Why can't Windows XP connect to a shared printer on Windows 11?

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Thank you for your asking your question, windows XP cannot connect to a shared printer on Windows 11 because of protocol incompatibilities and newer security standards. The core issue is that Windows 11 no longer supports the older networking and authentication protocols that Windows XP relies on.

However, I would like to share with you by adjusting certain compatibility and security settings, it is still possible to allow a Windows XP machine to connect to a shared printer hosted on Windows 11.

Why it Fails

1. Protocol mismatch

Windows 11 uses RPC over TCP for printer sharing, while Windows XP requires RPC over Named Pipes, which is disabled by default. Without enabling Named Pipes, XP cannot connect.

2. Old authentication/security

Windows 11 enforces modern authentication and encryption methods that Windows XP does not support.

3. Driver compatibility

If no XP-compatible printer driver is available on Windows 11, the connection will fail.

4. Policy/registry restrictions

Windows 11 may block older printer-sharing methods through Group Policy or the registry. XP requires Named Pipes to be explicitly enabled.

How to Fix the Issue

1. Enable RPC over Named Pipes on Windows 11

Windows XP requires this protocol.

• Using Group Policy (gpedit.msc)

Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers > Configure RPC connection Settings.

Then, enable the policy and set it to RpcOverNamedPipes.

• Using Registry (Command Prompt as Administrator)

Run this command in an elevated Command Prompt:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\RPC" /v RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

2. Ensure XP-Compatible Drivers Exist

Install or make available a Windows XP driver for the shared printer.

3. Adjust Permissions and Firewall Rules

• Ensure the printer is shared properly.
• Allow older clients to connect.
• Confirm the printer appears under:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\Providers\Client Side Rendering Print Provider
      • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Printers\Connections (for every shared printer)

Additional Note: Enabling RPC over Named Pipes should resolve the connection issue for Windows XP. Please note that enabling SMB1 and Named Pipes can introduce security risks, so use these settings only in trusted environments

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