- Error 0x00000709 is usually linked to changes in the security of Windows 11 and network configuration.
- There are practical solutions that include registry tweaks, group policies, and driver updates.
- Prevention involves maintaining the system and the drivers always up to date, as well as protecting privacy on shared networks.
Error 0x00000709 when trying to print in Windows 11 has become a real headache for many users, especially since Microsoft included new security changes in the latest updates to its operating system. This problem usually occurs when adding network printers, sharing devices between computers, or simply setting a default printer. It's very common to encounter this ambiguous message: "The operation could not be completed" or "Check the printer name and make sure the printer is connected to the network."
Many users wonder what this error actually means and how they can fix it without having to resort to professional technical help. While the source of the error may vary depending on your network configuration, security policies, and the type of printer you're using, there are proven steps and effective methods that can help you regain printing access from Windows 11.
What is error 0x00000709 and why does it occur in Windows 11?
Error code 0x00000709 indicates that Windows is having difficulty connecting to the desired printer, mainly when trying to set it as the default printer or when accessing a shared printer over the network. The most common factors that cause this issue are usually related to changes in Windows security policies, registry configuration conflicts, or problems connecting via network protocols (such as RPC or SMB).
Since the Windows 22 2H11 update, Microsoft has changed the default method for connecting to shared printers for security reasons, which has led to a surge in the occurrence of this bug on home and small office networks. This has forced many users to make manual adjustments that were not previously necessary.
Main causes behind error 0x00000709
- Incorrect Windows Registry settings: Automatic or manual changes have misconfigured key values.
- Group policies not adapted to new security requirementsSpecifically, the configuration of RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and the communication channels between computers.
- Print services stopped or failed: The print spooler service may become corrupted or hang.
- Connectivity problems on the local network: Printer names are not always correct, or there are DNS and permission conflicts.
- Outdated or incompatible printer drivers: Windows updates may break certain drivers.
How does error 0x00000709 manifest when printing?
The message that Windows displays is usually quite similar:
The operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709). Check the printer name and make sure the printer is connected to the network.
Sometimes the error occurs right after trying to add the printer, while other times it may appear when sending a document to print. It can also happen when changing the default printer or when trying to access a printer connected to another computer using an alternate name or alias (CNAME) on the network.
Proven and definitive solutions for error 0x00000709 in Windows 11
Resolving this error may require several steps, depending on the network environment, printer type, and user skill level. Here's a compilation of the most effective and detailed methods.
1. Use the built-in printer troubleshooter
Before you touch advanced settings, try the troubleshooter included in Windows 11, which can detect and fix common setup and connectivity errors.
- Open the start menu and type Problem solving.
- Choose Additional troubleshooters and then look for the option Printer.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the steps indicated.
- Let Windows automatically detect and repair any errors.
- Restart your computer when finished.
2. Adjust Group Policy settings (for advanced users or professional environments)
Many error cases originate from group policy, especially in companies or when using network-shared printers.
- Open the search function and type gpedit.msc to access the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Go to Administrative Templates > Printers.
- In the right panel, locate and open RPC Connection Configuration.
- Activate the policy and select RPC over named pipes in the drop-down list.
- Check that the 'Printer Scanning' option is also enabled to facilitate the discovery of devices on the network.
- Save the changes and restart the computer.
3. Fix from the Windows Registry
If editing Group Policy is not an option (for example, in Home editions of Windows 11), the key may be in the registry. WARNING: Touching the Windows Registry can be tricky. Make a backup copy before making any changes.
- Press Win + R, writes regedit and press Enter.
- Accept User Account Control (UAC) and access the Registry Editor.
- Go to the route HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\RPC (create the folder RPC if it does not exist).
- Find or create value RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol with type DWORD (32 bit).
- Set to 1 to force RPC over named pipes (more compatible with older computers or mixed networks).
- Optionally, review the values RpcOverTcp (must be at 0) and RpcOverNamedPipes (must be at 1).
- Close the registry editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
4. Restart the print service (Print Spooler)
One of the most common causes is that the print spooler service has become blocked, causing communication failures with the printer.
- Open the start menu and search Services.
- In the list, locate Print spooler (Print Spooler).
- Right click on it and select Restart.
- Please try printing again once the service is back up and running.
5. Update your printer driver
Sometimes the error is due to outdated or incompatible drivers after a Windows 11 update.
- press Win + X and select Device administrator.
- Expand the section Printing o Print queues.
- Right click on your printer and choose Update Driver.
- Let Windows search for and install the latest version available.
- Restart your computer after the update.
Advanced Solutions: Troubleshooting errors when using shared printers with aliases (CNAME)
When working in enterprise environments or with print servers, you may encounter this error when connecting to a shared printer using a print alternate name (CNAME), rather than the server's primary DNS name. Windows, by default, imposes restrictions in these scenarios for security reasons.
Microsoft recommends running the following commands at the symbol of the system (as administrator) to allow connection to printers that use CNAME records:
reg add hklm\system\currentcontrolset\control\print /v DnsOnWire /t REG_DWORD /d 1 reg add hklm\system\currentcontrolset\services\lanmanserver\parameters /v DisableStrictNameChecking /t REG_DWORD /d 1 reg add hklm\system\currentcontrolset\services\lanmanserver\parameters /v OptionalNames /t REG_SZ /d "aliasname"
These commands modify the internal Windows settings to enable connection using DNS aliases. After running them, reboot the device to apply the changes.
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