Windows 11 System Can't Connect to Shared Printer on Windows 7

 The printer connection issue likely comes down to driver compatibility or security protocol differences between Windows 7 and Windows 11. Here's a step-by-step approach you can try:

1. On the Windows 7 system, open the Control Panel and go to Devices and Printers. Right-click the Brother printer, choose Printer properties, and make sure the printer is still shared. You can also note the share name to double-check that you're using the correct path.
2. On the Windows 11 notebook, press Windows + R, then type gpedit.msc and press Enter. In the Group Policy Editor, go to Administrative Templates > Printers, then double-click “Allow Print Spooler to accept client connections” and set it to Enabled. This allows the printer to be accepted by newer systems like Windows 11.

Go to Brother’s official website and download the latest driver for your printer that works with Windows 11. Run the installer and choose the local or USB option during installation. This installs the driver without needing to connect the printer at that moment. You can cancel any steps that try to detect a physical printer.

Now press Windows + R again and type \win7system.

Once the shared folders and devices appear, right-click the Brother printer and choose Connect. Since the driver is already installed, the printer should add quickly and be ready for use.

If the connecting window still hangs, restart the Print Spooler service on the Windows 11 notebook. Open the Run window, type services.msc, press Enter, then scroll down to Print Spooler. Right-click it and choose Restart.