Microsoft’s quick response to a bizarre printer glitch has Windows 11 users both relieved and intrigued. A recently released optional preview update, KB5053657, is now available for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 devices. This patch fixes an unusual error where certain USB-connected dual-mode printers—compatible with both US Print and IPP Over USB protocols—started printing out random, unintended text. For those whose printers were unleashing a jumbled mess of characters, this update represents a welcome return to functionality.
• Windows 11 24H2 installations with patches such as KB5050009, KB5050094, KB5051987, KB5052093, and KB5053598
• Windows 11 23H2 devices running patches including KB5050092, KB5051989, KB5052094, and KB5053602
Microsoft’s update notes clearly state that the new patch addresses the error: “Fixed: USB connected dual-mode printers that support both US Print [sic] and IPP Over USB protocols, might unexpectedly output incorrect or unwanted text.” It appears that an oversight in the earlier update’s handling of these protocols was behind the perplexing printer behavior.
Here’s what you should know:
• The update is classified as optional but carries significant practical benefits, especially for users relying on USB printers in office or home environments.
• A manual installation is straightforward: simply navigate to your Windows Update settings, check for optional updates, and select KB5053657 if it appears.
• Restarting your PC post-installation is necessary to fully apply the changes.
Microsoft’s approach to this disruption has been twofold:
• Initially, an attempt was made to address the RDP issue; however, this fix fell short of resolving the problem robustly.
• The company then pivoted to a Known Issue Rollback strategy. This rollback update automatically reverses the damaged components in affected devices, effectively restoring stability as soon as the update is applied. A restart of the PC is required to complete this process.
While this rollback offers immediate relief, it is clear that a more permanent solution for the RDP problem is in the works and will be delivered through a future update for Windows 11 24H2.
• If you’re experiencing printer issues, especially on USB-connected devices, check whether you’re running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2. Installing KB5053657 could very well save your day (or at least your paper).
• For Windows 11 24H2 users, keep an eye on Windows Update notifications. The automatic rollout of the RDP rollback is designed to mitigate the disconnections, but a permanent patch is still on the horizon.
• IT administrators should monitor their update channels closely. In environments where both printing devices and RDP connections are critical, balancing the installation of new features with the need for operational stability becomes paramount.
Why did a routine Windows update lead to printers printing non-sequiturs? The answer lies in the way dual-mode printers interact with multiple protocols. The January 2025 update shifted some underlying defaults or introduced an oversight in handling the dual modes, triggering a cascade of errors that were later isolated and fixed in KB5053657. Such incidents remind us of the delicate balance in large-scale operating systems, where even small changes can propagate through countless interconnected systems.
From an enterprise perspective, these updates highlight the importance of thorough testing in diverse environments. IT departments are encouraged to deploy updates in a staged fashion—first testing new patches on non-critical systems before a full-scale rollout—to minimize disruptions. This is particularly pertinent for organizations relying on both hardware peripherals and remote connectivity solutions for daily operations.
As Windows users, whether at home or in a corporate setting, it’s important to stay informed about these updates. Regularly checking Windows Update, keeping backup drivers and systems ready, and understanding the nuances behind these patches can help minimize disruptions and maximize productivity. Microsoft’s approach of rolling back problematic updates while working on a permanent fix is a pragmatic solution in the fast-paced realm of software development.
In conclusion, whether you’re battling rogue printer output or grappling with unreliable remote desktop sessions, remember that these challenges are part of the ever-evolving landscape of Windows 11. With meticulous updates and attentive troubleshooting, users can continue to enjoy a stable and efficient computing experience—even when the unexpected occurs.
Source: PCWorld Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers spitting out nonsense
The Origins of the Problem
The printing issue first emerged after a January 2025 Windows update, which inadvertently set off a chain reaction. Users soon reported that their USB-connected printers began producing incoherent output—a problem that quickly escalated into a significant annoyance. The phenomenon affected specific build configurations:• Windows 11 24H2 installations with patches such as KB5050009, KB5050094, KB5051987, KB5052093, and KB5053598
• Windows 11 23H2 devices running patches including KB5050092, KB5051989, KB5052094, and KB5053602
Microsoft’s update notes clearly state that the new patch addresses the error: “Fixed: USB connected dual-mode printers that support both US Print [sic] and IPP Over USB protocols, might unexpectedly output incorrect or unwanted text.” It appears that an oversight in the earlier update’s handling of these protocols was behind the perplexing printer behavior.
KB5053657: A Targeted Fix for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2
For those running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, the KB5053657 update is available now as an optional preview through Windows Update. The update is expected to be broadly rolled out to all affected machines on Microsoft’s April Patch Tuesday cycle. However, if you’re eager to restore pristine printer output immediately, you can install it manually by checking Windows Update or by downloading it from Microsoft’s Update Catalog.Here’s what you should know:
• The update is classified as optional but carries significant practical benefits, especially for users relying on USB printers in office or home environments.
• A manual installation is straightforward: simply navigate to your Windows Update settings, check for optional updates, and select KB5053657 if it appears.
• Restarting your PC post-installation is necessary to fully apply the changes.
RDP Woes and the Windows 11 24H2 Conundrum
While the printer fix focuses on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, Windows 11 24H2 users have a different challenge to contend with. Following the January 2025 Windows preview update (KB5050094) and subsequent updates, a corruption was discovered affecting Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. Users running UDP-based RDP connections from Windows 11 24H2 devices to legacy servers (Windows Server 2016 and earlier) experienced sessions being abruptly disconnected after 65 seconds—a frustrating reminder that even minor updates can ripple across systems in unexpected ways.Microsoft’s approach to this disruption has been twofold:
• Initially, an attempt was made to address the RDP issue; however, this fix fell short of resolving the problem robustly.
• The company then pivoted to a Known Issue Rollback strategy. This rollback update automatically reverses the damaged components in affected devices, effectively restoring stability as soon as the update is applied. A restart of the PC is required to complete this process.
While this rollback offers immediate relief, it is clear that a more permanent solution for the RDP problem is in the works and will be delivered through a future update for Windows 11 24H2.
What Does This Mean for Windows 11 Users?
The unfolding update process underscores a broader truth: software environments as complex as Windows 11 are constantly evolving. Even small tweaks can sometimes lead to unintended side effects—whether it’s a printer spitting out nonsense or remote desktop sessions cutting off unexpectedly. Here are some practical tips for users navigating these updates:• If you’re experiencing printer issues, especially on USB-connected devices, check whether you’re running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2. Installing KB5053657 could very well save your day (or at least your paper).
• For Windows 11 24H2 users, keep an eye on Windows Update notifications. The automatic rollout of the RDP rollback is designed to mitigate the disconnections, but a permanent patch is still on the horizon.
• IT administrators should monitor their update channels closely. In environments where both printing devices and RDP connections are critical, balancing the installation of new features with the need for operational stability becomes paramount.
Broader Implications and Expert Analysis
Issues like these serve as a reminder that the path to software reliability is rarely linear. With each new update, even minor ones, careful attention must be given not only to feature enhancements but also to possible side effects on legacy protocols and hardware interoperability. For Windows 11, a system used by millions around the globe, Microsoft’s responsiveness to these issues is crucial in maintaining user trust.Why did a routine Windows update lead to printers printing non-sequiturs? The answer lies in the way dual-mode printers interact with multiple protocols. The January 2025 update shifted some underlying defaults or introduced an oversight in handling the dual modes, triggering a cascade of errors that were later isolated and fixed in KB5053657. Such incidents remind us of the delicate balance in large-scale operating systems, where even small changes can propagate through countless interconnected systems.
From an enterprise perspective, these updates highlight the importance of thorough testing in diverse environments. IT departments are encouraged to deploy updates in a staged fashion—first testing new patches on non-critical systems before a full-scale rollout—to minimize disruptions. This is particularly pertinent for organizations relying on both hardware peripherals and remote connectivity solutions for daily operations.
Installation Guidelines for Affected Users
For users eager to remedy these issues, here is a quick step-by-step guide:- Open Windows Update by clicking on the Start menu, then “Settings,” followed by “Windows Update.”
- Click the “Check for updates” button to see if the optional KB5053657 update appears.
- If available, select the KB5053657 update and proceed with the installation.
- Alternatively, if you prefer manual installation, visit Microsoft’s Update Catalog, search for KB5053657, download the update, and begin the installation process.
- Ensure you restart your PC post-installation to allow the changes to take effect.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s recent updates reinforce a key principle of modern IT maintenance: rapid response and continuous improvement. The KB5053657 update is a testament to how swiftly and effectively Microsoft can diagnose and remedy issues that disrupt everyday computing tasks. While the USB printer bug has been effectively contained for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 users, Windows 11 24H2 faces its own challenges with RDP stability—a reminder that even in a finely tuned ecosystem, glitches are inevitable.As Windows users, whether at home or in a corporate setting, it’s important to stay informed about these updates. Regularly checking Windows Update, keeping backup drivers and systems ready, and understanding the nuances behind these patches can help minimize disruptions and maximize productivity. Microsoft’s approach of rolling back problematic updates while working on a permanent fix is a pragmatic solution in the fast-paced realm of software development.
In conclusion, whether you’re battling rogue printer output or grappling with unreliable remote desktop sessions, remember that these challenges are part of the ever-evolving landscape of Windows 11. With meticulous updates and attentive troubleshooting, users can continue to enjoy a stable and efficient computing experience—even when the unexpected occurs.
Source: PCWorld Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers spitting out nonsense
