Error 0x00000709 is a common printer issue in Windows that occurs when users try to set a default printer. When attempting to set a default printer in the Control Panel or the “Devices and Printers” settings, you might encounter the error message “Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709). Double-check the printer name and make sure that the printer is connected to the network.”

This error typically happens due to a conflict in the Windows registry related to printer settings. It can occur after a printer driver update, Windows update, or due to some misconfiguration.

To resolve error 0x00000709, you can try the following solutions:

Solution 1: Manually Set the Default Printer

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “control” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel, navigate to “Devices and Printers.”
• Right-click on the printer you want to set as the default and select “Set as default printer.” If prompted for administrator permission, click “Yes.”

If this manual method works, the error should be resolved. However, if the error persists, try the next solution.

Solution 2: Modify Registry Settings

Before making any changes to the Windows Registry, it’s essential to create a backup to ensure you can revert if needed.

• Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• Type “regedit” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the following path:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
• In the right pane, locate the “Device” value. It should have the incorrect printer name.
• Double-click on “Device” to modify its value.
• In the “Value data” field, enter the exact name of the printer you want to set as the default. Make sure you enter the correct printer name.
• Click “OK” to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.
• Restart your computer.

After restarting, try setting the default printer again using the Control Panel. The error should be resolved now.

Always be cautious when modifying the Windows Registry, as making incorrect changes can cause system instability. It’s a good practice to back up your registry or create a system restore point before making any changes.