Share this article
Improve this guide
Windows Failed to Apply Printer Connections Settings [Fix]
Our tested solutions are waiting for you
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Group Policy is a powerful tool for managing Windows computers. But there are times when it just doesn’t work as you expect. Perhaps you have an existing policy that has been working fine, but now it doesn’t seem to be applying some settings or adding new printers.
If you’re trying to import printers using GPOs on your domain controllers and they’re not working, then there might be something blocking outbound connections such as your firewall.
Most of the time, you’ll find thatyou don’t have permission to perform this operation. In such a case, you may need toset the account to an administrator accountto enable you to make any changes.
Why can’t I add a shared printer?
If you are wondering why you are unable to add a shared printer, below are some common causes:
Now that you are aware of why you are unsuccessful in adding a printer, below are some easy troubleshooting solutions.
How can I fix a Group Policy that is not adding printers
1. Ensure you have permissions
The first thing to do is to ensure that you have permissions on the GPO. If the Group Policy printer access is denied, it’s probably because you are using a standard account. You can change this can be done by running GPMC as an Administrator. If you start the Group Policy Editor with elevated permissions, then it will automatically use those permissions when you open it up.
When adding a network printer to your computer and it isn’t working, ensure that you have the correct permissions. If your account is a part of the Administrators group, you should be able to add printers from any computer on your network.
2. Restart Group Policy Service
3. Remove the default printers
If you have added a printer before and it was not added correctly, then there are chances that the policy is still referring to that printer.
The solution is to remove that printer from all of your client computers and then try adding it again. This will make sure that only the correct printers are being added by Group Policy. If Windows failed to apply the deployed printer connections settings, you can refresh your connection.
Another thing you should do is test if any of your printers have gone offline. To test if this is the case, try printing something from one of your computers using one of these offline printers. If it prints successfully then there must be another issue.
4. Refresh policy settings
The Group Policy refresh process happens automatically every 90 minutes. However, you can update it manually. This will refresh all the policies on that computer, including any printer policies.
5. Reset Group Policy Editor
This can be useful if you’ve changed a setting and then realize that it wasn’t what you wanted. You can use this option to undo an incorrect setting before applying it to other computers.
If none of these solutions works for you, tryrestarting your PC in Safe Modeor reinstalling Windows.
You may also encounter an issue whereWindows is stuck at applying Group Policyso check out our article on how to approach this situation.
As always, we appreciate your feedback so feel free to share any additional thoughts you may have on this topic down below.
More about the topics:Printer,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
