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The article explains how to fix Cannot connect to printer error in Windows. We provide fixes for typical Windows issues. When Windows just displays an unusual error code such as 0x00000c1 without providing any other information, the situation can be perplexing.
You receive the error message “Windows cannot connect to the printer” when your Microsoft Windows computer cannot connect to the printer. This prevents you from printing documents or managing your printer. If your printer is off, the wrong printer drivers are not loaded, or your PC has a little bug, these are some of the common causes of this message. Once these issues are resolved, your PC will be able to successfully connect to yours. You can print your documents using a printer. Here, we have mentioned 5 ways to fix Cannot connect to printer issue in Windows 11/10.
How to fix can’t connect to printer error in Windows 11/10
Restart the print spooler service
Follow the steps below to stop the Print Spooler service and restart it.
Step 1: Press win+R (Windows logo key and R key) at the same time. A Run dialog box will open.
Step 2: Model services.msc in the run box and click OK button.
Step 3: Under Service Status, click Stop button.
Step 4: Click To start button to start the service again.
Step 5: Click OK button.
After that, add the printer again and see if the problem persists.
Create a new local port
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Control Panel.
Step 2: View by large icons, click Devices and Printers.
Step 3: Click Add a printer at the top of the window. Note: To continue, you need to log in to the computer as an administrator.
Step 4: Select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
Step 5: Select Create a new port, change the “Port type” to Local port and click Next button.
Step 6: Enter a port name in the box. The port name is the printer’s address. The address format is \IP address or Computer NamePrinter’s Name (see screen below). Then click OK button.
Step 7: Select your printer model from the directory and click Next button.
Step 8: Follow the remaining onscreen instructions to complete adding the printer.
Delete printer drivers
The problem could be caused by printer drivers. Then you can try to remove the drivers and install them again. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press win+R (Windows logo key and R key) at the same time. A Run dialog box will open.
Step 2: Model printmanagement.msc in the run box and click OK button.
Step 3: In the left pane, click All Drivers.
Step 4: In the right pane, right-click the printer driver and click Delete on the pop-up.up.up menu.
Step 5: Add the printer again.
Copy “mscms.dll” manually
Step 1: Open C:Windowssystem32 and find the file “mscms.dll“.
Step 2: Copy the file to the following path:
C:windowssystem32spooldriversx643 if using 64-bit windowsC:windowssystem32spooldriversw32x863 if using 32-bit windows
If you have no idea what version of Windows you are using.
Step 3: Try connecting to the printer again.
Delete a subkey
Modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause serious system problems. Therefore, before starting, it is recommended that you go back up the registry key so that you can restore it in case any problems occur.
Step 1: Stop print spooler service. (see steps in Solution 1 to stop the service)
Step 2: Press win + R (Windows logo key and R key) at the same time. A Run dialog box will open.
Step 3: Model regedit in the run box and click OK button.
Step 4: Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionPrintProvidersClient Side Rendering Print Provider. Right-click on Client-side rendering print provider and select Delete.
Step 5: Start the print spooler service.
Step 6: Restart the computer and try adding the printer again.
Conclusion
Here they are final from our article how to fix unable to connect to printer issue in Windows 11. The “Windows cannot connect to printer” error is often caused by a software issue, which you can resolve using the techniques mentioned above. All the above mentioned methods should help you to fix “cannot connect to printer” error on your Windows laptop. The article is finished and now you know how to resolve Unable to connect to printer error in Windows.