This problem frequently occurs due to a driver issue, a bad update, or a generic update that is not fully compatible with your printer. Follow the methods below for a series of confirmed fixes that will help you troubleshoot the issue.
1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
You should be able to resolve most common connection issues (including the 0x000003e3 error) by running the Printer troubleshooter and implementing the suggested fix – this is only true if a bad Windows Update does not cause the issue. Note: The Printer Troubleshooter application will begin checking your present printing components for any irregularities it can identify as soon as it is launched. The program will recommend an automated fix if an identifiable issue is found. For detailed instructions on how to launch the Printer Troubleshooter and apply the recommended fix, refer to the steps below: Continue to the next fix below if the 0x000003e3 error still appears when you try to connect to your printer.
2. Update your Windows build to the latest
If you suddenly start to experience the 0x000003e3 error code after installing a pending update, you should first check Windows Update to see if a new update is available. With some luck, Microsoft might have already released a hotfix that will resolve the issue automatically. Here’s how to update your Windows build to the latest version available: If you’re still experiencing the same 0x000003e3 error code when attempting to connect to a printer, move down to the next method below.
3. Uninstall the latest problematic update
If you followed the method above and there is no new update to hotfix the issue that started appearing after installing a pending update, the next step would be to try and uninstall the bad update. To do this, access the Program Files menu and uninstall the latest update from the View installed updates pane. Note: This fix is confirmed to work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Follow the instructions below to uninstall the latest problematic update:- If you’re still experiencing the same 0x000003e3 error again, move down to the next method below.
4. Install the manufacturer-specific driver
If you’ve utilized the methods above to ensure that you are not experiencing this error due to a bad Windows Update, you should next concentrate on the printer driver. Unless you’ve followed your manufacturer manual and installed the recommended drivers, you probably use a set of generic printer drivers that Microsoft provides by default on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This will work with most modern printers, but if you’re using an older printer model that was made before the launch of Windows 10, there’s a chance you might face inconsistencies when you try to establish the initial connection. In this case, we advise downloading the official printer driver from the manufacturer’s website. Here’s a generic driver install that should help you resolve this issue regardless of your printer maker:
5. Update or Uninstall TrendMicro (if applicable)
If you have TrendMicro installed on your network, chances are it’s conflicting with the print spooler service. This is a well-known issue that is affecting endpoint security software. Fortunately, TrendMicro provided a patch that completely fixed the issue. The build responsible for this type of conflict is 12.0.4440. Just update your security build to above this version, and you should be ready. If you can’t update, the only viable option is to uninstall the security suite. Follow this step-by-step guide to do this without leaving any remnants of files. If the problem is still not fixed, move to the next method below.
6. Delete all printer keys & Restart Print Spooler Service
You might see this error due to an inconsistent key with the Client Side Rendering Print Providers currently used for your network printer. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to resolve it by deleting the Providers value in the Registry Editor tool, restarting the Print Spooler service, and adding the printer once more. If you haven’t used this fix yet, deploy it by following the detailed steps below: IMPORTANT: Take your time and back up your registry data before beginning this process.
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