FIX: Shared Printer Error 0x00000709 After Windows 11 Update (Solved)
Encountering printer errors like 0x00000709 or 0x00000bc4 after a Windows 11 update can be frustrating. These errors typically occur when attempting to print to or install a shared network printer. This guide provides detailed steps to resolve these issues and restore your printing capabilities.
Understanding Printer Errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4
After upgrading to Windows 11, users may face the error "Operation could not be completed. (error 0x00000709). Double check the printer name and make sure that the printer is connected to the network." Similarly, error 0x00000bc4, stating "No printers were found," can occur when attempting to connect to a shared printer.
Causes of the Errors
According to Microsoft, these issues arise due to changes in the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) connection settings introduced in Windows 11 version 22H2. The system now defaults to "RPC over TCP" for enhanced security, disabling "RPC over Named Pipes" by default. This change affects how the Spooler service handles incoming connections.
Solutions to Fix Printer Errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4
To resolve these errors, you can either modify the Print Spooler service settings or manually re-add the printer using a local port. Here are the detailed methods:
Method 1: Resolve Printer Error 0x00000709 via Group Policy
To address the errors using Group Policy, follow these steps on both the client and print server PCs:
1. Press Windows
+ R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to launch the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers.
4. Double-click Configure RPC connection Settings and set it to Enabled. Select RPC over named pipes as the protocol for outgoing RPC connections and click Apply > OK.
5. Open Configure RPC listener settings, enable it, and choose RPC over named pipes and TCP. Click Apply > OK.
6. Enable the Printer browsing policy and click Apply > OK.
7. Close the Group Policy Editor.
Method 2: Fix Print Errors via Registry
To resolve the errors using the Windows Registry, perform these steps on both the client and print server PCs:
-
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Execute the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersRPC" /v RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersRPC" /v RpcProtocols /t REG_DWORD /d 0x7 /freg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrinters" /v ServerThread /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
3. Close the Command Prompt and reboot the computer.
Method 3: Add Shared Printer Using a Local Port
This method involves manually adding the printer using a local port, which can bypass the network-related errors:
1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a printer. If the printer is already installed, remove it first.
3. Select The printer that I want isn't listed.
4. Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
5. Select Create a new port, choose Local Port, and click Next.
6. Enter the port name in the format \ComputerNameSharedPrinterName or \ComputerIPAdressSharedPrinterName and click OK.
7. Select the printer model and click Next. If the model isn't listed, download the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it locally before proceeding.
8. Complete the installation and print a test page to verify functionality.
Additional Solutions
In addition to the methods above, consider these additional solutions:
- Update Printer Drivers: Visit the printer manufacturer's official website to download and install the latest drivers compatible with Windows 11.
- Check Network Settings: Ensure that both the client and server are on the same network and that network discovery is enabled on both machines.
Summary
To resolve shared printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4 in Windows 11, you can adjust Group Policy settings, modify the Windows Registry, or manually add the printer using a local port. Ensuring your printer drivers are up to date and verifying network settings can also help maintain seamless printing operations.
We hope these methods help you resolve the issue. Please share your experience in the comments below, and spread the word to assist others facing similar challenges.
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