If you are getting error code 0x800704ec while using the Printer, Microphone, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Store, Bluetooth, or Sound, this guide can help you fix all the issues. The solutions are different as this error can occur in different situations in different apps. However, if you follow this guide, you can fix the issue irrespective of the app.
Fix Error 0x800704ec while using printer
To fix error 0x800704ec while using the printer on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Run Printer Troubleshooter
- Reinstall Printer driver
- Restart Print Spooler service
To learn more about these steps, continue reading.
1] Run Printer Troubleshooter
It is the first thing you need to use to troubleshoot this problem on Windows 11 or Windows 10 computers. Most of the common problems like this one gets resolved by using the corresponding Troubleshooter. That is why you can use the Printer Troubleshooter to get the job done. In order to use the Printer Troubleshooter in Windows 11/10, do the following.
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find the Printer Troubleshooter.
- Click the Run button.
- Follow the screen instructions.
Then, you might need to restart your computer to finish the troubleshooting process.
2] Reinstall Printer driver
Almost all the printers come with a driver that helps you do things in a better way. It helps you manage all the options and features. If you haven’t installed it or the installed driver got corrupted due to some reason, you might not be able to use your printer. That is why it is recommended to download and install the driver first. However, if you have already installed it, you could try updating it. Finally, you can uninstall the driver and reinstall it.
3] Restart Print Spooler
The Print Spooler service manages all the printing jobs on Windows 11/10 PC. If there are some problems with this service, you might not be able to use your printer in the normal way. That is the reason you must check whether this service is stopped or not. If stopped, you can start it. Even if it is running, you can try restarting the Print Spooler service as well. For that, do the following:
- Search for services in the Taskbar search box.
- Click on the individual search result.
- Double-click on the Print Spooler service.
- Click the Stop button.
- Click on the Start button.
- Click the OK button.
Then, check if it resolves the issue or not.
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Microphone
To fix error 0x800704ec while using microphone on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Verify external microphone
- Verify microphone list
- Disable audio enhancements
- Allow Microphone access
1] Verify external microphone
If you have connected an external microphone to your laptop, it is time to check if the microphone actually works or not. In most cases, external microphone manufacturers include a panel that helps you manage all the features and options. If your microphone has the same, you can use that to verify if you have a working or faulty microphone.
2] Verify microphone list
Whether you use a microphone or not, if you have installed it earlier, you can find it in the Recording tab. However, if the desired device is not appearing even after connecting it to your computer, you need to reinstall the device. To verify the microphone list, do the following:
- Open old Sound settings panel.
- Switch to the Recording tab.
- Find the microphone name.
If you cannot find it here, right-click in an empty space and tick the Show Disconnected Devices option.
3] Disable audio enhancements
The audio enhancement feature helps you obtain the additional signal and process it accordingly. However, the same can cause some issues as well. If so, you need to disable the audio enhancements. However, if you cannot find the option, you need to go to the Advanced tab and find the Signal Enhancements option. Then, remove the tick from the Enable audio enhancements checkbox. Finally, click the OK button to save the change.
4] Allow Microphone access
It is probably the last thing you need to check in order to fix the aforementioned error. If you haven’t enabled Microphone access on your computer, no app will be able to access it. Therefore, follow these steps to allow Microphone access on Windows 11/10:
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security > Microphone.
- Toggle the Microphone access button to turn it on.
Then, you can restart the app and check if the problem is resolved or not.
Read: Mic or Microphone not working on Windows
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Teams
To fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
- Remove cache
- Repair and reset Microsoft Teams
- Try web client
To know more about these solutions, keep reading.
1] Remove cache
At times, the cache could cause the above-mentioned issue on your computer. If you have changed a lot of settings or installed an update of Microsoft Teams, there is c chance of getting such an issue. That is why you can follow this guide to remove or clear Microsoft Teams cache.
2] Repair and reset Microsoft Teams
If clearing the cache doesn’t help, you can always repair the app on your PC. Following that, you can reset it as well if the first solution doesn’t work. To repair or reset Microsoft Teams on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Find Microsoft Teams.
- Click the three-dotted icon and select Advanced options.
- Click the Repair button.
- If it doesn’t resolve, click the Reset button.
Next, you need to restart the Microsoft Teams app and sign in to your account again.
3] Try web client
Most of the Microsoft Teams’ problems get resolved by following the two aforementioned solutions. However, if there are some issues at the Microsoft end, you cannot fix them in any way. In such situations, you can try using the web client.
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Store
If you are getting Can’t sign in with a Microsoft account message with error code 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Store, you can follow the linked guide to fix the issue.
The solutions are pretty straightforward. You need to check a setting in the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor.
TIP: Error 0x800704ec can also occur in Windows Defender
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Bluetooth
To fix error 0x800704ec while using Bluetooth on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Install Bluetooth driver
- Install Bluetooth device driver
- Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
- Start Bluetooth Audio Gateway service
Let’s check out these steps in detail.
1] Install Bluetooth driver
Whether you have an internal or external Bluetooth component attached to your desktop or laptop computer, you must install the corresponding driver. The lack of a driver could cause such issues while using a Bluetooth headset or any other device.
2] Install Bluetooth device driver
If you are getting this error while using a Bluetooth headset or speaker, you need to install the respective driver. Almost all wireless devices come with a driver CD. However, if you do not have such a thing, you can head to the official website and download the driver for your device.
3] Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Whether you failed to transfer files or connect an external device, you can fix that problem by using the Bluetooth Troubleshooter on your computer. You do not need to download or install anything since it is already there on your computer. To use the Bluetooth Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
- Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find the Bluetooth Troubleshooter.
- Click the Run button.
Then, you need to follow the screen instructions.
4] Start Bluetooth Audio Gateway service
This service plays a vital role in the Bluetooth Handsfree Profile. An interruption in this service could cause the above-mentioned problem. Therefore, you can follow these steps to check if it is running or not:
- Search for services in the Taskbar search box.
- Click on the individual search result.
- Double-click on the Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service.
- Click the Start button.
- Click the OK button.
Then, restart your computer and check if the problem remains or not.
Related: Bluetooth is not working in Windows
Fix error 0x800704ec for Sound in Windows 11/10
To fix error 0x800704ec for Sound in Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Enable speaker/headset
- Use Audio Troubleshooter
- Re-enable audio device from Device Manager
Let’s delve into these steps in detail.
1] Enable speaker/headset
It is possible to enable or disable speakers or headsets in Windows 11/10 manually. If you mistakenly turned off a device and tried using the same with another app, you might encounter this problem. That is why follow these steps to enable speaker/headset:
- Open old Sound settings.
- Right-click on the speaker/headset.
- Select the Enable option.
After that, try using it on your computer.
2] Use Audio Troubleshooter
Like other Troubleshooters, you can find a Troubleshooter for fixing sound-related problems in Windows 11/10. To use it, do the following:
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to System >Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find the Playing Audio Troubleshooter.
- Click the Run button.
Next, it displays some solutions based on the problems. You need to follow those instructions to get rid of this issue.
3] Reinstall audio device from Device Manager
Device Manager helps you enable or disable audio devices easily. You can do that to mitigate the aforementioned problem. For that, follow these steps:
- Press Win+X.
- Select Device Manager.
- Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
- Right-click on the audio device.
- Select the Uninstall device option.
Then, unplug the device and re-plug it.
How do I fix This program is blocked by Group Policy?
If you get This program is blocked by Group Policy error, you can unblock it using Group Policy as well as Registry Editor. For that, you need to go to Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options. Then, double-click on the Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts setting and choose the This policy is disabled option.
That’s all! Hope this guide helped.
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