Fix Printer Error 0x80070005 Access Denied in Windows

Printer error 0x80070005 (Access Denied) usually appears when you try to install, share, or use a printer, and Windows blocks the operation due to insufficient permissions or a corrupted driver. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from granting proper permissions to resetting the print spooler, so you can get back to printing quickly.

What You’ll Need

• An administrator account on the Windows PC (or the administrator password).
• Access to the printer’s installation CD or the latest driver downloaded from the manufacturer’s website (optional but recommended).
• A USB cable or network connection details for the printer.
• Patience – some steps require a restart.

Step-by-Step

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter – Windows includes a built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix common printer issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (or Settings > System > Troubleshoot &em; Other troubleshooters on newer versions). Select Printer and run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions. This often resolves permission-related errors.
2. Check Printer Permissions – The error often means your user account lacks the right to manage the printer. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers. Right-click your printer and choose Printer properties. Go to the Security tab. Select your user account (or “Everyone�) and make sure “Manage this printer� and “Print� are allowed. If not, click Add to add your account and grant permissions. Click Apply and OK.
3. Restart the Print Spooler Service – The print spooler manages all print jobs. A stuck spooler can cause access denied errors. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Print Spooler in the list. Right-click it and select Restart. If it’s not running, right-click and choose Start. After restarting, try printing again.
4. Clear the Print Spooler Folder – Corrupted print jobs in the spooler folder can trigger the error. Stop the Print Spooler service (as above). Then open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Delete all files inside this folder (you may need admin permission). Restart the Print Spooler service and try printing.
5. Reinstall the Printer Driver – A faulty or outdated driver is a common culprit. In Devices and Printers, right-click the printer and select Remove device. Then go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners (or Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners). Click Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts. If Windows doesn’t find it, download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
6. Check Folder Permissions for the Spooler – Sometimes the spooler folder itself has incorrect permissions. Right-click the PRINTERS folder, go to Properties > Security. Ensure SYSTEM and Administrators have Full control. If not, click Edit to grant it. Apply and restart the spooler.
7. Disable User Account Control (UAC) Temporarily – In some cases, UAC interferes with printer installation. Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings. Drag the slider to Never notify and click OK. Restart your PC, try the printer again, then revert UAC to its previous level. (Do this only if other steps fail.)
8. Run the Installation as Administrator – If you’re installing printer software, right-click the installer and choose Run as administrator. This gives the installer the necessary permissions to write to protected system folders.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the restart – Many fixes require a full system restart to take effect. Don’t skip it.
• Not checking the spooler service – The spooler might be disabled. Always verify it’s running.
• Deleting files in the spooler folder without stopping the service – This can cause more errors. Always stop the service first.
• Using the wrong driver – Installing a driver for a different model or a generic driver can cause permission issues. Use the exact model from the manufacturer.
• Forgetting to grant permissions to the right user – If you’re on a work network, the printer might be shared, and you need permissions on the host computer, not just your own.

Tips

• Use the manufacturer’s driver – Windows built-in drivers are often generic and may lack proper permissions. Download the full driver package from the manufacturer’s support page.
• Keep Windows updated – Sometimes Microsoft releases patches that fix printer issues. Check for updates in Settings > Update & Security.
• Create a local admin account – If you’re using a standard account, try creating a temporary administrator account to install the printer, then switch back.
• Check the printer’s own settings – Some printers have a “secureâ€� mode that blocks access. Check the printer’s display or manual for any security settings.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after following all steps, try these additional measures:

• Use Windows Registry Editor – Open regedit as admin, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print. Look for a key named Printers. Right-click it, choose Permissions, and ensure Everyone has Full Control. (Be careful – editing the registry can be risky; back it up first.)
• Check Group Policy – If you’re on a domain, the administrator may have restricted printer installation. Contact your IT department.
• Use the Windows Print Management tool – Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Print Management. Under Custom Filters, look for Printers Not Ready or Drivers. Right-click and reinstall the driver from there.
• Perform a Clean Boot – Sometimes third-party software interferes. Boot Windows with minimal startup programs (msconfig) and try the printer again.
• Check for malware – Rarely, malware can cause access denied errors. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your trusted antivirus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does error 0x80070005 happen only when I try to share a printer?

Sharing a printer requires special permissions on the host computer. Make sure the “Everyone� group has “Print� permission in the printer’s Security tab, and that File and Printer Sharing is enabled in Network and Sharing Center.

Can I fix this error without an administrator account?

No, most fixes require administrative rights. If you don’t have them, ask the system administrator to grant you the necessary permissions or perform the steps for you.

Will reinstalling Windows fix this error?

It might, but it’s a drastic step. Try all other fixes first, as reinstalling Windows is time-consuming and may not be necessary if the issue is just a driver or permission problem.

Is this error specific to a particular printer brand?

No, error 0x80070005 is a Windows error code, not a printer-specific one. It can occur with any brand of printer if the system permissions are misconfigured.

Does the error affect both USB and network printers?

Yes, it can affect both. However, network printers may have additional permission settings on the server or router that need to be checked.

How long does it take to fix this error?

Most fixes take 10-30 minutes. If you need to reinstall drivers or run a clean boot, it might take up to an hour.

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