Fix: Unable to Install Printer on Windows (Username & Password Prompt Issue)

Issue:

The user is unable to install shared printer drivers on their computer. When attempting to map the shared printer for installation, a pop-up appears requesting a Username and Password (see example below).

This issue occurs due to Microsoft’s security fix addressing CVE-2021-34481 (Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability) on Windows client computers.

Solution:

Step 1: Log in as a Local Administrator

Ensure the client computer is logged in with local administrator credentials before proceeding.

Step 2: Modify Group Policy Settings

Open Group Policy Editor:
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Allow Non-Administrators to Install Drivers
- Navigate to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Driver Installation
- In the right panel, find "Allow non-administrators to install drivers for these device setup classes" and Enable it.
- Enter the following GUIDs:
  - 4658ee7e-f050-11d1-b6bd-00c04fa372a7
    4d36e979-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318
- Click OK to save changes.
  (Refer to the image below for correct entry.)

Step 3: Adjust Printer Policies

Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers
Locate the following policies and Disablethem:
- "Only use Package Point and Print"
- "Point and Print Restrictions"
- "Limits print driver installation to Administrators"
  (See the image below for correct settings.)

Step 4: Restart and Retry Printer Mapping

Restart the computer.
Attempt to map the shared printer again.
✅ You should now be able to install it without a username/password prompt.
✅ This method also works for computers that are not joined to a domain, as long as they can ping and access the network share for the print server.