Fix Network Printer errors; Windows cannot connect to the printer

If you are getting Windows cannot connect to the printer error message while connecting to a network printer, these tips and tricks can resolve the issue. You can find various error codes, including 0x0000007a, 0x00004005, 0x00000057, and 0x00000006. Although each error code defines different things, the solutions are the same to eliminate the problem.

Windows cannot connect to the printer

Network Printer error 0x0000007a, 0x00004005, 0x00000057, 0x00000006

To fix these network printer errors, follow these suggestions:

Restart Print Spooler
Use Printer troubleshooter
Install required drivers
Tweak LAN Manager authentication level
Manually add a local printer

Continue reading to learn more about these steps in detail.

1] Restart Print Spooler

The Print Spooler service lets you connect the printer to your computer. If this service is not running, you cannot see the printer on your computer. In case you stopped it earlier due to any reason (or, even if you didn’t), you need to verify if it is running or not. Like any other background, you can find it in the Services panel.

Search for services in the Taskbar search box, and click on the individual result to open Services on your Windows 10 computer. Next, find out the Print Spooler service and double-click on it.

If it is showing as Stopped, you need to click on the Start button.

Alternatively, if it shows as Running, click the Stop button, and Start button to restart the service.

Click the OK button to save the change.

Now, restart your computer and check if the problem remains or not.

Read: Unable to print after a Blackout or Power Outage.

2] Use Printer troubleshooter

As Windows 10 includes troubleshooters, you can use the Printer troubleshooter to fix common or basic problems like this one. For that, press Win+I to open Windows Settings. Then, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters to open the Troubleshooter page in Windows 10.

Once it is opened, find out the Printer troubleshooter, select it, and click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Next, you have to follow the screen instructions as the solutions might be different on your computer.

Related post: Windows couldn’t connect to the Printer.

3] Install required Printer drivers

When you bought the printer, you got a driver CD with it, which lets you establish a better connection between your computer and the printer. If you haven’t installed it already, it is suggested to do that and restart your computer.

However, if you haven’t got it with your printer, you can find the driver on the official website of the printer manufacturer.

4] Tweak LAN Manager authentication level

The LAN Manager authentication level lets you choose the authentication protocol for network logons – in this case, network printer. It is possible to change the LAN Manager authentication level using the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor.

Once done, restart your computer to get the change.

If none of the aforementioned solutions is working, you can add your printer manually. The following steps will do the job for you.

FIX: Printer is in Error State.

5] Manually add a local printer

Search for the control panel in the Taskbar search box, and click on the individual result to open Control Panel on your computer. Then, click on the Devices and Printer option, and click the Add a printer button.

After that, your computer will search for printers. However, you have to skip it and click The printer that I want isn’t listed option.

Now, select the Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings radio button and choose the Next option.

Following that, it asks you to choose an existing port or a new port. It is suggested to select the Create a new port and choose the Local Port option from the drop-down list.