- Download and install the software.
- It will scan your computer for problems.
- The tool will then fix the issues that were found.
The “Operation failed with error 0x00004005” popup appears when you try to add a network printer to your computer and print with a printer previously added to the network. This happens mainly because the print spooler service has stopped, or outdated/inadequate drivers may cause it.
This is not a problem related to a print spooler service vulnerability, which can scare many people. Improperly configured network settings can also cause these problems. However, there are solutions and workarounds for this. The first thing to do is to check the printer connection and make sure that the physical problem is not the cause of the process failure.
This problem occurs on Windows 10 devices and also confuses Windows 11 users. “Operation failed with error 0x00004005” when using the printer; problems can occur on devices and cause this error when printing, frustrating users. This prevents them from using the device and peripherals properly. The problem can be solved by changing some settings and making modifications.
This is not a problem related to malware or virus infections. However, sometimes cyber infections cause damage and modifications to specific system files, resulting in problems with procedures and printing. These infections often leave behind files even if they have been deleted.
Table of Contents:
Ensure that drivers are updated
1. Press Windows + R keys together.
2. Type devmgmt.msc into the Run box. If you see a window like the one shown above, select OK.
3. Find the printer in the list—double-click on it. A window similar to the one shown above will open.
4. Find the option called Update Driver Software Automatically. Make sure it is set to Yes.
5. Click on Search automatically for updated driver software. This will start searching for the latest driver version. Wait till it finishes.
6. Once the process is finished, click on Next.
7. If there are no errors found during the installation, restart the computer.
Updated: April 2025
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:
- Step 1 : Install the PC Repair and Optimizer Tool. (Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista).
- Step 2 : Click Start Scan to determine what problems you are experiencing with your computer.
- Step 3 : Click Repair Allto resolve all problems.
Make sure the driver is uninstalled and then reinstalled
If you’re having trouble getting Windows 10 to boot up properly, it could be because there are issues with the graphics card driver. You’ll want to uninstall the driver and try again. Here’s how to do it.
1. Click “More info.”
2. Under “Device,” select “Graphics adapter.”
3. Select “Update Driver Software…”
4. Choose “Browse my computer for software” and browse to where you installed the driver.
5. Once the driver is found, choose it and follow the prompts.
6. If the issue persists, reboot the PC and repeat steps 2-6.
7. If nothing works, try unplugging the power cord and plugging it back in.
8. If you still don’t see anything, you’ll probably need to contact the manufacturer.
You need to restart the print spooler service
The Windows 10 operating system includes a built-in printer management utility called Services.MSC. This tool allows you to manage printers installed on your computer. You can use it to configure settings such as default printer, paper size, and the number of copies.
1. To access the print spooler, go to Services.MSC and select the Printer Management tab.
2. Select the Start button next to the Printer Driver section and choose Automatic Startup.
3. Right-click the Print Spooler service and choose Properties.
4. On the General tab, make sure the Startup Type setting is set to Automatic.
5. Click OK to save changes.
6. Restart the computer.
Start the printer troubleshooter
In case the error persists even following enabling the Print Spooling service, try troubleshooting the printer using the below guidelines –
1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Press Win+I to open the Settings app.
3. Click over the link – Additional troubleshooters.
4. Move to the right pane and select the Printer under the Getup and running section. Hit Run the troubleshooter.
5. Once the troubleshooter starts, check the option – “Printer not working.”
Remove the Windows update from your computer
Sometimes, a buggy Windows update is responsible for causing the printer operation failed with an error code 0x00004005 issue. This error occurs due to corrupted registry files. In order to resolve this problem, you need to uninstall the recently installed Windows updates. You can do it manually or automatically.
Make sure that the error code appears after installing Windows updates. If there are multiple errors, try uninstalling them one by one. Also, check whether the printer driver version matches the latest version.
The printer must be manually added
In Windows 10, you can add printers manually. You can add a shared network printer – select Printers & scanners. Then click Add a printer or scanner and follow the steps given in the wizard.
There are two ways to add printers:
1. Add a local printer.
2. Add a shared network print server.
3. Add a shared network device.
4. Add a USB printer.
Make sure Windows is updated
Microsoft has acknowledged a significant issue with some printers that could cause problems while printing files in Windows 10 or Windows 8/8.1. This particular error occurs due to a faulty Windows Update causing the print driver to crash during installation. To fix this error, you must follow the steps mentioned below –
1. Open Windows Update.
2. Select Check for update.
3. Wait till the process finishes.
4. After the completion of the process, restart the computer.
APPROVED: To fix Windows errors, click here.