How to Fix Windows Server 2019 Printer Sharing Error using LPR Port

Are you having trouble sharing printers from Windows Server 2019 to client computers, particularly those running Windows 10 or 11 Home Edition? Common errors such as "Windows couldn't connect to the printer" or "Access is denied" are frequently triggered by recent Windows security patches restricting the RPC protocol (PrintNightmare mitigations).

Instead of wasting time modifying the Registry or Group Policy on every new client workstation, there is a standard, robust networking solution: Combining proper Advanced Sharing settings with the LPR (Line Printer Remote) Port method.

Here is the complete step-by-step guide to setting it up from scratch.

STEP 1: Windows Server 2019 Configuration (Server-Side)

Before touching the client computers, we must ensure that the Windows Server is properly configured to host the printer and accept LPR print jobs.

Part A: Enable LPD Service Feature

1. Open Server Manager on your Windows Server 2019.
2. Click Add roles and features, then click Next until you reach the Features tab.
3. Locate and expand the Print and Document Services folder.
4. Must Check: LPD Service (Line Printer Daemon Service). This service allows the server to receive print jobs sent via the LPR protocol.
5. Click Next, then Install, and wait for the installation to finish.

Part B: Advanced Printer Sharing & Security Permissions Settings

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers on the server.
2. Right-click the printer you want to share (e.g., legacy or dot-matrix printers like the Epson LX-300), and select Printer properties.
3. Open the Sharing tab, then:

• Check Share this printer.
• Crucial Tip: Change the Share name to something short, clean, and completely free of special characters or plus signs (+). For example: epsonlx300II-service-network.
• Check Render print jobs on client computers.

1. Switch to the Security tab to configure access permissions:

• Ensure the Everyone group is listed. If it's missing, click Add, type Everyone, and click OK.
• Click on Everyone, and under the Permissions for Everyone section below, make sure Print is checked under Allow.
• Click Apply and OK to save the configuration.

STEP 2: Configuration on the New Client Workstation

Once the server is configured, you can perform these steps directly on any new client machine (Windows 10 / 11 / Home / Pro) without needing to touch Registry entries or Group Policy workarounds.

Part A: Enable LPR Port Monitor Feature

1. Press the Win + R keys on the client's keyboard, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
2. The Windows Features dialog box will open.
3. Scroll down, locate, and expand the Print and Document Services folder.
4. Check the box for LPR Port Monitor.
5. Click OK and wait for Windows to finish installing the feature, then click Close.

Part B: Add the Printer via LPR Port Mode

1. Press Win + R, type control printers, and press Enter to open Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a printer at the top, then click the blue link The printer that I want isn't listed.
3. Select the bottom option: Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and click Next.
4. Choose Create a new port. In the Type of port dropdown list, select LPR Port, and click Next.
5. A new dialog box with two input fields will appear. Fill them out as follows:

• Name or address of server providing lpd: Type your Windows Server's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
• Name of printer or print queue on that server: Type the exact Share Name you defined on the server (e.g., epsonlx300II-service-network).

1. Click OK. Windows will bypass the SMB/RPC network security layer and immediately prompt you for the driver.
2. In the driver selection window, choose Epson under Manufacturer and select your printer model (or use a built-in generic driver like Epson LX Series 1 (80)), then click Next until you hit Finish.

You're all set! By deploying this LPR Port bypass, your shared printer will completely ignore access restriction bugs, allowing deployment on any new client computer in just minutes.