Resolving Network Printer Connection Issues in Windows 11 22H2
Windows 11 22H2, the latest feature update for Windows 11, contains some changes that can trigger network printer connection problems for certain users. In this guide, we’ll explore the root causes and proven solutions so you can get your shared network printer up and running again in no time.
What’s Causing the Network Printer Connection Error?
The primary culprit is a change to the default printer RPC connection protocol in Windows 11 version 22H2. Whereas previous Windows versions utilized RpcOverTcp by default, the update switches the default to RpcOverNamedPipes. This modified default can prevent clients from connecting to network print shares in some scenarios.
The issue manifests itself through error messages like these when trying to map a network printer:
- Error 0x80070709
- Error 0x00000bc4
The good news is this is easily resolved by switching the connection method back to RpcOverTcp.
Fix 1: Change Group Policy Settings
For Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions, the simplest solution is to alter the new "Configure RPC connection settings" Group Policy. Just a quick toggle reverts back to the previous default:
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Type "edit group policy" into the search box and open the Group Policy Editor.
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Navigate to this path: Administrative Templates > Printers > Configure RPC connection settings
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Double-click "Configure RPC connection settings".
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Enable the policy and switch the "RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol" setting to "0" for RpcOverTcp.
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Click Apply and OK.
This Group Policy change should resolve connection issues for domain-joined machines. A reboot may be required for the new settings to fully take effect.
Fix 2: Edit Registry Settings
For Windows 11 Home edition lacking Group Policy, the registry equivalent will work:
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Open Registry Editor.
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Navigate to or create this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\RPC
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Create a new DWORD value named "RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol".
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Set the value data to "0".
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Reboot the computer.
Like the Group Policy fix, this registry change switches back to the previous RpcOverTcp protocol that avoids the 22H2 connection issues.
Fix 3: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated printer drivers can also sometimes trigger connection issues after Windows updates. Run Windows Update and check for the latest driver updates. If updates are available, install them and then try to reconnect the printer.
You can also visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest printer software and drivers. Install these fresh drivers and they may resolve any compatibility problems introduced after upgrading to Windows 11 version 22H2.
Fix 4: Roll Back Update
If the above solutions fail and the network printer connections persist, rolling back the 22H2 update is an option. This will revert Windows 11 to the previous stable build that didn’t suffer from the RPC changes.
To roll back, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Recovery > Go back to previous version of Windows 11. Just be aware you’ll no longer receive feature updates until you upgrade to 22H2 again.
Fix 5: Adjust Printer Sharing Settings
Double check that printer and file sharing are enabled on both the print server and clients attempting connections:
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
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Under the Private networks section, verify the following are On:
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Network discovery
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File and printer sharing
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If either setting is Off, toggle it On and try connecting again.
Proper sharing settings are imperative for remote printer mapping.
Fix 6: Reinstall Print Server Software
If you’ve tried the above fixes, another solution is reinstalling the print server software and drivers from scratch:
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Uninstall the current print server software and drivers.
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Reboot the print server.
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Download the latest software and drivers from the manufacturer.
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Clean install the print server drivers and tools.
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Reboot again and recreate the network printer shares.
A fresh install can clear up any lingering issues from Windows updates and driver mismatches.
Fix 7: Set Static IP Address
Switching to a static IP address is one more option if your network printer keeps losing connectivity:
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Log into the printer’s web interface using its IP address.
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Navigate to the network settings section.
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Switch from automatic DHCP assignment to a static IP address.
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Choose an address outside your router’s DHCP pool, like 192.168.1.150.
With a static IP, your printer’s address won’t change and interrupt connectivity. Just be sure to also set static IPs outside the DHCP range on any print servers.
Fix 8: Replace Network Hardware
If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting, the problem may ultimately be flaky network hardware. Try replacing old switches, routers, access points and Ethernet cables. Hardware failures can manifest as intermittent network printer disconnects. Upgrading to modern, robust equipment often resolves elusive connectivity issues.
Get Your Shared Printers Back Online
Hopefully these fixes get your networked printers up and running again after installing Windows 11 2022 Update. Tweaking RPC configurations, updating drivers, adjusting sharing settings and replacing hardware are all proven techniques to banish connection errors for good. Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful or have your own tips to share!
