How to Fix the “Operation Failed 0x0000011B” Error on Windows 10 & 11
A new security patch released by Microsoft may have caused printers shared over the network to malfunction, resulting in the operation failed 0x0000011B error. The error has primarily affected Windows 10 21H1 build running computers. However, you may also experience it on Windows 11 systems.
You can fix the error by installing the latest patch for the bug in the Windows update section. If not, here are other troubleshooting steps to fix the error and get your printer working again.
Note that all the fixes must be applied to the host system that has the printer connected to it.
1. Restart the Print Spooler Service
A common troubleshooting step to fix issues with your printer is to restart the print spooler service. It is an essential service that handles the print job between your computer and printer. If theprint spooler service is not running, it’s possible to manually start it from the Services snap-in. Here’s how to do it.
2. Install All the Pending Windows Updates
If it’s a widespread issue, you’ll likely receive a bug fix via Windows update. So, begin with checking if a new Windows update is available. These are often small hotfixes released to fix widespread issues.
To check and install Windows updates:
3. Install the Printer Manually via the Local Port
A little complicated, yet a working solution to fix the operation failed error 0x0000011B is toadd your printer manually to Windowsfor the local port. Here’s how to do it.
Your newly added printer will now appear underDevice and PrinterinControl Paneland theSettingsapp. Give a new print job to see if the error is resolved.
4. Disable the CVE-2021-1678 Registry Fix
The problematic security update included a security fix to patch the Printer Spooler Spoofing vulnerability dubbed CVE-2021-1678. However, the new changes seem to have triggered the 0x0000011B operation failed error.
To fix the error without uninstalling the security update, you’ll need to create a new registry entry to disable the feature. Here’s how to do it.
Note that modifying your Windows Registry involves risk. We recommend youback up your Windows registryandcreate a system restorebefore proceeding with the steps below.
Next, follow these steps to disable CVE-2021-1678 mitigation:
5. Uninstall Recently Installed Updates
Assuming the issue is triggered after you installed a Windows security update, uninstalling the update should undo the changes and fix the error. You can uninstall some individual updates from the Windows updates section. This feature is specifically available to undo issues that may have occurred after installing an update.
Note that the concerned update (KB5005565) was released to fix a print spooler vulnerability on Windows OS. Uninstalling the update can leave your computer vulnerable again. Use this as a last resort if none of the above methods helped resolve the error.
To uninstall Windows updates:
Fixing the 0x0000011b Printing Error on Windows
This error has largely affected Windows 10 computers. To fix the issue, strive to install all the pending Windows updates that may include a hotfix. you’re able to also add the printer manually to a local port or edit the registry entry to disable the problematic setting. If nothing works, uninstalling the security update may be the last resort. However, doing so can put your computer at risk of print spooler spoofing vulnerability.
Looking to get rid of your old printer? It might contain personal details you don’t want falling into the wrong hands. So what can you do about it?
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