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How to Fix and Solve Printer Sharing Error 0x00006d9 on Windows 11

Printer sharing is a useful feature that allows multiple devices on a network to use a single printer. However, sometimes you might encounter errors that prevent sharing from working properly. One such common error in Windows 11 is error code 0x00006d9.

This error usually indicates that there is a problem with the Windows Firewall or related network services. It can stop you from connecting to a shared printer, causing frustration and delays.

In this article, we will walk you through simple and detailed steps to fix printer sharing error 0x00006d9 on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along.

By the end, you will understand why the error occurs and how to resolve it effectively, restoring your printer sharing functionality.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 PC is connected to the network where the printer is shared.
  • Verify that the printer is properly installed and working on the host computer.
  • Ensure you have administrative rights on your Windows 11 device to change system settings.
  • Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software, as they might interfere with network sharing.

Step 1: Check and Enable Windows Firewall

The error 0x00006d9 often means that the Windows Firewall is turned off or blocking printer sharing. Windows Firewall helps protect your PC, but it also needs to be properly configured to allow printer sharing.

To check and enable Windows Firewall:

  1. Press Windows key + S and type Windows Security, then open it.
  2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
  3. Look at the active network profile (usually “Private network”). If the firewall is off, click on it.
  4. Toggle the switch to On to enable the firewall.
  5. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Why this matters: Windows Firewall must be active to manage network connections securely and allow printer sharing protocols.

Step 2: Allow File and Printer Sharing Through Firewall

Even when the firewall is on, it may block printer sharing by default. You need to explicitly allow file and printer sharing in the firewall settings.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Windows Security again and go to Firewall & network protection.
  2. Click Allow an app through firewall (found near the bottom).
  3. Click Change settings (requires admin permission).
  4. Scroll down and find File and Printer Sharing.
  5. Make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are checked.
  6. Click OK to save.
  7. Restart your PC and try to share the printer again.

Why this helps: This step ensures that the firewall does not block the network traffic related to printer sharing.

Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs on your PC. If it’s not running or stuck, it can cause sharing errors.

To restart the Print Spooler:

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler.
  3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
  4. If it’s not running, choose Start instead.

After restarting, test printer sharing again.

Step 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter for Printer Problems

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix common issues automatically.

To run the printer troubleshooter:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Printer and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool can identify and fix problems that might be causing the sharing error.

Step 5: Verify Network Discovery and Sharing Settings

Network discovery allows your PC to see other devices on the network and vice versa. Sharing settings must be enabled for printer sharing to work.

To check these settings:

  1. Open Control Panel (search in Start menu).
  2. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click on Change advanced sharing settings in the left pane.
  4. Under your current profile (Private or Guest/Public), make sure Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing are selected.
  5. Click Save changes.

Restart your computer to apply these settings.

Alternative Method: Reset Windows Firewall to Default

If firewall settings are too complex or corrupted, resetting to default can help.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do this, search for cmd, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
netsh advfirewall reset
  1. Wait for the confirmation message.
  2. Restart your PC and check if printer sharing works.

FAQs About Printer Sharing Error 0x00006d9

What causes error 0x00006d9?

This error usually occurs when the Windows Firewall service is disabled or blocking printer sharing connections.

Can third-party antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall programs can interfere with Windows network sharing. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause.

Do I need to restart my PC after changing firewall settings?

Yes, restarting ensures that all changes are fully applied and services restart properly.

Is it safe to reset Windows Firewall?

Resetting the firewall restores default settings, which is safe but will remove any custom rules you have created.

Will this fix work for all versions of Windows?

This guide is specific to Windows 11 but similar steps apply to Windows 10 and some older versions.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, consider these final options:

  • Check for Windows Updates and install any pending updates, as fixes are often included in patches.
  • Use the Microsoft Support website for detailed guides and community forums: https://support.microsoft.com.
  • Consider temporarily disabling all firewall and security software to isolate the problem.
  • If possible, remove and reinstall the printer drivers and sharing setup.
  • Contact your IT administrator or professional support if you are in a managed network environment.

Conclusion

Printer sharing error 0x00006d9 on Windows 11 is often linked to firewall and network settings. By ensuring Windows Firewall is enabled and correctly configured, restarting necessary services, and verifying network sharing options, you can usually resolve this problem quickly.

Remember to start with simple checks and progress to more advanced troubleshooting only if needed. Following the steps here will help you restore printer sharing smoothly and get your devices connected without hassle.

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