Unable to connect to shared printers via network. Operation could not be completed Error 0x000040 the specific network name is no longer available

Question

I am having issue to connect to printer via network

at first got error 0x80070035 to check the name, but after run some troubleshooter which is run this command
Set-SmbClientConfiguration -EnableInsecureGuestLogons $true -Force

Set-SmbClientConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $false -Force

Set-SmbServerConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $false -Force

I got another error. Error 0x0000040 the specific network name is no longer available. Iam using windows 11 Home Single Language

Please help

Answer 1

Hi Melki,

I wrote a comprehensive guide here on how to fix Network sharing on Windows 11. Kindly try all the steps:

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2026/02/network-sharing-not-working.html

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

A Windows MVP writes content on the above website, so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads. It should translate into your Browser language automatically.

Answer 2

To resolve the issue of connecting to shared printers via the network and encountering the error "0x0000040 the specific network name is no longer available," you can try the following steps:

1. Check Network Connectivity: Ensure that your computer is properly connected to the network and that you can access other network resources.
2. Verify Printer Availability: Make sure the printer is powered on, connected to the network, and available for sharing.
3. Disable Security Signature Requirements: Since you have already run commands to disable security signatures, ensure that these settings are correctly applied. You can check the SMB client and server configurations again to confirm they are set as intended.
4. Modify Group Policy Settings: If you have access to Group Policy settings, ensure that the following policies are configured:
   • Disable the Point and Print Restrictions policy under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Printers.
   • Ensure that the Load and unload device drivers policy allows the necessary permissions for users.
5. Update Printer Drivers: Make sure that the printer drivers on your Windows 11 machine are up to date. You can check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.
6. Use Command Prompt: You can try accessing the printer using the Command Prompt with the command:

      net use <DeviceName>: \\<ServerName>\<ShareName>
   

   Replace <DeviceName>, <ServerName>, and <ShareName> with the appropriate values for your network printer.
7. Restart Services: Ensure that the necessary services for printer sharing are running. You can restart the following services:
   • Function Discovery Provider Host
   • Function Discovery Resource Publication
   • SSDP Discovery
   • UPnP Device Host

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consult your network administrator or refer to additional troubleshooting resources specific to your printer model and network configuration.

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References:

• Error message when you try to install a shared network printer
• Errors when you connect to a shared printer by using a CNAME record