In October 2021, Microsoft posted a help article stating the issue of Epson Printer Not Connecting to Windows 11 after the Windows 11 update via a USB cable will not be able to print. Now, this covers almost all of Epson Printer problems, and hence a solution had to be searched for.
It is noted that when you connect your Epson Printer to your Windows 11 system, you are prompted with an error like “Cannot Print to the USB Printer”. However, as soon as you get past the notification, you will be allowed to print successfully. Apart from this issue, many other issues could be causing the Epson Printer connection problem with Windows 11. This article will help you find the reasons and solutions to it.
Why is Epson Printer Unable to Connect to Windows 11?
Your Epson Printer is unable to connect to Windows 11 due to the following potential reasons:
1. The new KB5006746 update is causing this issue.
2. There is some general inconsistency that is causing this issue.
3. There is some issue in the Print-to-PDF feature.
4. There is a Printer Spooler Service error.
How to Fix Epson Printer Not Connecting to Windows 11
You can easily fix the Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11 issues with the help of the solutions that have been discussed below.
Solution 1: Re-enable Print to PDF Feature
The Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11 issue could be possible due the latest update in the Print-to-PDF feature. To fix it, you need to 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 off 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.
Solution 2: Run Printer Troubleshooter
A general issue or error could also be the reason for Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11. You can fix it by running the Printer Troubleshooter using these steps:
1. Open the Run dialog box and type the following, 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 3: Uninstall the KB5006746 update
To uninstall the problematic KB5006746 update that is causing the issue of the Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11, 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, you need to right-click the KB5006746 updates and tap Uninstall.
4. Next, select Yes when prompted. Then, let the uninstall finish.
5. Now, visit the official page of the Microsoft show or hide the 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 on 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 to your network printer without receiving the same ‘Windows couldn’t connect to the printer’ message.
Solution 4: Use Registry Editor
To manually fix the Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11 issue, you can use the Registry Editor by following 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 5: Restart Printer Spooler Service
An error in the Printer Spooler service could also be the reason for your Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11. Try restarting your Printer Spooler service using the following steps to fix this issue:
1. Firstly, press the Windows key on your keyboard, and in the dialog box that opens on the screen, type Services.
2. After opening the Services screen, go to the Print Spooler service.
3. Now, right-click the Print Spooler Service and tap on Stop. Doing this will halt all the services.
4. Now, again, right-click the Print Spooler Service and click Start to restart the services.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1. Will Epson printer work with Windows 11?
Answer: Yes, Epson Printer does work with Windows 11. However, if you find that a Windows 11 driver is not available for an Epson Printer, you can install a normal driver that comes with Windows 11.
Q2. Why is my Epson scanner not connecting to my computer?
Answer: This could be due to a connectivity issue or a problem with your USB cable. Our scanner might not be working also when your Windows system is in standby mode. The best way to fix this issue would be secure your USB cable and power cycle your system and scanner.
Q3. How do I connect my Epson scanner to my computer wirelessly?
Answer: To do that, follow these steps:
1. Turn on your scanner, and press the Wi-Fi button on the Scanner.
2. In your system, open the wireless networks list and select the SSID of your scanner.
3. Lastly, select the connect option.
Q4. How do I reset my Epson printer?
Answer: To factory reset your Epson Printer, follow these steps:
1. Firstly, you need to turn off your Printer.
2. Next, press and hold the reset button which is located towards the right of the Ethernet port of your Printer.
3. Now, turn on the Printer while still holding the reset button.
4. Your Printer will start resetting.
Q5. How do I reset my Epson wireless printer?
Answer: To reset the wireless Epson Printer, follow these steps:
1. Firstly, switch off your Printer.
2. Next, press and hold the reset button which is located towards the right of the Ethernet port of your Printer.
3. Now, turn on the Printer while still holding the reset button.
4. Your Printer will start resetting.
Conclusion
We hope you will now be able to fix the Epson Printer not connecting to Windows 11 issue. However, if the problem persists, 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.