Cannot connect to a shared printer on the network Windows 11

I used to work as a tech support professional at a company where I was responsible for troubleshooting technical issues both on-site and remotely. I encountered a situation where I couldn't establish a connection to a shared printer for a user who was using Windows 11. Despite employing various troubleshooting methods on both ends, the issue persisted.

Coincidentally, I encountered a similar problem with another user on-site who also had Windows 11 installed. This led me to believe that the problem might be related to the operating system version. In an attempt to resolve the issue, I decided to uninstall the most recent OS update, but unfortunately, the problem remained unresolved.

I'm seeking advice on alternative methods to establish a connection between the user and the shared printer. Your insights and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

hi darrel,

i have same problem earlier, cannot shared printer on windows 11, after 2 days finding solution but nothing work, n then i try to add password to shared printer computer, n its worked

u can try too :

try this on shared printer(printer server )

1. go to network and sharing center, click change advanced sharing settings,
2. on all networks section, checklist turn on password-protected sharing
3. press windows then type sign-in options, click password , type ur password

on client

4. windows+r , type printer server IP or servername, input id and password
5. after shared printer showed, right click then connect

My freind you are my hero....

I just had the same issue with a client PC, removing McAfee pre installed antivirus on the PC sharing the printer fixed the issue. This was stopping me from downloading the driver on the other PC. After removal i could properly connect and use the shared printer.

hi darrel,

i have same problem earlier, cannot shared printer on windows 11, after 2 days finding solution but nothing work, n then i try to add password to shared printer computer, n its worked

u can try too :

try this on shared printer(printer server )

1. go to network and sharing center, click change advanced sharing settings,
2. on all networks section, checklist turn on password-protected sharing
3. press windows then type sign-in options, click password , type ur password

on client

4. windows+r , type printer server IP or servername, input id and password
5. after shared printer showed, right click then connect

Every time I try to setup a shared printer for a friend I have this issue. It seems the only thing that resolves it is to setup a user account on the computer that has the printer attached that I want to print to and then on the other machine setup the printer and enter the username and password for the account I setup. The issue is I don't want to setup a new microsoft account everytime so what I have found works is to tell it your are setting up an Other User, click Add Account and then click the link that says I don't have this person's sign-in information. Then on the next screen you can click Add a user without a Microsoft account. If anyone wants specific instructions for Windows 11, Windows 10, etc just reply with the Windows version and I will be happy to post them.