,
Recently, after updating Windows 11, I encountered the error 0x00000709 when trying to print to a shared printer and the error 0x00000bc4 when trying to re-install the shared printer. After struggling with the problem, I decided to write down the steps I used to solve it to help others.
Problem in details: When trying to print to a network shared printer in Windows 11, you receive 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”, or the error 0x00000bc4 “No printers were found”, when trying to connect (add) a shared printer..
What causes the printer errors 0x00000709 & 0x00000bc4?
According to Microsoft, Windows 11 from version 22H2 onwards introduces changes to the way Windows machines communicate with each other when printing to improve the printing security.
More specifically, the “RPC connection settings” for the print communications have been changed to “RPC over TCP” and the “RPC over Named Pipes” is disabled by default. In simple words, the Spooler service on client or server only “listens” for incoming connections via “RPC over TCP” protocol and not via “RPC over Named Pipes” as before .
How to fix errors 0x00000709 or 0x00000bc4 when printing or connecting to a shared printer in Windows 11.
To fix the error 0x00000709 when trying to print to a network shared printer or the error 0x00000bc4 when trying to install a network printer, use one of the following two (2) ways:
1. Configure the Print Spooler service to listen for incoming connections via “RPC over Named Pipes” protocol, either from Group Policy (Method-1) or from Registry (Method-2), OR…
2. Remove and re-add the shared printer manually as described in Method-3.
Method 1. Fix Printer Error 0x00000709 via Group Policy.*
To solve shared printer errors 0x00000709 and 0x00000bc4 via Group Policy:
* Note: You have to apply the below modifications in both PCs (client & print Server).
1.Press Windows 
+ R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and click OK.
3. In Group Policy Editor, navigate to this location:
- Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers
4a. At the right-pane, double click to open the Configure RPC connection Settings policy.
4b. Set this Policy to Enabled and below select RPC over named pipes, as the protocol to use for outgoing RPC connections. When done, click Apply > OK.
5a. Then open the Configure RPC listener settings policy.
5b. Check Enabled and below select RPC over named pipes and TCP. When done, click Apply > OK
6. Finally, open the Printer browsing policy, set it to Enabled and click Apply > OK.
7. Close the Policy Editor and you’re done!
Method 2. Fix Print Errors 0x00000709 & 0x00000bc4 via Registry.*
To fix errors 0x00000bc4 & 0x00000709 in network shared printer using Registry:
* Note: You have to apply the below modifications in both PCs (client & print Server).
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Give the following commands in order (press Enter after each command):
- reg add “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersRPC” /v RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
- reg add “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersRPC” /v RpcProtocols /t REG_DWORD /d 0x7 /f
- reg add “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrinters” /v ServerThread /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
3. Close the Registry Editor and reboot the computer.
Method 3. Add Shared Printer using a Local Port.
Another way to fix common printer errors like the ones mentioned in this article (0x00000709 or 0x00000bc), is to manually re-add the printer by using a local port.
1. Navigate to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a printer.*
* Note: If the printer is already installed, delete it first.
3. At the next screen, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
4. Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
5. Click Create a new port and select Local Port from the drop-down menu. Click Next.
6. At the screen specify the port name in one of the following formats and click OK:*
- \ComputerNameSharedPrinterName
- \ComputerIPAdressSharedPrinterName
* Examples:
a. If the computer name of the computer that shares the network printer is “Computer01” and the printer’s share name is “HP1100” then the port name is “\Computer01HP1100”
b. If the IP Address of the computer that shares the network printer is “192.168.1.20” and the printer’s share name is “HP1100” then the port name is “\192.168.1.20HP1100”
7. At the next screen select the network printer model and click Next. *
* Note: If you cannot find the printer’s model here, then download the printer driver from the manufacturer and then install the printer locally on your PC (LPT1). After installation, perform again the steps on this method to manually install the printer by using the “Local Port” option.
8. When the printer installation is completed print a test page to test the printer and you’re done.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you? And if so, by what method?
Please leave a comment in the comment section below or even better: like and share this blog post in the social networks to help spread the word about this problem.
