The error message Operation could not be completed (0x000005b3) often appears in shared printer setups when a user tries to install, access, or print a document on a network-shared printer. This is a common error that appears frequently and makes a shared printer unusable until you fix it.
Here in this article, we will know why this error occurs and how can we fix it.
Why Operation could not be completed (0x000005b3) occurs suddenly?
There are many reasons that can trigger the shared printer error 0x000005b3. Some of the common reasons are as follows:
- Corrupted System Files – Windows files can become corrupted or damaged at any time, often without warning. Corrupted system files can trigger numerous PC issues, and one of these is the shared printer error 0x000005b3.
- Installing Outdated or Incompatible Driver – When installing a printer on a shared network, encountering the aforementioned error is quite common. This issue typically arises due to either an outdated driver or a driver that isn’t compatible with your operating system.
- Missing DLL files – During the installation of a printer driver, several crucial DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files are necessary for proper functionality. If your computer is missing these essential DLL files, it can lead to the “Operation could not be completed” error.
How to Fix Operation could not be completed (0x000005b3) on Windows 11/10
There are certain useful steps explained below that will help you to remove the above error and make your printer available in a shared network.
Solution 1: Fix driver problems
Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted printer drivers are the most common culprits behind printer errors. To maintain a smooth PC environment, it’s essential to regularly update your drivers and ensure they are free of bugs.
The majority of Windows issues arise from corrupted, outdated, missing, or incompatible drivers. However, with DriverEasy, these problems can be effortlessly resolved. DriverEasy automatically scans, installs, or updates drivers, ensuring that your system remains up-to-date and optimized.
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Solution 2: Run Printer troubleshooter.
Using a troubleshooter is indeed a recommended approach for resolving various Windows issues. Troubleshooters are designed to diagnose problems by examining different conditions and restarting specific services when needed. They are often quite effective in resolving issues. Here’s how you can use a troubleshooter:
Get Help - Troubleshooter
Step 1: Open the Get Help App in Windows 11.
Step 2: Write your problem.
Step 3: Click Yes to provide your consent.
Step 4: Read the troubleshooting solutions. If it won’t work, then click on the “No” button under the “Did this solve your problem?” section.
Step 5: Get help will start troubleshooting your problem.
Step 6: Follow the instructions and proceed with the troubleshooter.
Solution 3: Run a complete Windows Update
Keeping your Windows system updated is crucial for ensuring its security, stability, and performance. Regular updates include not only the operating system itself but also apps and drivers. Here’s how you can ensure your Windows system is up to date:
Complete Windows Updates - Step by Step
1. Windows Updates
Step 1: Right-click on Start → Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows updates and then click on Check for updates.
2. App Update
To update the installed application on your computer, you can follow the following steps.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store. Click on your profile picture at the top of the MS Store and select Settings.
Step 2: Turn On App Updates.
Step 3: Open Microsoft Store Library. To access your Microsoft Store Library, simply click on the library icon located on the left sidebar. Once there, you’ll find a button labeled “Get updates.” Click on this to initiate a scan for the latest updates available for the apps you have installed.
Step 4: For the third-party application, check for their updated version on their official site and install them.
3. Driver Update
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand all the drivers manually and look for the driver with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it and select Update.
Solution 4: Run the System File Checker tool
The SFC.exe often referred to as the System File Checker tool is an inbuilt tool in the Windows operating system that scans and repairs corrupted system files. You can use Sfc.exe as follows.
Solution 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler Service is a software component in a computer’s operating system that manages print jobs sent to a printer. If this service is stopped or disabled, your printer might not work properly and give you an error such as Operation could not be completed (0x000005b3).
Restarting the print spooler service might fix the above error.
Reset Printer Spooler - Step by Step
net stop spooler
del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers* /Q
net start spooler
Solution 5: Re-install Printer
You can also go for re-installing a printer. If the printer is not working properly and giving you trouble while accessing or printing a document, you can re-install a printer as follows:
Re-Install Printer
2. Print test page – you can also use this feature to printing test page.
3. Run the troubleshooter – You can use this feature to run troubleshooter on selected printer.
- Restart your printer.
- Connect the printer to PC.
- Restart your computer. Make sure your printer is turned on while computer restarts.
- Your OS will automatically detect the printer and start installing necessary components and drivers.
- Go to the Start → Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
- Select Add Device to add the printer manually.
Solution 6: Keep your computer optimized and error-free.
Ensuring the health and bug-free performance of your Windows system is crucial. Numerous maintenance tasks are necessary to keep Windows running smoothly but performing them manually can be both tedious and time-consuming. Consider using a dependable PC optimizer tool to automate these tasks, making system maintenance a breeze.
Summary
The Printer Error Operation could not be completed (0x000005b3) is a frustrating error, that stops you from working properly on your network/shared printer. However, you can fix it by updating the Windows & drivers, restarting print spooler services, running troubleshooter, re-installing the printer, and running Windows repair commands.