The most common cause of this issue is the KB5005565 update, which added stricter RPC encryption to fix vulnerabilities like PrintNightmare. It can also happen if there are mismatched or outdated drivers on the client or print server. This problem is more common with network-shared printers where the main computer uses stricter security settings, causing connection issues. While uninstalling updates can help, many users find it more effective to change registry settings, like disabling RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled, to revert the RPC communication changes. Now that we know what causes this issues lets move on to the solutions of this error.
1. Install every pending update
Since KB5005565 caused printer issues by increasing security measures, later updates often include fixes for the network printing problem, removing the need for complex workarounds like changing registry settings.
2. Install the local printer driver for the local port
One way to fix the 0x0000011B error is by installing the printer as a local device using a local port. This trick makes your computer treat the network printer as if it’s directly connected, avoiding network issues. By adding the printer as a “local printer” through the control panel, you set up a direct connection, often bypassing the security updates that caused the error. This can solve the issue without changing your network security settings.
3. Disable CVE-2021-1678 mitigation
Turning off CVE-2021-1678 is crucial to fixing printer error 0x0000011B, which appeared after the KB5005565 update. This update enforced stricter RPC encryption, blocking network printer connections. Changing the registry setting RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled to 0 bypasses these security measures and restores network printer functionality. Note: Rolling back also reopens security vulnerabilities, so users should be cautious before applying it
4. Uninstall the problematic update (KB5005565)
Removing the KB5005565 update can fix the 0x0000011B printer error. This update introduced stricter security for RPC communication, which can block network printer connections. Uninstalling it reverts the system to its previous state, allowing printers to connect without the extra restrictions.
