How to Fix Shared Printer Error 0x00000040 in Windows 11

Are you struggling with error 0x00000040 while trying to access a shared printer in Windows 11? This issue typically occurs due to network connectivity problems, incorrect sharing settings, outdated drivers, or security restrictions preventing access to the printer.

In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step solutions to fix error 0x00000040 printer sharing and get your printer working again.

Common Causes of Printer Error 0x00000040

Before diving into the fixes, here are some possible causes:

• The specified network name is no longer available – The printer may be unreachable due to a network issue.
• Incorrect printer sharing settings – If the printer is not properly shared, other devices cannot connect.
• Outdated or corrupted printer drivers – This can lead to compatibility issues.
• Firewall or security settings blocking network printing – Windows Defender or third-party sec
  urity software may be blocking access.
• Print spooler service issues – If the spooler service is stopped or corrupted, printing may fail.

How to Fix Error 0x00000040 Printer Sharing in Windows 11

1. Restart Your Printer and Computer

A simple restart can often resolve network printing errors.

1. Turn off your printer and unplug it for 30 seconds.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Turn the printer back on and check if the issue persists.

2. Check Network Connectivity

Since error 0x00000040 is a network-related issue, make sure:

• The printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
• If using an Ethernet connection, the cable is securely plugged in.
• The printer and computer are on the same network.
• The computer can ping the printer’s IP address:
  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  2. Type ping [PRINTER_IP] and hit Enter.
  3. If there is no response, the printer is not reachable.

3. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages printing jobs. If it’s not running, you may get the error 0x00000040.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler in the list.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Try accessing the shared printer again.

4. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause Error 0x00000040 in Windows 11.

To update printer drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Print queues.
3. Right-click your printer and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
4. Restart your PC and try again.

To reinstall printer drivers:

1. Open Device Manager and locate your printer.
2. Right-click and choose Uninstall device.
3. Restart your PC, and Windows will reinstall the printer automatically.

5. Verify Printer Sharing Settings

Incorrect printer sharing settings can cause error 0x00000040 printer sharing.

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer and select Printer properties.
3. Navigate to the Sharing tab.
4. Check Share this printer.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

6. Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter to detect and fix printer issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Printer and click Run.
4. Follow the instructions and apply any suggested fixes.

7. Allow Printer Through Windows Firewall

Security policies might be blocking access to the shared printer.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click Firewall & network protection.
3. Select Allow an app through firewall.
4. Enable File and Printer Sharing.
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

8. Add the Printer Manually

If your printer is not detected, you can manually add it.

1. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device > The printer that I want isn’t listed.
3. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address.
4. Enter your printer’s IP address and follow the setup instructions.
5. Try printing a test page.

9. Modify Windows Registry (Advanced Users)

If none of the above solutions work, try modifying the registry.

⚠ Warning: Incorrect registry modifications can cause system issues. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print

3. Right-click Print, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled and set its value to 0.
5. Restart your PC and check if the error is fixed.

10. Reset Print Spooler and Clear Stuck Print Jobs

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run these commands one by one:

   net stop spooler
   del /Q /F /S "%systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*"
   net start spooler

3. Restart your PC and try printing again.

Conclusion

The shared printer error 0x00000040 in Windows 11 is often caused by network issues, outdated drivers, or incorrect sharing settings. By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore your shared printer functionality.

If you still face issues, consider contacting your printer manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

Click here for HP support or visit the manufacturer’s official support page for your specific printer model.”

Thank you for visiting our website! We hope this guide helps you achieve a smoother and faster Windows experience. Do check out our other tech tips and visit again Pc Guides for more solutions.

📢 Have you successfully fixed the error? Let us know in the comments! 🚀