Alex Ruben
How to Fix Operation Failed With Error #0x00004005 When Using a Shared Printer on Windows 11
Encountering the error code 0x00004005 while trying to use a shared printer on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This error signifies that there is a failure in the communication between your computer and the printer, often due to misconfigured settings or network issues. In this guide, we will walk you through a series of steps to help troubleshoot and resolve the “Operation Failed with Error 0x00004005” issue, ensuring you can get back to printing without a hitch.
Step 1: Check Network Connections
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, verify that your printer and the computer attempting to access it are connected to the same network. A simple test is to check Wi-Fi signals or the availability of wired connections if the printer is connected via Ethernet. If the devices aren’t connected to the same network, re-establish the connection, and ensure both devices show strong connectivity.
Step 2: Verify Printer Sharing Settings
Ensure that printer sharing is enabled on the host computer where the printer is physically connected. To do this, navigate to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Select your printer and click on Manage. Choose Printer properties, then head to the Sharing tab, and check the option which says Share this printer. Make sure to note the share name for connection purposes.
Step 3: Check Permissions for the Printer
In the same sharing tab of the printer properties, select Additional Drivers if necessary, and verify that the appropriate permissions are set for users attempting to connect to the printer. It may also be helpful to add the user accounts (or groups) allowed to access the printer.
Step 4: Restart Devices
Restart both the computer connected to the shared printer and the devices trying to print. Often, rebooting can resolve temporary glitches or connectivity issues that may be causing the error.
Step 5: Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Ensure that your Windows Firewall or any third-party antivirus software isn’t blocking printer access. You may need to configure your firewall to allow printer sharing. To do this, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall and check if File and Printer Sharing is allowed on your network type.
Step 6: Network Discovery and File Sharing Settings
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Make sure that Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing options are enabled for both private and public network profiles.
Step 7: Check Workgroup or Homegroup Settings
If your network uses workgroup settings, confirm that all devices are part of the same workgroup. To check or change this, right-click on This PC, select Properties, then click Change settings under the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings area. Adjust settings as needed to ensure consistency across devices.
Step 8: Restart Print Spooler Service
Sometimes the print spooler can cause printing issues. Restart the service by opening Run (press Win + R), typing services.msc, and hitting Enter. Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
Step 9: Update Printer Drivers
Ensure your printer drivers are up to date. Access the Device Manager (right-click on Start and select Device Manager), find your printer under the respective category, right-click, and choose Update driver. Follow prompts to check for driver updates online.
Step 10: Try Different Sharing Methods
If you’re still facing issues after following the prior steps, consider trying different methods of sharing the printer. For instance, you could use IP Address sharing instead of network sharing. This involves adding a printer by IP address through Printers & Scanners, then selecting Add a printer using an IP address or hostname.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you’ve diligently followed all these steps and continue to encounter the “Operation Failed with Error 0x00004005,” it may be time to consider deeper network problems. This could include complex permissions issues or configurations that require a network administrator’s input. In such situations, seeking assistance from your IT department or a technical support specialist could be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the error code 0x00004005 indicate?
This error generally indicates a problem with printer access on a network, which could stem from incorrect sharing settings or connectivity issues.
How can I check if my printer is connected properly?
You can check your printer connection by printing a test page from the host computer it’s connected to. For Windows, you can do this through Devices & Printers, right-click on the printer, and select Printer properties, then click on Print Test Page.
Can antivirus software affect printer connections?
Yes, many antivirus programs have features that can block certain network actions, including printer sharing. Make sure to configure your antivirus settings to allow printer sharing if you suspect it might be the cause of your problems.