Since you are here, you most likely encountered an error 0x0000011b. The scenario is quite like this: When you try to connect a network printer to your PC, a popup message shows up that says, “Windows cannot connect to the printer – Operation failed with error 0x0000011b”. If you can recall it correctly, this error message started appearing after the recent Windows update.
Don’t worry; you are not the only one having this trouble. Several users have reported the same issue. However, the good news is, tech experts have already come up with the solution. Not one, but multiple ways to fix the issue, so you have the alternatives to try.
This article will walk you through the most convenient ways to fix this network printer error of the Windows operating system. So, without further ado, let’s start the proceedings.
What is Error 0x0000011b?
Basically, irregular entries in the Windows registry or wrongly configured system cause a 0x0000011b error. When you receive this error message, it means there’s a malfunction in the system operation. Usually, improper software installation or the uninstallation is the reason behind this system malfunction. It can result in a crash, freeze, or sudden shutdown of your PC. This is a security concern that can make your computer vulnerable to malware attacks.
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A Bug in The KB5005565 Windows Update
Many users figured out that they received a 0x0000011b error after installing the September 14, 2021, cumulative update. Later it becomes clear that a bug in the KB5005565 security update is causing the problem.
The update is released to address the CVE-2021-1678 – Windows Print Spooler Spoofing Vulnerability. According to Microsoft. “A security bypass vulnerability exists in the way the Printer Remote Procedure Call (RPC) binding handles authentication for the remote Winspool interface.”
The KB5005565 update introduces a new policy and registry key. Windows admins can use the registry key to enable or disable Enforcement mode on the server-side to increase the RPC authentication level to deal with the vulnerability. Meanwhile, addressing the vulnerability, the KB5005565 release triggered another mess.
When enabled, Windows encrypts RPC communication between your computer and network printer. And this encryption process drives the failure of connecting to the printer.
In Short:
- Error 0x0000011b is caused by irregular entries in the Windows registry, faulty installation or uninstallation of software, missing files that are accidentally deleted.
- The KB5005565 security update triggers the issue in computers running on Windows OS.
- Windows 10 21H1, 20H2, or 2004 users are facing this printing error.
- The problem lies in the encryption of RPC communication with network printers.
How to Fix Error 0x0000011b?
The issue is just a couple of weeks old. So it is supposed to be tough finding the solution. But thanks to all the tech savvy people, we already have multiple ways to deal with 0x0000011b error. Until Microsoft officially comes out with a solution, you can take any of these routes to solve this network printer issue. Here is how to fix error 0x0000011b on your windows computer.
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Fix-1: Uninstall The Kb500556 Update
It is the simplest way to fix the error. If you prefer to avoid the technicalities and just want to get rid of the hassle, you can follow this procedure.
Step-1: Go to Update & Security settings >> View update history
Go to Windows settings and select Update & Security settings. In the right section there is the View update history option. Click on it and go to the update history tab.
Step-2: Select uninstall updates
In the View update history tab, the first option you will find is Uninstall updates. When you select the option, it opens a new window named Installed Updates.
Step-3: Uninstall The Kb5005565 update
Then you will see an endless list of all the previous windows updates. Don’t bother searching manually. Just go to the search box and search for Kb5005565. The Security Update for Microsoft Windows (Kb5005565) will appear on screen. Now right-click to it, you will find the Uninstall, click to it and confirm the uninstallation of Kb5005565 security update.
Alternative Way: Uninstall the update using the Command Prompt
Open the command prompt as administrator. Type “wusa/uninstall/kb: 5005565” in command, and press the enter button. Click Yes to confirm the removal.
These are easy procedures. However, uninstalling update is the least recommended method to fix error 0x0000011b. It will make your computer security vulnerable to malware attacks. Besides, if the latest Windows update is not installed on your computer, you might face several other issues like Skype Error Code 12175. So, you should look at the next methods to find a better solution.
Fix-2: Set a Static IP Address for Your Printer
You can make the error 0x0000011b message disappear without removing the latest Windows update. Setting the printer’s IP address to be static is an effective way to solve the printing error.
Step-1: Go to Devices >> Printers & scanners
Again, go to Windows settings, but this time select Devices settings. On the left sidebar there is Printer & scanners. Click on it and proceed to the next step.
Step-2: Add an unlisted printer
On the top, you will have an option to Add printers & scanners. Click to “Add a printer or scanner”. It will take time to search for a device. After a few seconds, a link will appear that says, “The printer that I want isn’t listed.” Click on it to start the procedure to add a new printer.
Step-3: Add a printer using a TCP/IP or hostname
Now, the Add Printer window will appear. There you have multiple options to add a printer or find one. Choose “Add a printer using a TCP/IP or hostname” and hit the Next button.
Step-4: Set an IP address
After that, set an IP address for your printer in the Hostname or IP address field, and click next. Your computer will connect to the printer, and you can see the printer’s name on the device list. If you share the printer with other users, select the “Share this printer so others on your network can find and use it” check box.
Fix-3: Disable The Cve-2021-1678 Mitigation
Since the encryption of RPC communication due to Cve-2021-1678 mitigation is one of the reasons behind a 0x0000011b, you can try to disable the mitigation. However, if you disable the mitigation, your computer will be vulnerable again. To do that, execute the following steps:
Step-1: Open The Registry Editor and navigate to Print Key
First, open the Registry Editor. If you don’t know how to open it, type “regedit” in the windows search box. Once you open the editor, navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print key.
Step-2: Create a new DWORD-32 bit value
After that, you need to create a new DWORD-32 bit value, RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled. Then to disable the mitigation set its value to 0 (zero).
Rolling Up
Now you know all the probable solutions to fix this network printer error. Although none of the methods are official solutions, if you have already applied one of the methods, the error 0x0000011b message won’t show up anymore. Yet, there are some basic practices like checking for printer driver updates or troubleshooting you should follow when a Windows cannot connect to the printer message arrives.
Hopefully, this article helped you solve the error 0x0000011b issue. If so, you will find our other articles helpful too. For example, we have covered Windows-related topics like Spotify Error Code Auth 2: On Windows PC or VLC Error Opening File For Writing to help you solve these issues on your own.
