Windows cannot connect to the printer
"Windows cannot connect to the printer" appears when adding a shared or network printer. The code after it points to the cause; here is how to fix it.
What this error means
This message appears when your PC tries to connect to a printer shared from another computer, or to a network printer, and the connection fails. It is usually followed by "Operation failed with error" and a code, or by "Access is denied". The code matters: it tells you whether the problem is the security rules between PCs, driver files, permissions, or simply that the other computer can't be reached.
Common causes
- Security changes in Windows that block older shared-printer connections
- The host computer is off, asleep, or not sharing the printer
- A missing or mismatched printer driver
- Your account lacks permission to install the driver or use the share
- Network discovery or sharing turned off
How to fix it
Start with the first fix. They’re ordered from safest and quickest to most involved.
Fixes for Windows
0 of 7 steps tried
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Note the code that follows the message
The text after the message points to the cause. 0x0000011b and 0x00000bc4 relate to Windows connection and security rules between PCs. 0x0000007e points to a driver file. 0x00000709 is usually a default-printer or permissions issue. Access is denied means admin rights or share permissions. Each has its own page on this site with targeted fixes.
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Make sure the host computer is reachable
Check that the computer sharing the printer is on and awake, and that the printer prints from it. Both PCs should be on the same network, with the network profile set to Private and Network discovery and File and printer sharing turned on in Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
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Update both PCs
Install all updates from Settings > Windows Update on the host and the connecting PC, then restart both. Mismatched update levels are the most common cause of shared-printer connection errors.
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Remove old connections and reconnect
On the connecting PC, remove the printer in Printers & scanners and restart. Then press Win + R, type two backslashes and the host's name (for example
\\OFFICE-PC), press Enter, right-click the shared printer and choose Connect. -
Install the driver locally first
Install the correct driver for your model and Windows version from the manufacturer's official support site on the connecting PC before connecting. Windows then uses the local driver instead of trying to pull one from the host.
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Connect directly by IP address
If the printer has its own Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, add it on each PC with Add device > Add manually > Add a printer using an IP address or hostname. This avoids PC-to-PC sharing entirely and is the most reliable setup for home and small offices.
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Restart the Print Spooler on both PCs
On each computer, open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command below, then try connecting again.
net stop spooler && net start spooler
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Still stuck? The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Do I need to be an administrator to connect?
Often, yes. Since 2021, Windows by default requires administrator rights to install a driver from a shared printer. Once the driver is installed, standard users can connect and print.
What is the most reliable way to share a printer?
If the printer supports Wi-Fi or Ethernet, connect every computer to it directly by IP address. Sharing through one PC adds an extra point of failure and is affected by Windows security changes.