While connecting to a network-shared printer, you encountered an error that states, a policy is in effect on your computer which prevents you from connecting to this print queue. When this error occurred, the printer won’t connect to your PC. We understand how much frustration can a person have while having this kind of error at the printing time.
Though the problem seems critical, you can solve it very easily. Most of the time it happens due to Windows updates. There are other reasons too. To find out the reasons and the solutions, you will need to go through this article until the end.
So, without any ado, let’s fix the policy together.
Reasons Why “A Policy Is in Effect on Your Computer” Error Occur
This error basically occurs when connecting to a network-shared printer. There are several reasons that can be blamed for this issue. Here we have shared the reasons –
- The printer driver is missing.
- OS/Driver glitches.
- Windows Security update.
- Printers Policy has been changed in the Group Policy.
How to Solve “A Policy Is in Effect on Your Computer” Error
Users who have faced this issue have applied different types of fixes and gotten rid of that issue. That’s we will suggest you try all the mentioned methods below. So, let’s find out how to connect your PC to the network-shared printer again.
Method 1: Reinstall the Printer Driver and Listed the Printer Manually
Many users have solved this issue by reinstalling the printer driver and connecting the printer manually. So, first, download the driver from the manufacturer’s website and then follow the steps below.
- Double click on the setup exe file and then select Manually Set the port to install and press Next.
- On the next window, select Com1 in the Port box and click on Next.
- Now, click on Start and provide Yes for the confirmations.
- After that, go to the Control panel and navigate to Devices and Printers.
- There you will get Add Printer option, click on it.
- Then click on the Printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Select Add a local printer or network printer and click on Next.
- On Choose a printer port window, select Create a new port. Then select Local port as the Type of port and click on Next.
- Now, you will need to provide the printer’s location and name. Provide it and click on Next.
- After that, on the upcoming 3 windows, you will need to click on Next, and lastly, click on Finish.
Now, check whether the issue is solved or not.
Method 2: Modify the Group Policy Settings for the Group Policy Object
Basically, you will need to modify the group policy settings that define printer policies. So, you will need to use the Group Policy for this. Here are the required steps that you will need to follow.
Step 1: Configure Load and Unload Device Drivers Policy Settings
- Press Windows + S and then type Active Directory Users and Computers.
- Then navigate to it. Now, right-click on your domain name, and then select Properties.
- After navigating into Properties, look for the Group Policy tab, and click on it.
- Now, click on the GPO that defines printer policies, and click on Edit.
- On the GPO Editor window, go to the Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment folder.
- Now, inside the User Rights Assignment folder, look for Load and unload device drivers. Double-click on it.
- Next, click on the Define these policy check box > Add User or Group to add the Power Users domain name.
- After that, click on Browse to locate the Power Users. In the object name section, type Power Users and then click on Check Names.
Step 2: Turn Off the Disallow Installation of Printers
To do so, you will need to use the Kernel-mode driver policy. On the left panel, look for Computer Configuration. Now, click on Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates > Printers.
From there, locate Disallow installation of printers using kernel-mode drivers. Double-click on it and then click on Disabled. Lastly, click on OK.
Step 3: Disable Point and Print Restriction Policy
To disable the point and print restriction policy, go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Printers. Now, inside the printer, look for Point and Print Restrictions. Double-click on it and choose Disable. Lastly, click on OK.
Now, go to the File menu and then click on Exit. After that press Windows + R to open the run box and type cmd. Hit enter to open the command prompt. Now, type gpupdate /force and press Enter.
Method 3: Uninstall Windows Security Update
Many users have started facing this error since they updated their Windows. The security update conflict with the printers and cause this error. For this, uninstalling the update can help you to solve this issue.
- Press Windows + I to navigate into the settings.
- Now, look for Windows and Update, and navigate to it.
- Next, click on View Update History.
- Then click on Uninstall Updates.
- Now, there look for Security updates. Once you find out, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
Lastly, restart your PC and check whether the issue is solved or not.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
How do I fix error 0x00000709?
You can fix error 0x00000709 by resetting the printer sharing or using the troubleshooting feature, setting the printer as a default one, etc.
How do I restart the print spooler?
To restart the printer spooler, Go to Search > type Services > Navigate to Services > Print Spooler > Restart.
How does my printer indicate that it is connected to the network?
If you can see an IP address through the LCD screen of it, then you can verify that your printer is connected to a network.
How do I fix error 0x00000040?
By disabling Point and Print, you can fix this 0x00000040 error in your printer. You can disable it from the Group Policy as well as from the Registry Editor.
Conclusion
Lastly, there isn’t any fixed solution for this issue. The provided methods are applied by the users and they have solved it. Follow them one by one and we hope that the problem will be solved. If you are still having the issue then contact your printer’s customer service center.
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