Unable to Install Printer: Operation Could Not Be Completed (solved)

When trying to install a printer on your Windows computer, you might encounter the error message, “Operation could not be completed.” This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need to set up your printer quickly. Several factors cause printer install error 0x000003eb, including corrupt printer drivers, insufficient user permissions, or problems with the Printer Spooler service. It may also be caused by connection issues between the printer and computer, conflicts with existing printer software, interference from security programs, or missing Windows updates If you are also experiencing a similar problem, here are various methods to troubleshoot and resolve the Operation Could Not Be Completed error.

Fix Printer Installation Error

The “Operation Could Not Be Completed” error during printer installation typically indicates a problem preventing the printer from being successfully set up on your computer. It can be due to incompatible or outdated drivers, corrupted installation files, or insufficient user permissions.

• Driver Compatibility Issues: The printer driver might be incompatible with the operating system or is outdated.
• Corrupted Printer Driver: The driver may be corrupted, leading to installation failures.
• Insufficient Permissions: The user account may lack the necessary permissions to install printers.
• Printer Spooler Service: The Printer Spooler service may be stopped or not functioning correctly.
• Connection Problems: Issues with the printer’s connection to the computer, such as faulty cables or an unstable network.

Check Printer Compatibility and Connections

Before applying any solutions, let’s first check and ensure that your printer is compatible with your Windows version and that all connections are secure.

• Ensure that the printer model you are trying to install is compatible with your version of Windows. You can check the manufacturer’s website for compatibility details.
• Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer via USB or network connection. If you’re using a USB connection, try plugging the cable into a different USB port.
• Power off the printer and unplug it from the power source. Restart your computer, then power the printer back on and try installing it again.

Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printer-related issues.

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
• Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Under the Get up and running section, select Printer and click Run the troubleshooter.
• The troubleshooter will attempt to detect and resolve any problems with your printer installation.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by the troubleshooter.

Check Windows Installer Service Running

You Are getting this error while installing a new printer, so make sure the Windows Installer Service is running, If it’s Running then Restart the Service.

• Open Windows Services by press Win + R, Type Services.msc, and hit the enter key.
• Now scroll down look for Windows Installer Service, if it’s running then simply right-click on it and select Restart.
• If the service is not started then double click on it change the startup type automatic and start the service next to service status as shown below image.

Start Print Spooler service

The Print Spooler service is responsible for managing print jobs and communication between your computer and printer. If this service is not running, you may encounter installation errors.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• In the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler.
• Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
• If the service is not running, right-click it and select Start.
• Right-click Print Spooler and select Properties.
• Under Startup type, select Automatic and click OK.

After ensuring the Print Spooler service is running, attempt to install your printer again.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can cause installation errors. Updating or reinstalling these drivers may resolve the issue.

• Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
• Expand the Printers section, right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device.
• Confirm the uninstallation and restart your computer.
• Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your specific printer model.
• Run the downloaded driver installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• After installing the drivers, attempt to install your printer again.

Check Security Permissions

Sometimes, insufficient permissions can prevent you from installing a printer. Ensuring that you have the necessary permissions can help resolve the issue.

• Press Win + R, type control printers, and press Enter.
• Right-click your printer (if it appears) and select Printer properties.
• Go to the Security tab.
• Select your user account and ensure that Manage this printer and Manage documents are checked under Allow.
• If your account doesn’t have sufficient permissions, click Edit and adjust the settings

Apply the changes, then try to install the printer again.

Tweak Registry And Delete Printer Keys

There may be a driver conflict causing the issue. In that case, delete the printer keys on the Windows registry editor to resolve this issue. Note: Before making any changes, we recommend backup Windows registry.

First Stop the Print Spooler Service.

• You can do this by press win + R, Type Services.msc, and hit the enter key.
• Now scroll down look for Print Spooler Service, right-click on it and select Stop.
• Now navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers and delete all data inside the printer folder.
• Again open following path C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Drivers\w32x86 and delete all data inside the folder.

Tweak Registry 

Open Windows Registry Editor by Press Windows key+R type Regedit and click the OK button. Then locate the following registry key according to the system that your PC is running.

For a 32-bit operating system:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Drivers\Version-x

For 64-bit operating system:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Drivers\Version-x 

Note: x will be a different number on a different PC. In my case, it is version 3 and version 4.

Then select the folder Version-x and you will see all printer registry entries in the right pane. Right-click on version-x and select Delete. Do the same with all version keys. That’s All Again open Windows services and start the print spooler service. Then restart Windows to take changes effect.

After that visit the Printer Manufacturer website and download the latest available printer driver. and try to re-install the printer, hope this time you will succeed.

Create a New User Account

If the problem persists, it could be due to a corrupt user profile. Creating a new user account can help you determine if this is the case.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
• Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
• Log out of your current account and log in with the new one.
• Try installing the printer again to see if the issue persists.

In addition, Corrupt system files can sometimes interfere with printer installations. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can help fix this.