Windows

How to Fix “Printer Settings Could Not Be Saved” Error on Windows

Resolve common printer configuration issues and get your Windows PC printing smoothly again with these troubleshooting steps.

By Shivamm 4 min read
How to Fix “Printer Settings Could Not Be Saved” Error on Windows

Encountering the “Printer settings could not be saved” error on your Windows PC can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to share a printer or perform essential printing tasks. This error can manifest in various forms, each with its own specific cause and solution. Let’s dive into the different scenarios and how to resolve them.

General Troubleshooting Steps

Before we address specific error messages, let’s cover some general troubleshooting steps that can resolve many printer-related issues:

Step 1: Run the built-in Printer troubleshooter. This automated tool can diagnose and fix common printer problems without much effort on your part.

To run the Printer troubleshooter:

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Find the Printer troubleshooter and click “Run”.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

Step 2: Check your File and Printer Sharing settings. Incorrect configuration can lead to various printer errors.

To adjust these settings:

  • Open Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
  • Click on “Change advanced sharing settings”.
  • Ensure that “Network discovery” and “File and printer sharing” are turned on for both private and public networks.
  • Click “Save changes” when done.

Step 3: Verify that the Server service is running. This service is crucial for file and printer sharing.

To check and start the Server service:

  • Press Win + R, type “services.msc”, and press Enter.
  • Locate the “Server” service in the list.
  • Double-click it and set the Startup type to “Automatic”.
  • If the service is not running, click “Start”.
  • Click “Apply” and then “OK”.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler service. This can often resolve printing issues.

To restart the Print Spooler:

  • Open Services as described in Step 3.
  • Find the “Print Spooler” service.
  • Right-click and select “Restart”.

Specific Error Messages and Solutions

Error: Operation could not be completed (error 0x000006d9)

This error often occurs when the Windows Firewall Service is disabled or not functioning correctly.

Step 1: Enable the Windows Firewall Service:

  • Open Services (services.msc).
  • Locate “Windows Defender Firewall”.
  • Double-click and set Startup type to “Automatic”.
  • Click “Start” if the service isn’t running.
  • Click “Apply” and “OK”.

Step 2: If the error persists, double-check your Network Discovery and Printer Sharing options as described in the general troubleshooting steps.

Error: Remote connections to the Print Spooler are blocked

This error suggests that a policy is preventing remote connections to the Print Spooler.

Step 1: Modify the Group Policy settings:

  • Press Win + R, type “gpedit.msc”, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers.
  • Double-click “Allow Print Spooler to accept client connections”.
  • Set it to “Enabled” and click “Apply” then “OK”.

Step 2: Restart the Print Spooler service as described in the general troubleshooting steps.

Note: Consider disabling this policy once your work is done, as it can potentially make your system vulnerable to remote attacks.

Error: This operation is not supported

This error typically occurs when trying to change print drivers for a shared printer.

Step 1: Temporarily unshare the printer:

  • Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Select the problematic printer and click “Printer properties”.
  • Go to the “Sharing” tab and uncheck “Share this printer”.
  • Click “Apply” and “OK”.

Step 2: Change the print driver as needed.

Step 3: Re-share the printer if necessary by reversing the steps in Step 1.

Error: Access is denied (Server 2012)

This error indicates that you don’t have the necessary permissions to access the printer.

Step 1: Request that a computer administrator delegate you as a print administrator:

  • Open Server Manager > Tools > Print Management.
  • Right-click the applicable print server and select “Properties”.
  • Go to the “Security” tab.
  • Click “Add” and enter the user or group name (use domain\username format).
  • Set “Allow” for Manage Server, Print, Manage Documents, and Manage Printers permissions.
  • Click “Apply” and “OK”.

Error: There are no more endpoints available

This error can be caused by service issues or outdated drivers.

Step 1: Ensure all necessary services are running:

  • Open Services and check that Print Spooler, DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper, and Windows Defender Firewall services are running and set to Automatic startup.

Step 2: Update your printer driver:

  • Open Device Manager.
  • Expand the “Printers” category.
  • Right-click your printer and select “Update driver”.
  • Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

Step 3: Modify Print Spooler recovery options:

  • In Services, right-click “Print Spooler” and choose “Properties”.
  • Go to the “Recovery” tab.
  • Set all failure options to “Restart the Service”.
  • Set “Reset fail count after” and “Restart service after” to 1 day.
  • Click “Apply” and “OK”.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most “Printer settings could not be saved” errors on your Windows PC. Remember to restart your computer after making changes, as this can often finalize the fix. If you continue to experience issues, it may be worth consulting with your IT department or contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.