How to fix 0x000003eb printer error in Windows 11

What is 0x000003eb printer error

0x000003eb printer error is a common issue that can occur when trying to install or use a printer on Windows 11. There are several reasons why this error may occur, including corrupted printer drivers (outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause various issues, including the 0x000003eb printer error), Print Spooler Service (the Print Spooler Service is responsible for managing print jobs and can sometimes cause issues with printers. Restarting this service can help resolve the error), or damaged system files or registry keys (Damaged system files or registry keys can also cause the 0x000003eb printer error). Here are some troubleshooting steps to fix the 0x000003eb printer error in Windows 11:

1. Update Printer Drivers

Before you start troubleshooting, make sure your printer drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause various issues, including the 0x000003eb printer error. You can update your printer drivers manually by visiting the manufacturer’s website or by using a driver updater tool.

Updating each driver manually can be time- and energy-consuming. If you want to update drivers faster in bulk, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. The program is equipped and always updated with broad databases of drivers for all Windows devices, including display adapters. You can download it using the button below.

Driver Booster start screen

Driver Booster scan results

Driver Booster tools section

2. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in printer troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common printer issues. To run the printer troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and click on System.
2. Click on Troubleshoot in the left sidebar.
3. Scroll down and click on Printer under Other troubleshooters.
4. Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler Service is responsible for managing print jobs and can sometimes cause issues with printers. To restart the Print Spooler Service, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down and locate the Print Spooler service.
4. Right-click on the service and select Restart.

4. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer

If the above steps do not work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type control and press Enter.
3. Click on Devices and Printers.
4. Right-click on the printer you want to uninstall and select Remove device.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Reconnect the printer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall it.

5. Delete Printer Keys

If none of the above steps work, you can try deleting printer keys from the Windows registry. This method involves editing the registry, so be sure to back up your registry before proceeding. Here are the steps to delete printer keys:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers\Version-3
4. Right-click on the printer driver you want to remove and select Delete.
5. Restart your computer.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to fix the 0x000003eb printer error in Windows 11. If the issue persists, you may need to contact your printer manufacturer or Microsoft support for further assistance.

Note: Always be cautious when editing the Windows registry, as incorrect changes can cause serious issues with your system. It’s recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.