How to Fix Error Code 0x00000709 When Connecting to Printer

Printers are essential devices for printing documents, files, essays, homework, and fax messages. However, printer problems can be frustrating.

One of the most frustrating problems with a printer is when it does not get set up as expected or configured properly on your PC. And when the latter happens, among the most common error codes being thrown is 0x00000709. But what does error code 0x00000709 on Windows 10/11 mean? What causes error code 0x00000709 to occur?

About Error Code 0x00000709

This error code shows when there are problems with setting up your new printer or one that has been already set up as your system’s default. It is usually triggered by issues in the Registry settings, where the previous printer has been prioritized as the default.

To fix this issue, tweaks in the Registry settings must be done manually. We’ll share some potential fixes in the succeeding section.

Potential Error Code 0x00000709 Fixes

As mentioned above, the Registry has to be modified manually to resolve the error code. However, before you proceed with making significant changes, make sure you have a backup of your important files. This will make it easier for you to restore everything in the event when something comes up.

To back up your Registry, open it the Registry Editor, go to File > Export, name the Registry file, and hit Save. If you want to restore the backup, simply launch the Registry Editor again, go to File > Import, and choose the file you have exported earlier.

At this point, you should be all set and can try the recommended fixes below.

Fix #1: Repair any corrupt system files

The easiest way to fix corrupt system files in Windows 10/11 is to use the SFC utility. It’s a command line tool that is designed to scan your PC and restore any damaged system files.

To use it, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows + X keys together and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Once an elevated Command Prompt appears, input sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. The restoration process should now begin. Make sure you don’t interrupt the entire repair process. Otherwise, you have to redo everything. Wait patiently until it completes.

Alternatively, you can use the DISM utility. This tool is commonly used to resolve any corruption issues that prevent the SFC utility from running.

Here’s how to use the DISM tool:

1. Press the Windows + X keys together.
2. Choose Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Into the command line, input this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Hit Enter.
5. The repair process should now commence. Usually, the repair process takes up to 10 minutes, so be patient and make sure you don’t interrupt it.
6. Once the DISM utility has repaired your files, reboot your PC.

Fix #2: Modify the Registry settings

The error code 0x00000709 is often triggered by Registry issues. To modify the Registry settings and hopefully fix the problem, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start menu and type regedit into the search box.
2. Right-click on the most relevant search result and choose Run as Administrator.
3. Navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER section and expand it. Take note that each folder is a subset of another folder. This means the main path of the destination folder will be HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Windows.
4. Now, scroll to the path above.
5. Choose your device key from the right pane. Right-click on it and click Modify Now.
6. Change the value to the actual name of your printer. If you see the prompt “cannot edit device,” hit OK.
7. Right-click on the Windows folder and select Permissions.
8. Tick the box next to the Full Control option.

That’s it! If the error code persists at this point, then try the next fix.

Fix #3: Run the printer as administrator

It is likely that the error code is also triggered by the lack of administrator permissions. As a workaround, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start menu and choose Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on the name of your printer and click See What’s Printing.
3. Now, choose Open as Administrator.
4. From the main menu, choose Set as Default Printer.

Fix #4: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

If you are not tech-savvy, you may just launch the Printer Troubleshooter and let it fix the problem.

Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run utility.
2. Into the text field, input this command: msdt.exe /id PrinterDiagnostic.
3. Hit Enter.
4. From here on, follow the on-screen prompts to fix your problem.

Fix #5: Update your printer drivers.

It is also possible that an outdated printer driver is causing the error code to surface. In order to resolve this, update your printer drivers.

The steps below should serve as your guide on what to do:

1. Launch the Device Manager.
2. Find the USB Composite Device section. Right-click on it.
3. From the menu, select Update Driver.
4. Reboot your PC.
5. Lastly, click on the Search automatically option to let your system find an update for your printer driver software.

You may also find a third-party driver updater program and let it update your printer driver for you.

Fix #6: Take your printer to the nearest repair shop

As with all devices, it is likely that your printer has internal issues that can only be fixed by expert eyes. The internal circuits could have suffered from a hard blow or some components could have been damaged due to daily wear and tear.

If you suspect that the error code is caused by hardware problems, take your printer to the nearest repair shop and have it checked and repaired.

Bottomline

Printer problems can be very annoying, especially when you are completing for an important printing job. However, they can always be fixed, regardless of what’s causing them.

The next time you are faced with printer errors such as the error code 0x00000709, you know what to do. Pull up this article and troubleshoot on your own, or seek help from professionals.

Do you know other ways to resolve common printer issues in Windows 10/11? Share them in the comments!