The Windows printer error 0x0000011b usually appears when a client computer tries to connect to a shared printer hosted on another Windows machine. This problem became common after Microsoft introduced security updates that changed how RPC (Remote Procedure Call) printer authentication works.

Fortunately, fixing it is simple and only requires a small registry change on the host computer — the machine that shares the printer.

What Causes Error 0x0000011b?

This error is typically triggered by printer security hardening updates issued by Microsoft. The updates adjust the RPC authentication levels used when clients connect to shared printers. While intended to increase security, they often break printing in small networks or home environments.

How to Fix the Issue

Follow these steps on the computer that is sharing the printer:

1. Open Registry Editor

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to the Print Key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print

3. Create a New Registry Value

Right-click in the right panel and choose:

New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

Name it:

RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled

Set its value to:

0

4. Restart the Print Spooler

Restart-Service spooler

5. Reinstall or Connect the Printer

Now try connecting the shared printer from the client computer again — it should work without the 0x0000011b error.

Example: Checking Spooler Status (Optional)

Get-Service spooler

Conclusion

The 0x0000011b error is caused by recent Windows security changes affecting shared printers. By disabling enhanced RPC authentication through the registry and restarting the Print Spooler, you can restore normal printing functionality across your network.

If the issue reappears after Windows updates, simply re-apply the registry fix on the host computer.