Error 0x00000709 when setting a default printer: how to fix it

Applies to: Windows 11 and Windows 10, for local and network printers. You need an administrator account for the registry and service steps.

What causes error 0x00000709

The full message reads: “Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709). Double check the printer name and make sure that the printer is connected to the network.” Despite the wording, the printer is usually fine. Common causes:

• Windows is managing the default printer and keeps switching it to the last printer you used.
• The registry value is stuck. Windows stores your default printer in the Device value for your user account. If that key lost its write permission, or still names a removed printer, every change fails with 0x00000709.
• A shared printer with connection problems. On network printers shared from another PC, connection errors such as 0x0000011b can also block setting it as default.

Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer

1. Press Win + I and open Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 10: Devices > Printers & scanners).
2. Under Printer preferences, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer (on Windows 10, clear the checkbox).
3. Click the printer you want, then Set as default.

If you prefer the classic window, open Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click the printer and choose Set as default printer.

Set the default printer in the registry

Use this when the Settings method still shows 0x00000709. Editing the registry incorrectly can cause problems, so follow the steps exactly and export the key first.

1. Note the exact printer name as it appears in Printers & scanners.
2. Press Win + R, type regedit and press Enter.
3. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows. Right-click the Windows key and choose Export to save a backup.
4. Right-click the Windows key again, choose Permissions, select your user name and make sure Full Control is allowed. Click OK.
5. In the right pane, double-click Device. Its value looks like Printer Name,winspool,Ne01:. Replace only the part before the first comma with your printer’s exact name and keep the rest. If you’re unsure of the rest, right-click Device and delete it instead.
6. Restart the PC, then set the default printer again in Settings.

If you see a UserSelectedDefault value in the same key, leave it alone; Windows updates it when you set a default.

Restart the Print Spooler

A stuck print queue can also stop changes from saving. Open services.msc, right-click Print Spooler and choose Restart. If the service won’t start, or printing fails with a print processor message, see “The print processor does not exist”.

Remove and add the printer again

1. In Printers & scanners, select the printer and click Remove.
2. Restart the PC.
3. Click Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner) and add it again. For a printer shared from another PC, follow how to share a printer on your network.
4. Set it as default before you print anything else.

Related guides

• Error 0x0000011b: Windows cannot connect to the printer
• The print processor does not exist: how to fix it
• Printer sharing in Windows 11 and 10
• Printer error 0x00000006: Windows cannot connect to the printer

Official sources: for more detail, see Microsoft’s own pages:

• Microsoft Support: Set a default printer in Windows

Frequently asked questions

Why does my default printer keep changing?

Because Let Windows manage my default printer is on. Windows then makes the last printer you used at your current location the default. Turn it off to keep your choice.

Is it safe to delete the Device registry value?

Yes, if you export the key first. Windows recreates the value when you next set a default printer.

Does error 0x00000709 mean the printer is broken?

Almost never. It’s a Windows settings problem. If test pages print, the printer and its connection are fine.