Windows 10 Update KB5055518: Security Boost & Printer Bug Fix Explained

Microsoft’s latest cumulative update, KB5055518, for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 is turning heads not only for its robust security enhancements but also for its timely fix of a rather peculiar bug that caused dual-mode printers to print random, garbled text. This update—which bundles Microsoft’s April 2025 Patch Tuesday security patches—addresses six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities and nine other changes that improve overall system performance and user experience.

Update Overview and Key Changes​

Windows 10 KB5055518 is a mandatory update that rolls out automatically via Windows Update. However, users can manually force a check for updates in the Settings app. Once installed, the update brings Windows 10 22H2 to build 19045.5737 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.5737.
The update addresses several issues and introduces enhancements, including:

• Daylight Saving Time (DST) Updates:
  Adjustments for the Aysen region in Chile to support government-mandated DST changes in 2025. This ensures that time-sensitive applications and scheduling tasks remain in sync with local legal requirements.
• Noto CJK Fonts Addition:
  Inclusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Noto fonts enhances language support and improves the aesthetic consistency of multilingual documents.
• Mobile Operator Profiles:
  Updated Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) profiles help ensure that cellular connectivity is optimized according to regional operator requirements.
• Printer Bug Fix:
  A significant fix in this update directly addresses an issue where USB-connected dual-mode printers (capable of using both traditional USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols) could mistakenly print out unwanted or garbled text. This bug—reportedly causing printers to output strings of seemingly random text—is now resolved, ensuring that your printouts only include the intended content. This fix is especially critical for environments where accidental printing of network data can lead to operational disruptions and unnecessary paper waste.
• Remote Desktop Troubleshooting:
  The update resolves an issue where certain Get-Help troubleshooters would fail to run in a Remote Desktop session, which is key for IT professionals managing remote systems.
• Thumbnail Stability in File Explorer:
  Another usability improvement ensures that File Explorer now correctly generates thumbnails, eliminating crashes that resulted in white pages instead of the expected previews.
• Enhanced Temporary File Security:
  Processes that store temporary files now use a secure folder (C:\Windows\SystemTemp) through calls to GetTempPath2 or .NET’s GetTempPath API, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive temporary data.
• Search Bar Improvements for EEA Users:
  In the European Economic Area, Windows Search has been updated to open search results using the default browser, thereby enhancing the web search experience by leveraging increased discoverability.

Each of these changes not only addresses recurring issues but also contributes to better system stability, performance, and security—a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to continuous improvement.

The Dual-Mode Printer Issue: From Chaos to Clarity​

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the KB5055518 update is its resolution of the dual-mode printer bug. Prior to this fix, many Windows 10 users had experienced an unusual problem: when using USB-connected dual-mode printers, the device would print random strings of text instead of the intended documents. Typically, the errant output contained remnants of network commands and IPP protocol headers, a clear indication of a miscommunication between the operating system’s print spooler and the printer’s dual functionalities.
The technical explanation is straightforward yet intricate:

• Dual-Mode Functionality:
  These printers are designed to operate with both the standard USB Print protocol and the more network-oriented IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) over USB. The update inadvertently caused the printer to interpret some internal protocol commands as printable data.
• Affected Scenarios:
  This issue was particularly evident when the printer was powered on or reconnected after a period of disconnection. Rather than executing a clean, formatted print job, the device would output what appeared to be debugging or network command information.
• Implications:
  For both home users and corporations, this behavior was not just a curiosity—it led to disrupted work, wasted paper, and the needless consumption of printer resources. Microsoft’s fix in KB5055518 mitigates this risk, restoring normal printer operations and eliminating the risk of confidential or extraneous data being printed inadvertently.

Installation and Deployment Tips​

For most users, the installation is as simple as navigating to the Windows Update section in Settings and clicking “Check for Updates.” Since KB5055518 is a mandatory update, the installation process will commence automatically. However, you can make the update process less disruptive by scheduling a restart at a convenient time. Additionally, IT administrators can manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog when managing devices in enterprise environments.
Step-by-Step Installation:

• Open Settings (press Win + I).
• Navigate to “Update & Security” (or “Windows Update” in newer builds).
• Click “Check for Updates” to initiate the download.
• Once downloaded, allow the system to restart at the scheduled time to finalize the installation.
• Verify that your Windows build has updated to 19045.5737 for Windows 10 22H2 (or 19044.5737 for 21H2).

Known Issues and Workarounds​

Despite its comprehensive fixes, Microsoft has acknowledged two known issues with the update:

• Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) Conflict:
  Users with Citrix Session Recording Agent version 2411 may experience update failures. As a workaround, it is recommended to stop the Session Recording Monitoring service, install the update, and then re-enable the service. This issue has been documented extensively, and Citrix has released a support bulletin with guidance on addressing this problem.
• Spurious Event Viewer Errors:
  The update might trigger misleading Event 7023 errors in Windows EventViewer, specifically involving the SgrmBroker.exe process. Microsoft advises that these errors can be safely ignored for the time being, as SgrmBroker.exe currently plays no functional role. A permanent fix is expected in subsequent updates.

These known issues underscore the technical challenges behind patch deployments and the balancing act between security fixes and system stability. Users encountering these problems should monitor official Microsoft support bulletins for further updates.

Broader Implications for Windows Users​

The KB5055518 update is a reminder of the intricate relationship between operating system upgrades and peripheral hardware functionality. For IT professionals and enterprise administrators, staying ahead of these updates is crucial:

• Security First:
  The mandatory nature of this update reflects Microsoft’s ongoing emphasis on security, particularly with the inclusion of patches against actively exploited vulnerabilities. For organizations, applying these patches is not just best practice—it’s a necessity to safeguard data and network integrity.
• Operational Impact:
  Even minor bugs, such as the dual-mode printer issue, can lead to significant operational headaches. The update’s focus on resolving these peripheral issues reaffirms the importance of comprehensive testing and controlled rollout strategies.
• User Experience:
  For home users, the update promises a smoother, more reliable experience—from everyday printing tasks to improved file navigation in File Explorer and more secure temporary file handling.

According to reports and community discussions on forums, these types of update-induced issues can sometimes lead to unintended consequences if not managed properly. Yet, Microsoft’s proactive deployment of fixes and workarounds highlights an ongoing commitment to user satisfaction and system reliability .

Expert Analysis and Final Thoughts​

From a broader perspective, the KB5055518 update demonstrates Microsoft’s dual commitment to security and usability. While security patches are often the headline, addressing functional bugs—like the dual-mode printer mishap—can have an equally significant impact on both individual and enterprise productivity.
For IT professionals, the update serves as a case study in quick issue resolution amid the complexities of modern OS-hardware interactions. For everyday users, it is a relief to know that the days of unexpected printer gibberish are numbered, and that routine tasks can resume without technical interruptions.
In conclusion, keeping your Windows system up to date remains essential. The KB5055518 update not only shores up significant security vulnerabilities but also corrects frustrating usability issues, representing a comprehensive approach to system reliability. As Microsoft and the broader IT community continue to navigate the challenges of large-scale update rollouts, one thing remains clear: vigilance, timely updates, and informed troubleshooting are the best tools in any user’s arsenal.
Stay tuned to trusted sources and community updates on WindowsForum.com for further insights on Windows 10 updates, Microsoft security patches, and more cybersecurity advisories.

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Source: BleepingComputer Windows 10 KB5055518 update fixes random text when printing