If you encounter error 0x00000709 when connecting to a network-shared printer in Windows 11, follow these steps to resolve the issue.

Why Does This Error Occur?

This issue is common in Windows 11 22H2 due to a change in the default printer connection method. The error appears because the system prioritizes RPC over TCP instead of Named Pipes. Modifying the Group Policy or Registry settings can fix this problem.

Method 1: Change Printer RPC Connection Settings via Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy Editor:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Printers

3. Find Configure RPC connection settings and double-click it.
4. Select Enabled, then set RPC over Named Pipes.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Restart your computer and try connecting to the printer again.

Method 2: Modify Registry Settings (For Windows 11 Home Users)

If you are using Windows 11 Home, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersRPC

3. Right-click the RPC folder and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it RpcUseNamedPipeProtocol and set its value to 1.
5. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 3: Restart Print Spooler Service

If the issue persists, restarting the Print Spooler service may help:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
3. Try reconnecting to the printer.

Method 4: Ensure Printer Sharing is Enabled

On the computer sharing the printer:

1. Press Windows + R, type control printers, and hit Enter.
2. Right-click the shared printer and select Printer properties.
3. Go to the Sharing tab and check Share this printer.
4. Click Apply and OK.

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.