If your computer has more than one printer installed or connected, it might get confused when trying to set a default one. Windows sometimes tries to manage which printer to use on its own, and this can lead to the 0x00000709 error.

To fix this, start by removing all other printers that you're not using:

• If you have USB printers, unplug them from your computer.
• If you’re on WiFi and have multiple wireless printers saved, turn off the ones you're not using.
• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and remove any printers you no longer use.
• Leave only the printer you want to set as default.

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter for many hardware problems, including printers. This tool checks for common issues like driver errors, communication problems, and incorrect settings.

• Right-click the Start button and click Settings.
• In the left sidebar, click System, then scroll down and select Troubleshoot.

  

• Next, click Other troubleshooters.
• Find the Printer section and click the Run button next to it.

  

• Windows will scan your system for printer issues. This may take a few minutes.
• If it finds any problems, follow the on-screen instructions to fix them.

By default, Windows may automatically manage your default printer based on which one you use the most. While this sounds helpful, it can often cause different errors.

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Click on Bluetooth & devices on the left panel.
• Select Printers & scanners on the right.

  

• Scroll down to find a setting called “Let Windows manage my default printer.”
• Turn the switch off.

  

This method involves making a small change in the Windows Registry. Sometimes, the system is trying to use a printer name that doesn't match your actual device. Editing the registry allows you to update the printer name manually so the system can recognize it correctly. However, make sure to back up your registry before making changes, as incorrect edits can cause system problems.

• Press Windows + S, type Registry Editor, then right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.
• In the Registry Editor, paste this path into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
• On the right side, find the Device entry and double-click it.

  

• In the Value data box, delete the old name and type in the correct name of your printer. Make sure it matches exactly.
• Click OK to save.
• Close the editor and restart your PC.

RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a method Windows uses to communicate with printers, especially over a network. If the settings for this are not configured correctly, it may cause this error. To fix it, follow the steps mentioned below, but do keep in mind that it’s only for Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education systems.

• Open the Start menu, type Edit group policy, and click the top result.
• On the left, go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers
• On the right side, double-click Configure RPC connection settings.

  

• In the window that opens, select Enabled.
• Below that, find the drop-down menu and select RPC over named pipes.
• Click Apply, then OK, and close Group Policy.
• Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Sometimes a recent Windows update can cause issues with printers. If you started seeing the error shortly after installing an update, rolling it back can help.

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Click on Windows Update on the left.
• Click on Update history on the right.

  

• Scroll down and click Uninstall updates under the “Related settings” section.

  

• Find the most recent update based on the install date.
• Click Uninstall next to it and follow the steps on screen.
• Once done, restart your PC.

The Print Spooler is a background service that helps your PC communicate with printers. If it crashes or gets stuck, you may see error messages when trying to use your printer. Restarting this service often solves the problem.

• Press Windows + S and type Services, then click to open it.
• Scroll down and find Print Spooler in the list.

  

• Right-click it and choose Restart.
• Wait a few seconds for the service to stop and start again.

Drivers are what let your printer and computer talk to each other. If the driver is outdated, corrupted, or not designed for your version of Windows, it can cause problems.

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Scroll down to Universal Serial Bus controllers and click the arrow to expand it.
• Right-click USB Composite Device (or your printer if listed) and choose Update driver.
• Click Search automatically for drivers.
• Windows will look for the latest driver online and install it if one is found.
• Once it's done, restart your PC.

Sometimes your user account doesn't have the necessary permission to change printer settings. Fixing the permissions in the registry can help solve the problem.

• Open the Registry Editor and go to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
• Right-click the Windows folder and choose Permissions.

  

• In the window that appears, make sure SYSTEM and Administrators have Full Control. If not, click on them and check the Allow box.
• If those users are missing, click Add and enter their names.
• You can also add Everyone and give them Full Control.
• Click Apply, then OK, and close everything.
• Restart your computer and try setting the printer again.