Microsoft has been busy patching up more than just security vulnerabilities these days. In a move that underscores both the complexity and occasional unpredictability of software updates, Microsoft has released patch KB5053657 for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. This fix is designed to reverse the unintended side effects of an earlier update that saw some USB-connected printers spitting out gibberish instead of rendering documents as expected.
This inadvertent glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of IPP was certainly not what users or IT administrators had in mind. Dual-mode printers connected via USB that support both traditional USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols were particularly affected. The resulting frustration for users was unmistakable, prompting Microsoft to act swiftly with patch KB5053657 to restore normal operation.
• When the printer driver was installed, it sometimes triggered a misinterpretation of the print commands.
• Printers that relied on both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols ended up translating IPP data—designed for network communication—into printed gibberish.
• The output often kicked off with “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1”, a clear indicator that internal network commands were being mistakenly sent to the printer hardware.
For many, this turned a routine printing task into an unexpected and wasteful experience, as valuable ink was expended on sheets of seemingly random text and characters. Clearly, the unintended exposure of protocol details left both IT professionals and casual users perplexed.
• Reversing the flawed changes introduced in the January update that led to the USB printing anomaly.
• Ensuring proper handling of printer drivers so that printers perform as intended, without outputting random data.
• Specifically addressing the behavior of USB-connected dual-mode printers to guarantee that IPP-related data remains behind the scenes.
While the patch is an essential fix for those affected, it also serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in supporting legacy hardware interfaces alongside newer protocol technologies. For many IT administrators, this patch offers a welcome return to normalcy in environments where consistent printing output is critical.
On a related note, Microsoft has acknowledged another ongoing issue—a problem affecting users running version 2411 of the Citrix Session Recording Agent. While patch KB5053657 addresses the USB printer problem, the Citrix-related bug remains unresolved. Microsoft is reportedly working with Citrix to find a satisfactory solution and will update related documentation upon resolution.
• Software updates, while essential, can sometimes have unexpected consequences. A patch intended to improve system performance or security might inadvertently disrupt other functions.
• IT administrators should keep a vigilant eye on update deployments. Testing in controlled environments before a wider rollout can help catch issues like these before they affect production.
• Staying informed through reliable tech news outlets and official Microsoft documentation can mitigate frustration. In this instance, knowing that patch KB5053657 is available allows users to quickly purge the printing glitch from their systems.
In practical terms, if you’re managing a network or a home setup that relies heavily on dual-mode printers, it’s a good idea to verify you’re running the latest Windows 11 update. While the initial problem may have seemed almost farcical—a printer printing network requests—the patch ensures that productivity, and ink, are not wasted on unintended outputs.
It also raises important questions about software update strategies. How can developers better anticipate conflicts between old and new protocol standards? What additional testing or staged rollouts might prevent similar incidents in the future? While these remain open questions, the incident serves as an instructive case study for the IT community.
For Windows 11 users, the key takeaway is clear: staying updated is crucial, but so is maintaining a readiness for the occasional hiccup along the way. As technology continues to evolve, such challenges may become more frequent, reinforcing the need for robust backup plans and proactive IT management.
In a world where even printers might start printing their own network protocols, one thing remains certain—technology never ceases to surprise us.
Source: The Register Microsoft de-borks USB printing in Windows 11
Background and Overview
Windows updates are meant to improve functionality and security, but sometimes they introduce unexpected behavior. Earlier this year, a recent patch led to a bizarre scenario where, during the installation of a printer driver—whether when a device powered up or was plugged in—a printer would start churning out random text. Rather than delivering a neatly formatted document, the printer would output strings of data that began with headers like “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” along with other Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) related commands.This inadvertent glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of IPP was certainly not what users or IT administrators had in mind. Dual-mode printers connected via USB that support both traditional USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols were particularly affected. The resulting frustration for users was unmistakable, prompting Microsoft to act swiftly with patch KB5053657 to restore normal operation.
The USB Printing Glitch Explained
The malfunction stemmed from how the installed printer drivers handled communication over USB. Here’s a quick breakdown of the issue:• When the printer driver was installed, it sometimes triggered a misinterpretation of the print commands.
• Printers that relied on both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols ended up translating IPP data—designed for network communication—into printed gibberish.
• The output often kicked off with “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1”, a clear indicator that internal network commands were being mistakenly sent to the printer hardware.
For many, this turned a routine printing task into an unexpected and wasteful experience, as valuable ink was expended on sheets of seemingly random text and characters. Clearly, the unintended exposure of protocol details left both IT professionals and casual users perplexed.
What Patch KB5053657 Brings to the Table
Acknowledging the issue, Microsoft rolled out patch KB5053657 on March 25. The key objectives of this update include:• Reversing the flawed changes introduced in the January update that led to the USB printing anomaly.
• Ensuring proper handling of printer drivers so that printers perform as intended, without outputting random data.
• Specifically addressing the behavior of USB-connected dual-mode printers to guarantee that IPP-related data remains behind the scenes.
While the patch is an essential fix for those affected, it also serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in supporting legacy hardware interfaces alongside newer protocol technologies. For many IT administrators, this patch offers a welcome return to normalcy in environments where consistent printing output is critical.
Other Recent Issues and Their Resolutions
Interestingly, the period around these updates wasn’t without its own share of hiccups. One separate update inadvertently led to the removal and unpinning of Microsoft’s Copilot from some devices. While this side issue quickly found resolution without requiring its own patch, it reflects that even the tech giant faces challenges when rolling out broad system updates.On a related note, Microsoft has acknowledged another ongoing issue—a problem affecting users running version 2411 of the Citrix Session Recording Agent. While patch KB5053657 addresses the USB printer problem, the Citrix-related bug remains unresolved. Microsoft is reportedly working with Citrix to find a satisfactory solution and will update related documentation upon resolution.
Implications for Windows 11 Users and IT Administrators
For everyday users and IT professionals alike, these incidents highlight several key points:• Software updates, while essential, can sometimes have unexpected consequences. A patch intended to improve system performance or security might inadvertently disrupt other functions.
• IT administrators should keep a vigilant eye on update deployments. Testing in controlled environments before a wider rollout can help catch issues like these before they affect production.
• Staying informed through reliable tech news outlets and official Microsoft documentation can mitigate frustration. In this instance, knowing that patch KB5053657 is available allows users to quickly purge the printing glitch from their systems.
In practical terms, if you’re managing a network or a home setup that relies heavily on dual-mode printers, it’s a good idea to verify you’re running the latest Windows 11 update. While the initial problem may have seemed almost farcical—a printer printing network requests—the patch ensures that productivity, and ink, are not wasted on unintended outputs.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This episode with USB printing is emblematic of a broader trend in the tech world. As we integrate legacy systems with cutting-edge communication protocols, the interplay between different technologies can sometimes create unforeseen issues. Microsoft’s handling of the situation, from acknowledging the error to promptly rolling out a corrective update, underscores the value of rapid response in the face of such challenges.It also raises important questions about software update strategies. How can developers better anticipate conflicts between old and new protocol standards? What additional testing or staged rollouts might prevent similar incidents in the future? While these remain open questions, the incident serves as an instructive case study for the IT community.
Conclusion
While it might be tempting to see this incident as merely a quirky footnote in the world of Windows updates, it is a reminder of the delicate balance required when managing system updates. Microsoft’s patch KB5053657 not only rectifies the USB printing problem but also highlights the importance of rigorous testing and transparent communication.For Windows 11 users, the key takeaway is clear: staying updated is crucial, but so is maintaining a readiness for the occasional hiccup along the way. As technology continues to evolve, such challenges may become more frequent, reinforcing the need for robust backup plans and proactive IT management.
In a world where even printers might start printing their own network protocols, one thing remains certain—technology never ceases to surprise us.
Source: The Register Microsoft de-borks USB printing in Windows 11
