Cannot connect to printer?

This is most likely due to a printer driver issue. Try reinstalling the printer.

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