Are you seeing the message windows 11 couldn’t connect to the Printer? If yes, then you need not worry since this issue can be solved with a few easy solutions. This article will help you find those solutions!
Why does Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer?
The issue of Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer could be caused due to the following potential reasons:
1. The KB5006746 update is causing the issue.
2. There is some general inconsistency that is causing this issue.
3. There is some issue in the Print-to-PDF feature.
How to Fix Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer?
Follow the solutions mentioned below to fix the issue of Windows couldn’t connect to the printer message on Windows 11:
Solution 1: Run Printer Troubleshooter to Fix Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer
If there is some general inconsistency that is causing the issue of Windows couldn’t connect to the printer message on Windows 11, run the Printer Troubleshooter using these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box and type the follow, and hit the Enter key:
ms-settings:troubleshoot
2. The Troubleshoot tab in the settings app will open.
3. Select the Other Troubleshooters option from the menu and then select the Run button associated with the Printer.
4. Wait until the scan is complete. By the end of the scan you will be presented with the issue and its fix if there is any.
5. You can reboot your system to check if your issue is resolved.
Solution 2: Uninstall Previous Update to Fix Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer
To uninstall the problematic KB5006746 update that is causing the issue of Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer, follow these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box, type the following and hit Enter:
appwiz.cpl
2. The Programs and Features screen will open, in which you need to select the View installed updates menu on the left.
3. In the Installed Update window, right-click the KB5006746 updates and select Uninstall.
4. Next, select Yes when prompted and let the uninstall finish.
5. Now, visit the official page of the Microsoft show or hide troubleshooter. The download for the update would begin automatically.
6. After the download is done, open the .diagcab file and tap the Advanced button.
7. Next, check the Apply Repairs Automatically box and then click Next.
8. Wait till the pending updates are completed, and then in the next screen click the Hide Updates option from the list.
9. Next, check the box associated with the KB5006746 update and click Next to hide it.
10. Finally, reboot your PC if you are now able to connect your network printer without receiving the same ‘Windows couldn’t connect to the printer’ message.
Solution 3: Use Registry Editor to Fix Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer
You can also use the Registry Editor to manually fix the issue of Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer. To do that, follow these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box, type the following and hit Ctrl + Shift +Enter keys:
regedit
2. The Registry Editor with admin access will open. You then, need to click Yes when prompted by the User Account Control.
3. Next, in the Registry Editor tool, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
4. In the current window, right-click an empty space and select New, then click Dword Value (32 bit).
5. Name the new DWORD value to RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled
6. Double-click the RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled value and set the Base to Hexadecimal and the value data to 0.
7. Finally, click OK to save the changes and then restart your system.
Solution 4: Re-enable the print to PDF feature
It is possible that the latest update in the Print-to-PDF feature caused the issue of Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer. To fix it, follow these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box, type the following and hit Enter:
Appwiz.cpl
2. In the Programs and Features menu that opens, click the Turn Windows features on or of option.
3. Next, click Yes when prompted by the User Account Control for admin access.
4. Now, in the Windows Features screen, check the Microsoft Print to PDF box by scrolling down.
5. Click OK to save the changes and reboot your system.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1. Will my printer work with Windows 11?
Answer: If you are updating from a Windows 10 to Windows 11, your printer should work with no issues at all.
Q2. How to add my printer in Windows 11?
Answer: To add a printer in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Make sure to connect your Printer and your Computer or Laptop via USB cable.
2. Open Printer and Scanners on your Windows 10 system.
3. Now, tap the option: The Printer that I want isn’t listed. Let Windows 11 find your Printer.
4. Choose “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings” and click on Next.
5. Use an existing port LPT1: (Printer Port) and then choose your Printer Model No.
6. Select “Use the driver currently installed (recommended)” and click Next.
7. Add your HP Printer model number/name and share the Printer if you want to; otherwise, choose the “Do not share” option.
8. Click “Set as Default.”
Q3. How do I find the WPS PIN for an HP printer?
Answer: To do that:
1. Go to the Printer screen where you will find the Wi-Fi Protected setup option.
2. Then, select the WPS PIN. You need to remember this PIN as it will only be visible for 10 seconds and then generate a new PIN.
Q4. How do I add a scanner in Windows 11?
Answer: To add a scanner in Windows 11, follow these steps:
1. Make sure to connect your Printer and your Computer or Laptop via USB cable.
2. Open Printer and Scanners on your Windows 10 system.
3. Now, tap the option: The Printer that I want isn’t listed. Let Windows 11 find your Printer.
4. Choose “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings” and click on Next.
5. Use an existing port LPT1: (Printer Port) and then choose your Printer Model No.
6. Select “Use the driver currently installed (recommended)” and click Next.
7. Add your HP Printer model number/name and share the Printer if you want to; otherwise, choose the “Do not share” option.
8. Click “Set as Default.”
Q5. How many GB is Windows 11?
Answer: To install Windows 11 in your system, it is important to have 64 GB or greater storage available. Further, additional storage is required for updates and specific features.
Conclusion
We hope you will now be able to fix the issue of Windows 11 couldn’t connect to the printer. However, if you are still not able to solve the problem then, you can connect with us via the chat box at the bottom right or through the comment section below. We’ll try to help you solve the issues with Windows 11.