Cannot connect to a shared printer on the network Windows 11

It seems like whatever is responsible of finding network devices sometimes gets bugged

for me, trying to add the printer as a network path by right clicking on an empty spot in "This PC" and selecting "Add network path" finally got it unstuck, and I was able to add it.

I have the same problem as the original post. The remote computer can see the host computer and see the printer. It just won't connect to the printer. All the settings are set properly per other people's posts.

It's a total mystery, and we don't care to try any further

I am sharing your pain. I actually connected straight to the printer with a USB cable; printer set up just fine. Disconnected the cable, and the printer says it's offline. So we've given up. If we need to print from that laptop, we'll bring the laptop into the other room and connect it to the USB cable

Yeah, our problem occurred after my husband did a group of updates. One reason he waited to do them in a group was because he wanted to delay problems like this as long as possible. I was able to wheel the printer over to my computer and it was plug & play... but something obscure must have changed in the network settings. I wish Microsoft would look into it given the number of affected folks. I'm glad you've gotten yours to work.

Sorry to hear that. I don't have any other suggestions. I called the computer company and Microsoft for tech support, but they were no help. It sure worked for me. When I searched online, they told me it was caused from an update of windows back in November. I searched it and deleted it but that didn't help.