How to fix
Network printing error 0x0000011b
on Windows

Hello. I'm having issues with some Print Servers after installing the latest Windows Updates. I'm getting the error "Connect to printer Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x0000011b" and the printer fails to install. Is there any way to fix this?

Windows is one of the most popular operating systems created by Microsoft and is used by regular home users and big corporations as well. Windows customization abilities make it attractive for different industries and purposes. The easy-to-use interface and automatic troubleshooting options make it accessible to different groups of people.

Windows errors can cause a lot of inconveniences for users. Usually, they are left confused, as there are no explanations about what could be causing the issue or how it should be fixed, and people are forced to look for information online. Recently, many complaints came flooding from business owners to the forums about their workers not being able to use printers in the offices. 

This network printing error 0x0000011b is mainly seen in small business and home networks that are unable to get their hands on a Kerberos setup on a Windows domain,[ref en-1] and it was noticed that issues started appearing after installing the latest Windows Updates KB5005627, KB5005563, or KB5005613.

Windows security updates were supposed to patch PrintNightmare and MSHTML vulnerabilities.[ref en-2] They exploit the Windows Point and Print[ref en-3] feature to perform remote code execution and gain local SYSTEM privileges. When the updates were released, they did not automatically protect the machines. Users had to create a Registry Key to mitigate the vulnerability manually.

In September's patch, Microsoft enabled this setting by default for every Windows device, and that is when users started experiencing the 0x0000011b error when trying to use network printers. Trying to fix this issue could take a while, so you can try using [d1] repair tool to avoid going through all the possibilities. It can identify the damaged system components, fix BSODs,[ref en-4] and registry issues by scanning the system. This software could also be used to free up space by clearing cookies and cache, which should boost the device's performance.

Below you will find a few manual methods that could fix the network printing error 0x0000011b and get your workplace going again. Please follow all of the steps very carefully:

Solution 1. Uninstall Windows Updates

Uninstalling updates will most likely fix the problem, but keep in mind that your device will become vulnerable to hackers:

• Press Windows + R
• Type "Control Panel"
• Select Programs
• Press View installed updates

• Uninstall KB5005627, KB5005563 and KB5005613
• Restart

Solution 2. Disable the CVE-2021-1678 mitigation

You can disable the mitigation until Microsoft comes out with a new solution, as that vulnerability is not actively exploited:

• In the Windows search box, type regedit, and select Registry Editor
• Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Print key
• Create a new DWORD-32 bit value named RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled, and set it to 0

Once you disable this mitigation, you will no longer be protected from the vulnerability, but it will hopefully allow you to print again.

Solution 3. Set a static IP address

• Click Start and select Settings
• Choose Devices
• Select Printers & Scanners
• Click on Add a printer or scanner
• Click on The printer I want isn’t listed
• Check the option Add a printer using a TCP/IP or hostname and click Next

• Type the Hostname or IP address of the printer and click Next
• If more people use the printer check the Share this printer so that others on your network can find and use it option
•  You can test the printer by clicking on Print a test page