Windows 11’s KB5050092 Update: When Your USB Printer Decides to Write Its Own Story
If you’ve recently installed the Windows 11 KB5050092 update and noticed your USB printer spitting out random text—complete with HTTP commands and network protocol headers—rest assured you’re not experiencing a communication breakdown with your printer. Instead, you’ve encountered a quirky bug that Microsoft has acknowledged and is temporarily remedying with its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature.
This issue, which began appearing soon after the January 2025 update roll-out, takes place when printers are powered on or reconnected after being unplugged. The random print artifacts—ranging from network command phrases to seemingly nonsensical characters—are symptomatic of a miscommunication between the printer’s dual functionalities and the updated Windows printing spooler. This isn’t the first time Windows updates have interfered with printing devices; back in November of the previous year, a similar issue with printer and scanner recognition led to the halt of Windows 24H2 updates.
To break it down further:
Consider the following points:
With the temporary Known Issue Rollback (KIR) via Group Policy, affected users and IT administrators have a viable path to restore normal printer operations. As Microsoft works on a comprehensive fix, now is the time for careful testing, proactive communication, and a measured response to ensure that your printing environment remains robust and reliable.
For those navigating this update hiccup, remember: even in the world of technology, not every update is perfectly scripted. It’s the quick thinking and adaptability of the Windows community that ultimately keep our devices—and our documents—in order.
Source: WindowsReport.com If your USB printer is printing random text after installing Windows 11 KB5050092, there's a fix
If you’ve recently installed the Windows 11 KB5050092 update and noticed your USB printer spitting out random text—complete with HTTP commands and network protocol headers—rest assured you’re not experiencing a communication breakdown with your printer. Instead, you’ve encountered a quirky bug that Microsoft has acknowledged and is temporarily remedying with its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature.
What’s Happening?
After installing the Windows 11 KB5050092 update, many users discovered that their USB-connected printers, especially dual-mode models that support both USB Print and IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) over USB, started printing unexpected text. Imagine receiving a confidential document only to find it begins with “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1,” followed by a string of other IPP headers. Rather than printing your intended document, your printer seems to be performing its own network troubleshooting session on your paper.This issue, which began appearing soon after the January 2025 update roll-out, takes place when printers are powered on or reconnected after being unplugged. The random print artifacts—ranging from network command phrases to seemingly nonsensical characters—are symptomatic of a miscommunication between the printer’s dual functionalities and the updated Windows printing spooler. This isn’t the first time Windows updates have interfered with printing devices; back in November of the previous year, a similar issue with printer and scanner recognition led to the halt of Windows 24H2 updates.
The Underlying Technical Glitch
At its core, the problem arises from a conflict in how Windows 11 handles dual-mode printers. These devices are designed to operate both as standard USB printers and as networked IPP devices when necessary. The KB5050092 update appears to have inadvertently muddled the data interpretation process. Instead of converting print commands into understandable ink on paper, the printer misinterprets these commands as literal text to be printed.To break it down further:
- Dual-Mode Functionality: Dual-mode printers support both traditional USB Print and the more modern IPP over USB protocols.
- Mishandled Data Streams: After the update, when the printer reconnects or powers on, Windows sends a stream of data that includes HTTP headers associated with the IPP protocol. The printer, unable to differentiate between a command and a print job, outputs these headers directly on paper.
- Unexpected Artifacts: The printed output rarely makes sense for everyday tasks—transforming an office memo into a page of technical jargon that belongs more in a network debugging log than in a board meeting.
The Temporary Workaround: Known Issue Rollback (KIR)
Fortunately, Microsoft isn’t leaving users to grapple with this issue indefinitely. An interim solution is available via the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) mechanism, aimed at reversing the problematic update. IT administrators can deploy a Group Policy setting to roll the update back for affected devices. Here’s how you can tackle it:Step-by-Step Guide to Implement the KIR Fix
- Log In as an Administrator:
Ensure you have the necessary permissions—this fix requires administrator-level access. - Open the Group Policy Editor:
Use the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) by typing “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog (Win + R). - Navigate to the Correct Policy Path:
Go to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates
Within these settings, locate the specific group policy name associated with the rollback. For Windows 11 version 23H2 and 22H2, look for the policy titled similar to “Windows 11 22H2 KB5050092 250131_150523 Known Issue Rollback.” - Download and Apply the Group Policy:
Microsoft has provided downloads for this purpose. Install the Group Policy template corresponding to your version:- For Windows 11 (versions 23H2 and 22H2): Use the appropriate rollback download as provided in the guidance.
- For Windows 10 users, a similar rollback policy (KB5050081) exists for versions 22H2, 21H1, 21H2, and 22H2.
- Restart Affected Devices:
Once the policy has been applied, make sure you reboot your systems. The changes take effect only after a restart. - Test the Printer:
After applying the fix and restarting, run a test print job to confirm that the printer resumes normal operation without printing extraneous text.
Broader Implications for Windows Printing and Updates
This isn’t just a minor hiccup—it’s a reminder of the intricate dance between hardware drivers and operating system updates. Windows updates are designed to improve performance, security, and compatibility. However, occasionally these updates can disturb the balance, leading to unexpected behaviors, especially in environments where multiple protocols or modes intersect.Consider the following points:
- Reliability of Dual-Mode Printers:
While dual-mode printers offer versatility, they also introduce complexity. When an update alters data-handling protocols, devices that support more than one mode can become vulnerable to bugs in one of the modes. - Testing Updates in a Controlled Environment:
Enterprises and even home users with technical know-how can benefit from testing updates on a non-critical system or a subset of devices before mass deployment. This extra step can help identify quirks like the one described here. - Prompt Communication from Microsoft:
Microsoft’s acknowledgment and the release of a temporary fix underscore the importance of proactive communication in managing update-related issues. It’s a testament to the company’s strategy of addressing critical flaws swiftly, even if the long-term remedy is pending. - Long-Term Outlook:
While the KIR solution is a stopgap measure, it’s anticipated that a permanent patch will streamline compatibility between Windows 11 and dual-mode printing environments. Patience is advisable as testers and developers work out these kinks.
Recommendations for Users and IT Administrators
If you’re experiencing this unexpected behavior with your USB printer, here are some practical tips to help you navigate the situation:- Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on official Windows update notices and community forums where similar issues are discussed. Early adoption of temporary workarounds, like the KIR, may save you time and frustration. - Backup Printer Configurations:
Before applying workarounds, document your current printer settings. This ensures that you can revert to a known state if further complications arise. - Test Before Wide Deployment:
For organizations, it might be wise to test the rollback policy on a few devices before rolling it out company-wide. This controlled approach minimizes widespread disruption. - Watch for the Permanent Fix:
Microsoft has committed to resolving this bug in a future update. While the KIR is a viable strategy now, plan your long-term update strategy accordingly. - Consult Manufacturer Support:
If your printer’s behavior remains erratic even after applying the Microsoft workaround, it may be beneficial to reach out to the printer manufacturer for additional firmware updates or troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 KB5050092 update turning your USB printer into an impromptu network protocol exposer illustrates the sometimes unpredictable nature of software and hardware interactions. While the sight of “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” printed across your documents might seem like a technical easter egg, it’s clearly not the functionality most users expect.With the temporary Known Issue Rollback (KIR) via Group Policy, affected users and IT administrators have a viable path to restore normal printer operations. As Microsoft works on a comprehensive fix, now is the time for careful testing, proactive communication, and a measured response to ensure that your printing environment remains robust and reliable.
For those navigating this update hiccup, remember: even in the world of technology, not every update is perfectly scripted. It’s the quick thinking and adaptability of the Windows community that ultimately keep our devices—and our documents—in order.
Source: WindowsReport.com If your USB printer is printing random text after installing Windows 11 KB5050092, there's a fix
