How to Fix: Print Operation Failed Error 0x00000006
Today, one of my clients informed me that he could not print to the network printer due to the following error: "Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x00000006". Initially, I attempted to reboot Windows and restart the spooler service without success. Then, I tried to remove and reinstall the printer drivers. During this attempt, the computer detected and connected to the shared printer normally, installing the drivers without issues. However, when the user tried to print from any application, the same error occurred: Print operation failed with error 0x00000006.
Finally, I found the following solution to fix the "0x00000006" printer problem:
How to fix the Print Operation Failed Error 0x00000006 while printing.
Step 1. Uninstall current printer driver.
This step is optional. Uninstall the drivers of the network printer that you cannot connect to, if you have previously installed them.
1. To do this, go to:
- Windows 7 & Vista: Start > Control Panel.
- Windows XP: Start > Settings > Control Panel
- Windows 8 & 8.1:
- Press “Windows”
+ “R” keys to load the Run dialog box. - Type “control panel” and press Enter.
2. Double click to open Devices and Printers.
3. Right click on the (problematic) network printer and select Remove device.
Step 2. Add the network printer as local.
By adding the network printer as a local printer, you bypass potential network-related issues, allowing Windows to handle the printer as if it were directly connected to your machine.
1. In Device and Printers window, choose Add a printer.
2. In the Add Printer window, choose Add a local printer.
3. At the next window, choose Create a new port and make sure that the type of port is Local Port. Then choose Next.
4. At the pop-up window, as a port name, type the network path and the name of the network printer in the following format and then press OK:
\\ComputerName\PrinterName
Where: ComputerName is the name of the workstation to which the printer is connected, and PrinterName is the shared name of the printer.
e.g., If the Computer Name is "Station1" and the printer's shared name is "HPJ6400", then you have to type "\\Station1\HPJ6400".
5. Continue to install the printer's drivers. *
* Notice: If you still receive the error "Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x00000006" when you try to add the network printer, then follow the instructions in Step 3 before adding the printer.
6. When finished, try to print to your printer.
Now, you should print without problems, but if you still face the same printer problem (error 0x00000006), follow the instructions at Step 3 below.
Step 3. Delete invalid registry key(s).
This step is optional. Follow the instructions only if you still face errors when you try to print. Deleting invalid registry keys can resolve conflicts that prevent the printer from functioning correctly by removing outdated or corrupt configurations.
Open Registry editor. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the “Win” 
+ “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
IMPORTANT: Before you continue, first take a backup of your registry. To do that:
- From the main menu, go to File & select Export.
- Specify a destination location (e.g., your Desktop), give a filename to the exported registry file (e.g., “RegistryUntouched”), select at Export range: All and press Save.
3. After you backed up your registry, navigate (from the left pane) to this key:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\Providers
4. Under Providers key, right click and delete the "Client Side Rendering Print Providers" key.
5. Restart your computer and try to print to your printer again.
You're done!
Additional Solutions
Beyond the steps outlined above, consider the following additional solutions:
Update Windows
Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix known issues, including those related to printing. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
Check Printer Spooler Service
The Printer Spooler service manages print jobs in Windows. If it is not running correctly, you may encounter printing errors. Restart the service by typing services.msc in the Run dialog, finding Print Spooler, right-clicking, and selecting Restart.
Summary
Resolving the Print Operation Failed Error 0x00000006 involves several steps, including uninstalling and reinstalling printer drivers, adding the network printer as a local printer, and deleting invalid registry keys. Additionally, ensure that your Windows system is up to date and that the Printer Spooler service is functioning correctly. By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the error and restore printing functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What error prevents a user from printing to a network printer?
The error 'Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x00000006' prevents a user from printing to a network printer.
What is the first step to fix the printer error 0x00000006?
The first step is to uninstall the current printer driver, especially if you have previously installed it.
How do I add a network printer as a local printer in Windows?
Go to 'Devices and Printers', select 'Add a printer', then 'Add a local printer'. Create a new Local Port, typing in the network path and the printer's name in the format '\\ComputerName\PrinterName'.
What should be done if reinstalling drivers doesn't fix error 0x00000006?
If reinstalling drivers doesn't fix the error, delete invalid registry keys by opening Registry Editor, navigating to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Print\Providers', and deleting the 'Client Side Rendering Print Providers' key.
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July 7, 2025 @ 8:06 pm
Hit the friggin gold mine right here! Tried multiple, multiple, multiple posts on reddit and other sites/forums. This right here…. hit the nail on the head. Appreciate the find!!!
September 16, 2023 @ 11:09 am
Thanks, adding local port worked for me.
April 6, 2021 @ 9:10 am
I'm looking for this information, thank you for sharing this :)
October 12, 2020 @ 5:08 pm
Thank you so Much, pretty much it need to be uninstall and reinstall back
August 2, 2019 @ 7:59 am
it works, thanks
March 28, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
Excellent, thorough directions!
May 24, 2018 @ 5:33 am
good its worked..thanks
August 15, 2017 @ 8:31 am
it worked but after restart the problem was there again! What do i do?
August 15, 2017 @ 9:23 am
@Isaac Ouko: Make sure that Startup Type of the Windows Firewall service is Automatically and the service is started. Then remove the printer driver and restart your computer, After restart, reinstall the printer driver.
June 5, 2017 @ 5:24 pm
That worked for me too! Thx!! :)
November 4, 2016 @ 2:25 am
Hi
not the "providers" folder appears me please help me
November 4, 2016 @ 2:29 pm
@jaison: Did you look at the correct location?
October 21, 2016 @ 11:16 am
Worked for me, very helpful