Printer stop printing jobs after the Windows update? Getting error message “Windows cannot connect to the printer. Access is denied” when trying to add or use a shared printer on a Windows PC, you’re not alone. This is a common issue, especially in network environments where printers are shared between multiple computers. The most common reason for this Windows Printer Access Denied error is the print spooler service is stuck, has a document pending in the queue locked, and your user account doesn’t have the permissions to connect to the printer. It may be a firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection. Again, corruption and improper installation of the printer driver result:
- Windows cannot connect to the Printer – Operation Failed With Error 0x0000007e, or 0x00000002
- The operation could not be completed (error 0x0000007e)
- Windows cannot connect to the printer 0x00000bcb or 0x00003e3
- Windows cannot connect to the printer, no printers were found
Whatever the reason behind this Windows Printer Access Denied error, here is a troubleshooting guide to help you resolve the problem.
Quick Links
- 1 Why Windows Printer Access Denied?
- 1.1 Check Printer Sharing Permissions
- 1.2 Run the Printer Troubleshooter
- 1.3 Restart the Print Spooler Service
- 1.4 Delete Incompatible Printer Drivers
- 1.5 Check Network and Firewall Settings
- 1.6 Enable Network Discovery and File & Printer Sharing
- 1.7 Modify Local Security Policy
- 1.8 Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- 1.9 Add Printer Manually Using IP Address
- 1.10 Related Articles
Why Windows Printer Access Denied?
This error may occur due to various issues such as insufficient permissions, incorrect printer sharing settings, firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection. Again, network connectivity problems, print spooler service issues, outdated or incompatible printer drivers, interference from third-party software, or system file corruption also cause this error.
- Insufficient user permissions to access the printer.
- Incorrect printer sharing settings on the host computer.
- Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the printer connection.
- Network connectivity problems, especially for network printers.The
- Print Spooler service not running or malfunctioning.
- Outdated or incompatible printer drivers.
- Corrupted system files or misconfigured policies.
- Third-party software interference.
Check Printer Sharing Permissions
If the printer is shared over a network, incorrect permissions on the host computer can trigger the error. Let’s first check and ensure the printer is properly shared on the PC it’s connected to.
- On the Host Computer (where the printer is physically connected):
- Right-click the printer and select Printer Properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab and ensure the Share this printer option is checked.
- Click the Security tab and verify that the user or group trying to connect has Print permissions.
- If not, add the user or select Everyone and grant Print access. Click Apply and OK.
If the permission is already set as “allow”, then this could be a network setting issue. Check if your account is configured correctly to the network and check the network options.
On the Client Computer (trying to connect to the printer):
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer.
- Select Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer and locate the shared printer.
- Attempt to connect again.
Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printing issues.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Printer and click Run. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve issues automatically.
- Restart your computer and try connecting to the printer again.
The troubleshooter automatically scans for common issues like offline status, incorrect printer selection, print queue errors, or driver problems. It also helps detect problems to pinpoint the root cause, such as a paper jam, low ink, or network connectivity issues.
Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service manages print jobs and can cause issues if it malfunctions.
- Press Windows Key + R, then type services.msc and hit Enter.
- Find the Print Spooler service in the list and double-click on it.
- Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic and the service is running, then click on Stop and then again click on Start in order to restart the service.
- Now move to the dependencies tab and check the listed dependencies services running.
- Click Apply followed by OK.
- After that, again try to add the printer and see if you’re able to Fix Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer issue.
Delete Incompatible Printer Drivers
Sometimes, the problem can be caused due to incompatible printer drivers. Also, an installation of the previous printer can prevent the printer spooler from adding new printers. So you can try to remove these outdated drivers and reinstall them.
- Press Win + R, then type printmanagement.msc and hit Enter
- This will open print management. From the left pane, click All Drivers
- Now, in the right window pane, right-click on the printer driver and click Delete.
- If you see more than one printer driver’s name, repeat the above steps.
- Restart Windows and again try to add the printer and install its drivers.
Check Network and Firewall Settings
If you are trying to access a network shared printer, firewall or network settings may block access.
- Ensure both the host and client computers are on the same network.
- Ping the host computer from the client by opening Command Prompt and typing ping [host IP address]. If it fails, check network settings or contact your network administrator.
Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Ensure File and Printer Sharing is enabled for your network type (Private/Public).
In addition, if using third-party antivirus software, check its firewall settings for similar options.
Enable Network Discovery and File & Printer Sharing
Windows needs these settings enabled to detect and connect to network-shared printers.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Navigate to Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
- Expand your active network profile (Private or Domain).
- Ensure Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing options are enabled.
- Click Save changes, and restart your PC for the settings to take effect.
Now check if the problem is resolved.
Modify Local Security Policy
In some cases, Windows security policies restrict printer access.
- Press Windows + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
- Navigate to Local Policies > Security Options.
- Locate Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers and set it to Disabled.
- Restart your computer and try connecting to the printer again.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent printer access.
- Open Device Manager (press Windows + X and select Device Manager).
- Expand Print queues, right-click your printer, and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
To Reinstall printer Drivers:
- In Device Manager, right-click the printer and select Uninstall device.
- Visit the printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson) and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Install the drivers and reconnect the printer.
Add Printer Manually Using IP Address
If automatic detection fails, try to add the printer manually using its IP address.
- Find the printer’s IP address (check the printer’s control panel or network settings).
- Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a Printer.
- Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
- Enter the printer’s IP address and follow the prompts to install it.
