Steps to Resolve Printer Error 0x00000709 on Windows 11 and 10

Key Notes

• Error 0x00000709 often arises from outdated drivers or config issues.
• A hard reset of the printer may solve connection issues.
• Modifying specific settings in the registry can help resolve the error.

How to Effectively Address Printer Error 0x00000709 on Windows

Experiencing Printer Error 0x00000709 while attempting to set your default printer can be frustrating. This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

What Does Printer Error 0x00000709 Indicate?

Error 0x00000709 signifies that a printer is already set as default on your Windows PC. For example, if you attempt to add another printer, you may see the message:

Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709)

Ensuring the printer name is correctly added and connected to the network can help, as this error may occur if Windows blocks the configuration of a new printer.

Resolving Network Printer Connection Issues

If the error persists, troubleshoot your printer settings, restart the Print Spooler service, and consider performing these additional fixes.

In specific cases, changing default settings or renaming your printer via the registry may be essential.

Step 1: Hard Reset Your Printer to Fix Error 0x00000709

Initiate the troubleshooting process with a hard reset of your printer by following these steps:

• Shut down your PC; this will power off your printer as well.
• Disconnect the printer’s power cord, and wait for 2 minutes.
• Remove any direct connections between the PC and the printer.
• Reconnect the power and any cables after the wait.
• If on a wireless network, ensure the printer is connected to the same network.
• Launch Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands:

net stop spooler

del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers* /Q

net start spooler

• These commands will stop and restart the Print Spooler service while clearing any cache files.

After clearing the Printer Spooler, reboot your PC and check if the printer is functional.

Step 2: Adjust Your RPC Connection Settings

This method is applicable for users with Windows Pro, Enterprise, or similar editions.

To modify RPC connection settings:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
• Type “ gpedit.msc ” and hit OK.
• In the Group Policy window, navigate to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers

• Double-click “ Configure RPC connection settings.”
• Check the Enabled option and set the following:
• Protocol: RPC over named pipes
• Authentication: Enabled
• Click Apply, then OK, and restart your computer.

If the error recurs, experiment with different settings for Protocol and Authentication until resolved.

Step 3: Modify Printer Name in Registry Editor

Old configuration files from previous printer installations may trigger the error. Changing the printer name in the registry could help:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type regedit and hit OK.
• Navigate to:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

• In the right pane, find the Device entry, right-click it, and choose Modify.
• In the pop-up, enter your printer’s name in the Value data field, leaving other details intact.

If you encounter permission issues, adjust the settings by right-clicking the Windows folder, selecting Permissions, and granting Full Control to the current user.

After making changes, restart your PC to finalize all adjustments.

Step 4: Uninstall Recent Cumulative Update

Sometimes, Printer Error 0x00000709 may appear following a recent cumulative update. To revert the update:

• Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
• Select Update & Security, then go to Windows Update.
• Click on “View update history.”
• Click “Uninstall updates” and choose the recent problematic update from the list.
• Follow the prompts to confirm and restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 4.1: Remove an Update via CMD

If preferred, you can also uninstall updates using the Command Prompt:

• Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
• Press Ctrl + Shift + 2 to access the command line interface.
• Enter the following command and press Enter :

wusa /uninstall /kb:5006670

Wait for the process to complete, then check if the error persists.

Step 5: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

If previous solutions don’t resolve the issue, utilize the built-in Printer Troubleshooter:

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Enter the command: msdt.exe /id PrinterDiagnostic
• Proceed with the prompts on-screen to troubleshoot your printer.

Step 6: Disable Automatic Printer Management in Windows 10

Consider disabling Windows’ feature to automatically manage your printers:

• Open Settings using Win + I.
• Navigate to Devices and then Printers & Scanners.
• Uncheck “ Let Windows manage my default printer ”.
• Restart your PC to save changes.

Step 7: Configure the PointAndPrint Registry Entry

Should issues persist, modify the PointAndPrint registry setting:

• Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Execute the following command:

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\PointAndPrint"/v RestrictDriverInstallationToAdministrators /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

• Restart your PC, and check if the error is resolved on the next login.

Step 8: Update Your Printer Drivers

Using outdated printer drivers can cause Error 0x00000709. Update your drivers using these steps:

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand the section for Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
• Right-click on each USB composite device and select Update driver.
• Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.

This system will automatically check for updates and apply necessary changes.

Summary

To mitigate Printer Error 0x00000709, start with a hard reset, check your configurations, and modify registry entries when necessary. Keep your drivers updated and seek help from Windows Troubleshooter for unresolved issues.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to effectively resolve the Printer Error 0x00000709 on your Windows 10 or 11 system. Should issues continue, consulting further technical support may be beneficial.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)