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_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\RPC" /v RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\RPC" /v RpcProtocols /t REG_DWORD /d 0x7 /freg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers" /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 \\ComputerName\SharedPrinterName or \\ComputerIPAdress\SharedPrinterName 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4 in Windows 11?
These errors occur due to changes in Windows 11 from version 22H2 onwards, which modifies how Windows communicates for printing to enhance security. Specifically, it involves changes to the 'RPC connection settings,' where 'RPC over TCP' is used and 'RPC over Named Pipes' is disabled by default.
How can I resolve printer error 0x00000709 using Group Policy in Windows 11?
To solve shared printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4 via Group Policy, you need to modify settings on both client and print server PCs. Open 'gpedit.msc', navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers, and configure 'RPC connection settings' and 'RPC listener settings' to enable 'RPC over named pipes and TCP.' Finally, enable the Printer browsing policy.
How do I address printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4 using the Registry?
To fix these errors using the Registry, you must apply changes on both client and print server PCs. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and input specific registry commands to enable 'RPC over named pipes.' After applying the commands, close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Is there an alternative method to resolve shared printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4?
Yes, an alternative method is to manually re-add the shared printer using a local port. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, and then click 'Add a printer' to start the process.
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