FIX: My printer cannot be set as default, error 709

Matthew Adams
by Matthew Adams
Windows & Software Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about... Read more
Updated:
Posted: July 2019
Affiliate Disclosure
  • Many Windows 10 users claimed that error 709 occurs and the printer cannot be set as default.
  • A good solution is to try using the Windows built-in printer troubleshooting solution.
  • Disable a particular setting option in order to fix the printer error 0X00000709.
  • You can also edit the Registry by following our step-by-step guide below.
my printer cannot be set as default
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Error 0x00000709 is a printer error that numerous users have posted about on the Microsoft support forum. Affected users can’t configure their printers to be the default ones when that error arises.

One user’s forum post stated.

I cannot set any printer as default printer. An error message appears, error 0X00000709. That error message states, “Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709).”

You can easily fix this issue by following the steps below, so be sure to keep reading.

How can I fix the printer error 709?

1. Update your printer drivers

  1. Go to Windows Settings
  2. Open Update & Security
  3. Click on the Windows Update section
  4. Select Check for updates
  5. Click on the suitable printer drivers to automatically install them

This error message might appear due to faulty printer drivers that are outdated or damaged. Here’s how you can install the latest drivers using Windows Update.

An easier solution would be to use a reliable third-party tool that downloads and installs the latest printer drivers automatically.

Most of the time, the generic drivers for your PC’s hardware and peripherals are not properly updated by the system.There are key differences between a generic driver and a manufacturer’s driver.Searching for the right driver version for each of your hardware components can become tedious. That’s why an automated assistant can help you find and update your system with the correct drivers every time, and we strongly recommend DriverFix. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download and install DriverFix.
  2. Launch the software.
  3. Wait for the detection of all your faulty drivers.
  4. DriverFix will now show you all the drivers that have issues, and you just need to select the ones you’d liked fixed.
  5. Wait for the app to download and install the newest drivers.
  6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
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Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

2. Run the printer troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + S, and enter troubleshooter in the search box.
  2. Click the Troubleshoot settings to open the window in the snapshot directly below.The Troubleshoot tab my printer cannot be set as default
  3. Select the Printer troubleshooter, and then click the Run the troubleshooter button.
  4. Thereafter, the Printer troubleshooter window will open. Select the printer to fix, and click the Next button.The Printer troubleshooter my printer cannot be set as default
  5. Then go through the troubleshooter’s suggested resolutions.

Windows 10’s Printer troubleshooter might (or may not) come in handy for fixing error 0X00000709, so be sure to follow the above steps.

3. Turn off a specific setting option

  1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Select Devices in Settings.
  3. Next, click Printers & scanners on the left of the window.
  4. Deselect the Allow Windows to manage my default printer option.Printers & scanners tab my printer cannot be set as default

If the Printer troubleshooter doesn’t fix 0X00000709, try turning off the Allow Windows to manage my default printer setting.

4. Edit the Registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit in Run, and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Next, open to this registry path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft>Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WindowsThe Windows key my printer cannot be set as default
  3. Click the Windows key on the left of the Registry Editor.
  4. Double-click the Device string to open the window in the snapshot directly below.Edit String window my printer cannot be set as default
  5. Edit the value data by erasing everything in that box before ,winspool,Ne00:, but do not delete the ,winspool,Ne00: part. Value data box my printer cannot be set as default
  6. Enter the required printer name (to set as default) before ,winspoolt,Ne00, and then click the OK button.
  7. A Cannot edit device dialog box might appear for some users. If so, right-click the Windows key that includes the Device string, and select Permissions.
  8. Select the Allow Full Control checkbox shown directly below. The Full Control check box my printer cannot be set as default
  9. Press the Apply button, and select the OK option.

Editing the Device string within the Registry Editor is among the most widely confirmed fixes for error 0x00000709.

We’ve written extensively on printer problems, so be sure to check out our helpful guide for other setting default printer issue and fix it in no time.

We hope that these recommendations from our list helped you to fix the 0X00000709 printer error. For more suggestions or other questions, please access the comments section below.

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