Epson “Communication Error 20000027” — USB blocked by security (fixed)

Joe B.

Reviewed for technical accuracy

Specialities: Windows 11/10, Printers, USB & Network Printing, Endpoint Security Policies

Fix Epson Communication Error 20000027 — USB security block, drivers, endpoint protection

Technician

Hey! We’ll walk through what’s causing the Epson “Communication Error 20000027” and get your printer working over USB again.
That error usually means Windows can see something on USB, but security software, a USB policy, or a broken Epson driver is blocking full communication.
To target the fix, I’ll ask a few things: Is the Epson connected by a direct USB cable (no hub/dock)? Did the error start after a Windows update, new antivirus/endpoint protection, or joining a work domain? And are you running the Epson installer as an administrator?

Customer

It worked before. Now on Windows 11 the Epson installer fails with Communication Error 20000027 even though the printer powers on. USB cable is plugged in. IT recently pushed new security software, so maybe that’s it?

Technician

That lines up. Error 20000027 is typically a USB communication error triggered when:

• Endpoint protection or antivirus blocks the Epson setup program or USB driver.
• Group Policy disables certain USB interfaces.
• The Epson USB driver is partially installed or corrupted.
• The printer is on a dock/hub that security tools or firmware treat as untrusted.

Good news: most cases are fixed by verifying the USB path, then updating drivers and relaxing/adjusting the security rules (not by replacing the printer).

Customer

Device Manager shows an Epson USB device, but the Epson software still throws 20000027 and won’t complete setup. Printing doesn’t work from any app. What should I try first?

Technician

Let’s rule out simple USB issues first to be sure it really is a security block:

1. Connect the printer directly to the PC using a known-good USB cable. Avoid USB hubs, front-panel ports, and docking stations.
2. Try a different USB port (preferably on the motherboard). Wait 10–15 seconds and check if Windows chimes and detects it.
3. In Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus controllers and Printers, confirm you see an Epson device without a warning symbol.
4. Power cycle the printer and PC. A stuck USB enumeration can contribute to Communication Error 20000027.

If those basics look good and 20000027 persists, we focus on security software and driver conflicts.

Customer

Tried a different cable and port, still the same. Printer appears briefly then the Epson installer says the USB connection can’t be established, error 20000027. I do have Defender plus another security agent.

Technician

Perfect, that’s our clue. Security tools commonly block Epson USB communication and trigger 20000027.
Here’s what to check (where allowed):

• In Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Ransomware protection, temporarily turn off Controlled folder access or add Epson installer/executables and the spoolsv.exe print spooler as allowed apps.
• In third-party antivirus/endpoint protection (Carbon Black, CrowdStrike, McAfee, etc.), look for USB, printer, or device control policies. Ensure Epson installers, USB printing, and the Print Spooler are not blocked.
• Disable any “block unknown USB devices” rule for a quick test. If the Epson works with that disabled, request a permanent allowlist exception from IT.

If adjusting security instantly clears Communication Error 20000027, we’ve confirmed it’s a policy issue, not a dead printer.

Customer

It’s a work laptop, so I can’t fully disable anything. I can run installers as admin though. Is there anything I can do myself before involving IT?

Technician

Yes, you can clean up the Epson USB driver side, which often resolves 20000027 even with security in place:

1. Unplug the USB cable.
2. In Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, remove any existing Epson entries.
3. In Apps → Installed apps, uninstall all Epson driver packages & utilities related to this model.
4. Reboot.
5. Download the latest full Epson driver/installer for your exact printer model from the official Epson site.
6. Right-click the installer → Run as administrator with your security tools still active.
7. Only when the installer prompts you, plug the USB cable directly into the laptop.

If 20000027 still pops up after a clean install, that’s strong evidence your endpoint or USB control policy is blocking the connection and IT needs to allow it.

Customer

After the clean install it still says “Communication Error 20000027 — check USB connection” even though it’s directly connected. It prints fine from a home laptop. So it must be policy?

Technician

Exactly. If the same Epson works on another PC but not on the corporate machine, USB is being restricted:

• Many organizations block USB printing while still allowing keyboards/mice.
• Some only allow devices with specific IDs. Your Epson’s USB VID/PID may not be on the allowed list.

Two options (often combined):

1. Ask IT to allowlist your Epson printer in their USB/device control and security policies (share the exact model and that it triggers “Communication Error 20000027”).
2. If possible, connect the printer via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and install it as a network printer. This bypasses strict USB blocks while keeping security controls intact.

We can help you document exactly what IT needs to change — just jump into the live chat.

Customer

What if I’m not on a domain? Home PC, just Defender and maybe some free antivirus. Same 20000027 error via USB.

Technician

For a home PC with Epson Communication Error 20000027:

• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus/firewall; rerun the Epson installer. If it works, add Epson programs and the Print Spooler as trusted, then re-enable protection.
• Ensure Print Spooler service is running: services.msc → Print Spooler → Running, Automatic.
• Use the original or high-quality USB cable; avoid overly long cables.
• Do not use “USB power saving” that turns ports off: disable USB selective suspend in advanced power settings on laptops.

These steps resolve the majority of non-enterprise 20000027 USB communication issues.

Customer

If I switch it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, will that avoid 20000027 completely?

Technician

In many environments, yes. Communication Error 20000027 is specific to the USB handshake in the installer/driver:

• Set the Epson up on Ethernet or Wi-Fi (using the printer’s panel or WPS).
• Install using Epson’s network option instead of USB.
• Give the printer a static IP or DHCP reservation so it stays reliable.

This bypasses strict USB control while still giving you full printing and scanning functionality.

Customer

Got it. So for me it’s definitely security/USB rules. I’ll either get it allowlisted or put it on the network. Thanks for explaining.

Technician

Summary: Epson “Communication Error 20000027” almost always means: (1) USB connection is restricted by security software, endpoint protection, or USB policy, or (2) the Epson USB driver stack is corrupted.
Direct cable → clean driver reinstall → adjust/allow security rules → or switch to network printing will reliably clear 20000027 in most cases.
Not sure which step fits your setup? Open the chat and a technician will walk through it with you in real time.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for Epson “Communication Error 20000027” over USB: use a direct USB connection, remove old Epson drivers, install the latest Epson package as administrator, and ensure security software, endpoint protection, and USB device control policies allow the Epson driver and Print Spooler to access the USB port. If corporate USB policies remain blocked, connect the printer via Wi-Fi/Ethernet instead.

FAQ

Step-by-step: Fix Epson Communication Error 20000027 (Windows 10/11)

1. Connect the Epson directly via a known-good USB cable to a rear motherboard port (no hubs/docks).
2. Remove old Epson printers from Printers & scanners and uninstall Epson software.
3. Reboot, then install the latest official Epson driver as administrator.
4. Ensure antivirus/firewall and security tools allow the Epson installer, services, and Print Spooler.
5. If USB is still restricted (especially on corporate devices), configure the Epson as a network printer instead.

Note for macOS users

1. Use a direct USB connection and install the latest macOS Epson driver or use AirPrint if supported.
2. If macOS prompts for security approval (blocked system software), approve Epson extensions and re-try.
3. If security tools manage your Mac, have IT allow Epson drivers or use a network connection.

Sources

• Epson — Messages on the Control Panel & communication checks
• Microsoft — Configure Controlled Folder Access & allowed apps
• PrinterTouch — Epson printer USB & network connectivity troubleshooting

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