Printer Error 0x000003e3 in Windows: How to Fix it

A printer is a device, that gets electronic data from a computer and prints it on paper or other materials. It is capable of printing text, numbers, images, and other information.

But sometimes, it leads to unexpected error codes including the printer error 0x000003e3. There can be several factors that can cause the same error code. Well, if you are also facing the exact problem, then there is no need to be upset.

In this, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the printer error 0x000003e3. Whenever this error code appears on the screen, a message appears like “Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x000003e3”.

It is quite a frustrating problem, that can also leave you scratching your head. Especially, when you are in a hurry and trying to print an important document.

However, the good news is that the printer error 0x000003e3 is curable and can easily be fixed. If unable to resolve the issue on your own, then go through the following instructions.

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What are the Causes of Printer Error 0x000003e3?

You may encounter the error code 0x000003e3 on your printer while connecting it to your device or sending a print job. But you should also know the actual root cause of the problem. Here are some common reasons for the printer error 0x000003e3.

1. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Driver

If it has been a very long time since you haven’t updated the device. Then your printer driver might get corrupted and as a result, an error code arises on the screen.

2. Corrupt Printer Spooler Service

A printer spooler service is a Windows system service that manages the printing process. If it gets corrupted, then possibly you may encounter the printer error 0x000003e3.

3. Connectivity Issue

Loose and inappropriate wire connections can also lead to an error code on the printer. So, to fix the problem, you need to check your cable connection.

4. Third-party Conflicts

Sometimes, third-party conflicts can lead to the printer error 0x000003e3. Third-party conflict occurs when impartial and neutral parties are brought in to help two parties resolve a dispute.

Methods to Troubleshoot the Printer Error 0x000003e3

After getting familiar with the root causes, now it will be easy for you to solve the problem. Go through the following easy-to-follow resolutions to fix the error code 0x000003e3 on your printer.

1. Run the Printer troubleshooter

The first and foremost step to fix the printer error 0x000003e3 is to run the printer troubleshooter. This will help you to diagnose printer issues and provide advice to fix them. Here are the detailed steps to run the troubleshooter.

Firstly, click on the Windows icon and go to the Settings section.
Then in the pop-up window, visit Update & Security.
Next, choose Troubleshoot and click on Additional Troubleshooter.
After this, search and click on Printer and choose Run the Troubleshooter.
Now follow the on-screen wizard to complete troubleshooting.
Once done, you need to reboot your PC and see if the problem is solved or not.

2. Uninstall the Incompatible Printer Driver

If your device has an incompatible printer driver, then it can also lead to the printer 0x000003e3. So, you need to uninstall all the incompatible drivers, follow the below steps to do the same.

In the Run box, enter printmanagement.msc and click on Enter.
Now the Printer Management Wizard will open.
From there click on the Print Management option.
After this, Choose Custom Filters and click on All Drivers.
Then right-click on Microsoft Print to PDF and click on Delete.

3. Restart Printer Spooler Service

As mentioned above, the corrupt printer spooler service can also lead to the printer error 0x000003e3. So, to fix the problem, you need to restart the service. Below is how to restart the printer spooler service.

Open the Run box, by pressing the Windows + R keys together. In the box, type services.msc and click on Enter.
Now in the pop-up Service window, click on Printer Spooler.
Then choose Properties and on the General tab, set the Startup type to Automatic.
After this, click on Stop at All Service Status, and click on Apply, then on Ok.
Now open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS.
From there delete all the files in the Printers folder.
Once deleted, visit back to the Printer Spooler Properties window and click on Start to restart the service.

4. Uninstall the Latest Window Update

If none of the above fixe, help you to solve the printer error 0x000003e3, then try to uninstall the window update. Sometimes, the operation fails with the error 0x000003e3 issue appears after updating Windows.

So, you can try uninstalling the latest Windows update with this guide. To uninstall the latest window update, go to settings, and click on Update & Security.

Then choose Windows Update and click on Check for updates to start the Windows update process. Besides this, you can also try updating your Windows to the latest version.

5. Create a New Local Portal

If the error code 0x000003e3 persists on your printer, then try to create a new local portal. Below is how the create a new local portal.

By searching on the Windows Search tool, launch the Control Panel.
Next, click on Devices & Printers and choose Add Printer.
Once scanning ends, click on The printer that I want isn’t listed.
After this, choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
Then click on Next, and choose to Create a New Portal, here choose Standard TCP/IP Port as the Type of the port.
Now you need to enter the IP address on the computer in the Hostname or IP address section. Click Next.
At last, go through the on-screen instructions to finish the procedure.

Sum up

Fixing the printer error 0x000003e3 is not a tough job, it is simpler than you think. So, to solve the problem, all you need to do is follow the above fixes as given. Hope the above guide will help you with why printer error 0x000003e3 occurs and how to fix it as well.

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What are the Causes And Solutions on Printer Error 0x000003e3