Network Printer Error 0x00000040 (“Operation could not be completed”) Solution Step By Step

The printer error 0x00000040 (“Operation could not be completed”): Usually occurs on Windows when trying to connect to or use a shared network printer, often caused by driver mismatches or recent Windows updates changing RPC (Remote Procedure Call) authentication settings.

The fastest and most effective way to resolve this error is to adjust your Group Policy settings and restart the Print Spooler.

Method 1: Configure RPC Connection Settings (Best Fix)

Because Windows changed the default RPC connection behavior, adjusting this policy often fixes the connection to older shared printers.

1. Press Win + R, type msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers.
3. On the right side, find and double-click on Configure RPC connection settings.
4. Select Enabled. Under the protocol options, select RPC over named pipes.
5. Click Apply and then OK.

Method 2: Disallow Installation of Kernel Mode Drivers

If the policy above isn’t accessible (e.g., on Windows Home) or doesn’t resolve the issue, disabling kernel mode drivers forces Windows to use compatible drivers. [1]

1. Open the Group Policy Editor (msc).
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers.
3. Find Disallow installation of printers using kernel mode drivers and double-click it.
4. Set it to Disabled or Enabled, depending on what your current setup is (try toggling this setting).
5. Click Apply and OK.

Method 3: Clear and Restart the Print Spooler

Stuck print jobs or corrupted spooler files often trigger this error code.

1. Press Win + R, type msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down, right-click Print Spooler, and select Stop.
3. Press Win + R, type C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, and hit Enter.
4. Delete all files in this folder (these are cached print jobs).
5. Return to the msc window, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.

Method 4: Update or Reinstall Drivers

If you are still unable to print, the client and host PCs may have conflicting driver versions.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Print queues section, right-click your printer, and select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers to ensure both devices have the most updated driver.

For a visual step-by-step guide on navigating your Group Policy and Registry settings to fix this specific printer error: