Is the registry fix safe?

Setting RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled to zero lowers the security level for print connections, which is generally acceptable on trusted home or small office networks.

Do I need to apply the registry fix on the host computer, the client, or both?

Typically, the fix is applied on the client computer attempting to connect to the shared printer, though some environments require it on both.

Will future Windows updates undo this registry fix?

Future cumulative updates might alter security baselines, but the registry key usually remains effective unless specifically overwritten by Microsoft security patches.

Driver IssuesWorth attentionAbout 10 min

Windows Printer Error 0x0000011b: Meaning and Fix

Quick answer

Printer error 0x0000011b is caused by a Windows security update that hardens RPC authentication for shared printers. Fix it by creating the RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled registry DWORD set to 0 or by connecting via IP address.

Published 17 August 2026

What this means

Error code 0x0000011b does not mean your printer is broken. The hardware is completely fine. A Windows security update simply changed the RPC authentication requirements for network printer sharing to address CVE-2021-1678 and related print spooler flaws.

Because of this security hardening, your computer and the shared printer cannot complete their connection handshake. People often waste time rebooting the printer or checking physical cables. The actual barrier is happening inside the Windows operating system.

The Print Spooler service controls print jobs, but these new security rules are blocking it. Mismatched drivers or network naming problems sometimes compound the confusion. The operating system is enforcing a security block that stops your computer from talking to the shared network printer.

Common causes

Windows security update applied to client or host PC
RPC authentication settings mismatch
Network path resolution issues using hostnames
Disabled network discovery
Mismatched printer driver architecture between host and client
Windows Firewall blocking printer and file sharing ports

What to check first

1Verify both computers are connected to the same local network
2Confirm the printer works when connected directly via USB
3Check if a recent Windows security update was installed

Step-by-step fix

1
Add Registry Key on Client PC
Open Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print, create a DWORD value named RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled, and set its value to 0. Restart the computer.
Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system instability. Follow instructions carefully.
2
Connect Using Host IP Address
Remove the existing printer connection. Press Windows Key + R, type the host computer IP address like \\192.168.1.50, right-click the shared printer, and select Connect.
If the host IP changes, the printer connection will be lost.
3
Check Print Spooler Service
Restart the Print Spooler service on both the host and client computers through the Windows Services manager.
4
Enable File and Printer Sharing in Firewall
Ensure File and Printer Sharing is allowed through the Windows Defender Firewall on the host computer so client traffic is not blocked.
5
Reinstall the Network Printer
Remove the failing printer from the Devices and Printers list, then re-add it using the correct network path or IP address.

When to contact a professional

Call your network administrator if company domain group policies overwrite registry changes. Do the same if active directory permissions block printer sharing.

Questions people ask

Why did my network printer stop working suddenly?: Microsoft released a security update that tightened authentication requirements for network printers, which broke existing shared printer connections.
Is the registry fix safe?: Setting RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled to zero lowers the security level for print connections, which is generally acceptable on trusted home or small office networks.
Do I need to apply the registry fix on the host computer, the client, or both?: Typically, the fix is applied on the client computer attempting to connect to the shared printer, though some environments require it on both.
Will future Windows updates undo this registry fix?: Future cumulative updates might alter security baselines, but the registry key usually remains effective unless specifically overwritten by Microsoft security patches.

Was this guide helpful?

Not the problem you have?

Switch off and unplug a printer before reaching inside it. Steps that can damage hardware or affect a warranty are flagged above. If your machine is still under warranty, or the fault involves the power supply or internal electronics, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician instead. Full disclaimer.

What this means

Common causes

What to check first

Step-by-step fix

Add Registry Key on Client PC

Connect Using Host IP Address

Check Print Spooler Service

Enable File and Printer Sharing in Firewall

Reinstall the Network Printer

When to contact a professional

Questions people ask

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