Fix Printer Error 0xC0000139: Entry Point Not Found

What Is This Error?

You see error 0xC0000139 (STATUS_ENTRYPOINT_NOT_FOUND) and your printer stops working. It usually pops up when Windows can't find a function inside a DLL file. This often happens when you install a printer driver from an older disc on Windows 10 or 11. I've seen it most with HP LaserJet and Canon PIXMA models.

The fix depends on whether the problem is in a printer driver or a system file. Let's start with the easiest thing.

30-Second Fix: Restart and Unplug

Yes, I know this sounds too simple. But a lot of times the error shows up because a driver loaded wrong after a sleep or update. Do this:

1. Turn off your printer and computer.
2. Unplug the printer USB cable (if wired) and power cord for 30 seconds.
3. Turn computer back on. Wait for Windows to load.
4. Plug printer back in. Let Windows re-detect it.

If the error's gone, you're done. If not, move on.

5-Minute Fix: Clean Reinstall the Printer Driver

Windows often keeps old driver files that clash. The real fix here is to remove every trace of the driver and install a fresh one from the printer maker's website. Not Windows Update—the official site.

Step 1: Remove the old driver

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click your printer and select Remove.
3. Now press Windows + R, type printmanagement.msc and hit Enter.
4. In the left pane, pick Print Servers > Drivers. Right-click the driver for your printer and delete it.

Step 2: Install the correct driver

1. Go to the printer manufacturer's support page (e.g., support.hp.com for HP).
2. Search for your exact model. Download the latest full driver package for your Windows version (10 or 11).
3. Run the installer. Say yes to any prompts.

I've killed this error dozens of times with a clean install. Skip the driver from Windows Update—it's often incomplete.

15+ Minute Fix: System File Check and DLL Registration

If the error persists, a system DLL is corrupted. This usually happens after a Windows update gone bad. You'll need an admin account.

Run SFC Scan

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: press Windows + X, choose Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let it run—takes 10-15 minutes.
3. Restart after it finishes. If SFC found and fixed files, test your printer.

Re-register DLLs (if SFC didn't help)

Sometimes SFC misses a DLL that's not corrupted but just not registered right. Try this:

regsvr32 /u %systemroot%\system32\spoolsv.exe
regsvr32 %systemroot%\system32\spoolsv.exe

Then restart the Print Spooler service:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, hit Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler. Right-click and select Restart.

Check for Windows Updates

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Install any pending updates—especially KB patches from the last month. These often fix entry point errors in system files.

I've seen this error pop up for years. Nine times out of ten, the clean driver install does the job. But when it doesn't, the SFC scan is your friend. Don't bother with random DLL download sites—they'll cause more harm.

One more thing: if you're using a printer over a network, make sure the host PC has the same fix applied. The error can travel with a shared printer.

You got this. Let me know if it worked for your printer model—I'm curious.