Updated April 2025: Stop these error messages and fix common problems with this tool. Get it now at this link
When migrating printers from an old server to a new server using Group Policy Preferences, you may get an error `Unknown printer driver’, which will prevent you from completing the operation. You may also see the following error code, 0x80070705.
According to some users, this problem occurs mostly when trying to migrate printers from the old server to the new one using group policy settings. Below is a list of possible culprits that may be responsible for this error code.
Table of Contents:
What causes printer driver error 0x80070705 ‘unknown printer driver’?
- General Printer Log Inconsistency: If this problem occurs when you try to transfer the printer log from your computer to another computer on your local network.
- Google Cloud Print has been rejected: If this problem occurs when you try to install or use Google Cloud Print, you will see this error because the service is completely out of date as of January 2021 and is no longer supported by Google.
How to repair printer driver ‘Error 0x80070705’ – Unknown printer driver?
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
Updated: April 2025

Updating the root print queue
- Press Win + X and select – Device Manager.
- Expand the Print Queues section and right-click on the root print queue.
- Select “Update Driver” from the pop-up menu.
- Then click on “Automatically search for drivers”.
- Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rest of the process.
Utilizing the printer troubleshooter
- Press the “Windows Key + R” key combination to open the “Run” dialog box.
- In the Run dialog box, type “ms-settings: troubleshoot.”
- Click the OK button.
- Select “Troubleshooting” on the left and move to the right.
- Click on the link here – Advanced Troubleshooting.
- Expand “Printer” and click on “Run Troubleshooter”.
- Wait a few minutes for the scan to complete. If it detects the problem, you will have an option – Apply this fix.
- Click this button to have the troubleshooter make the appropriate changes.
- Reboot Windows 10 after successfully applying the recommended fix.
Restart the Print Spooler service
- Right-click on the Windows logo and select Run.
- Type “services.MSC” and click OK.
- Scroll down the Services window and find the Print Spooler service.
- Right-click on it and select the – Properties option.
- In the Spooler Properties window, click the General tab and select Automatic under Startup Type.
- Then click on the Stop button.
- Wait a few seconds before clicking the “Start” button. This will restart the Print Spooler service.
- Finally, restart your computer so that the changes you made will take effect the next time you log in.
APPROVED: To fix Windows errors, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my printer reporting a driver error?
Fixing a printer driver error often comes down to updating, installing, or reinstalling the driver. Go to your printer manufacturer's website and search for a printer driver, printer driver, or driver. You may need to restart your computer after installing the new driver.
How to resolve a printer driver error?
- Go to Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Devices and Printers -> Device Manager.
- Click Print Queues to display a drop-down list. Find your printer model in the list and right-click its icon.
- Go to your computer's Control Panel and click Devices and Printers.
- Reinstall the printer drivers.
How do I repair a driver error on my printer?
- Remove the printer from Devices and Printers.
- Connect the printer to the computer.
- Install Windows Update to automatically download the driver software.
- Install the printer driver using the Add Printer Wizard.