Fix: Operation Failed With Error 0x00004005

The Operation failed 0x00004005 is one of Windows’ most common printer errors. It occurs when users try adding a network printer to their computers, reading: Windows can’t connect to the printer; the operation failed with error 0x00004005.

In this article, we’ll show you how to fix this error and explain the main causes so you can prevent it in the future.

How can I fix the Operation Failed With Error 0x00004005?

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key + S, type Troubleshoot, and hit Enter.
2. In the Settings app, click on Other troubleshooters.
3. Click on Printer, and click Run button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC to check if the Operation Failed With Error 0x0000400 is resolved.

Running the Windows troubleshooter is one of the quickest and easiest ways to resolve the 0x00004005 error.

The troubleshooter will detect anomalies with the Printer Spooler and other necessary services and correct them if required.

2. Update the Printer driver

1. Press the Windows key + R, type in devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the Device Manager window, locate the Printer driver, right-click on the Printer, and select Update driver.
3. In the next window, click on Search driver automatically, and wait for Windows to search and install available drivers.
4. Restart your PC once the search is completed.

NOTE

Should you encounter any issues with updating the driver here, you can check out our guide for other ways to go about updating your drivers.

Alternatively, if you want to save time and schedule future driver updates, you can use an automated driver updater such as PC Helpsoft Driver Updater. It makes the whole process quicker and saves you from potential errors caused by mismatched drivers.

⇒ PC Helpsoft Driver Updater

3. Uninstall and reinstall Printer driver

1. Press the Windows key + S, type in Device Manager, and hit Enter.
2. Locate the printer, and double-click on it to expand the selection. Right-click on the device and select Uninstall device.
3. Click Uninstall to confirm the driver removal.
4. Restart your PC once the driver is completely uninstalled.

4. Uninstall Latest Windows Updates

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Windows Update and click on Update History.
3. Then, select Uninstall Updates.
4. Under the Microsoft Windows section, click on any recent update, and select Uninstall.
5. Click on Yes in the confirmation prompt to confirm the deletion.

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5. Configure the LAN Manager Authentication Level

1. Press the Windows key + R, type in gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. In the Group Policy window, navigate to this path: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Network security: LAN Manager authentication level
3. Double-click on Network security: LAN Manager authentication level to open the Properties window.
4. In the Properties window, click the drop-down menu and select Send LM and NTLM – Use NTLMv2 session security if negotiated.
5. Click Apply and then click OK.
6. Close the Group Policy window and restart your PC.

6. Add the Printer Manually

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Bluetooth and devices and select Printers & Scanners.
3. Click Add device.
4. After a few seconds, you’ll see a link: The printer I want isn’t listed. Then select Add manually.
5. Click the link, check the box next to Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname, and click Next.
6. On the next window, type in your local Hostname or IP Address.
7. Type in your Port name, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to finish adding the printer.

In some cases, Windows might not detect the printer automatically. When this happens, you must manually add the printer to solve the 0x00004005 error.

7. Restart Printer Spooler Service

1. Press the Windows key, type in services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. On the Services window, right-click on the Printer Spooler service and select Restart.
3. Close the Services window and check if the error persists.

8. Update Windows

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Windows Update and select Check for Updates. Wait for Windows to scan for available updates. If there are available updates, click on Download to install them.
3. Once the updates are installed, click the Restart now button to restart your PC.

What causes Operation Failed With Error 0x00004005?

Some of the most common causes of the Operation Failed Error 0x0004005 include:

• Outdated Drivers – Printers, like most devices we connect to your computers, require specific drivers to run correctly. If the Printer drivers are outdated, you’ll run into errors like the 0x00004005 code.
• Print Spooler Service – The Print Spooler service is built into Windows to temporarily store print jobs in the computer’s memory until the Printer is ready to print them. If this service stops functioning, it’ll lead to lots of printer-related errors.
• Misconfigured Network Settings -The 0x00004005 usually arises when you’re trying to add a shared network printer to their PC. If there’s a misconfiguration in your PC’s network settings, it can cause the 0x00004005 error code.
• Windows Update – Windows users are usually advised to update their PCs regularly. However, installing certain updates can lead to several errors on your PC.  In such cases, a Windows recovery point is beneficial as you can restore your PC to an earlier state where it was completely functional.

Wrapping up

The 0x00004005 error is common among Windows users and involves little technicality. By following the steps listed above, you should get your printer up and running in no time.

However, if you’ve stumbled upon this error in the past and have alternative solutions to help resolve it, feel free to drop them in the comments.