Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer. What to do?

When I try to add a Network Shared Printer, I receive an error message saying that ‘Windows Cannot connect to the Printer’. What am I supposed to do? 

Well! This problem is very common with Windows (especially Windows 7 version) and shares a very frustrating experience. But, there is no need to worry as with the help of some simple solutions, you can troubleshoot this concern. In this post, we are going to share easy steps that will help you to resolve the printer connectivity issues with Windows device. 

This error appears with a specific error code such as 0x0000007e. The most common error code to appear is: 

“Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer - Operating Failed with Error 0x0000007e”. 

Troubleshooting steps to fix Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer Issue

Restart the Print Spooler 

 To start the Print Spooler service again, you can follow these steps: 

• Hit ‘Windows + R’ key at the same time. A Run dialog box will appear on your screen. 
• Type ‘service.msc’ in the Run box and tap on Ok. 
• In the ‘Name’ list, find the Print Spooler and double click on it. 
• Under the ‘Service’ status, click on the ‘Stop’ button. 
• Click on the ‘Start’ button to again start the service. 
• Tap on Ok. 

Now, Add your printer and check if the issue is still there. 

Create a New Local port 

•  Go to the Control panel. 
• View by Large icons and choose the ‘Devices and Printers’ option. 
• Click to ‘Add Printer’. 

Important - To proceed with the next, you have to login as the administrator. 

• Choose ‘Add a Network, Wireless, or Bluetooth printer’. 
• Choose ‘Create a new port’ option and change the port type to ‘Local port’. Tap on the Next button. 
• Type the ‘Port Name’ in the box. The port name is the address of the printer. The format of the address is “IP address or the Computer Name\Printer’s Name”. Hit the Ok button. 
• From the directory, choose the Printer model and click on the Next. 
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. 

Delete a Subkey 

Incorrect modification of the Registry key can also cause trouble. Thus, before you start, you need to back up the registry key so you can restore it if by chance any issue occurs. 

• Stop ‘Print Spooler’ service. 
• Press ‘Windows + R’ key from the keyboard. The Run dialog box will appear on the screen. 
• Type ‘Regedit’ in Run box and tap on the Ok button. 
• Expand “ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Print\Providers\Client Side Rendering Print Provider”. 
• Right-click ‘Client Side Rendering Provider’ and tap to Delete. 
• Start the Print Spooler service. 
• Reboot your PC and try to add the printer. 

We hope these solutions will help you to fix Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer issue. The mentioned troubleshooting guidelines are very easy to follow and execute. But, if you still have a doubt, you can contact the printer expert and seek their advice to troubleshoot the problem. Do not forget to consider updating the printer drivers as outdated or corrupted printer drivers could also be the reason behind connectivity issues.