Windows 11 24H2: Printer Issues Plague Users, Especially on ARM Devices

The saga of Windows 11 24H2 continues, and unfortunately, it's shaping up to be a series marked more by mishaps than milestones. Recent reports highlight a particularly vexing issue: printer problems that seem to be plaguing users, especially those with Copilot+ PCs equipped with ARM processors. If it's not one thing, it's another, and in this case, it’s printers refusing to cooperate.

What’s Going Wrong?​

Since the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have been sounding the alarm about various malfunctions related to printers. This includes:

• Disappearing Drivers: Many users have found that their printer drivers are vanishing from their systems like socks in a dryer.
• Non-Functional Printers: For others, their beloved printers are now expensive paperweights.
• Installation Hurdles: There’s also a frustrating inability to install printer drivers, even from the manufacturer’s website.

These issues aren't confined to just Copilot+ machines; users with Intel and AMD x86 PCs are also encountering similar hiccups. Posts on forums such as Reddit echo these sentiments, with references to clogged print queues and drivers disappearing into the ether.

Copilot+ PCs Take the Hit​

The problems seem to be hitting the newer ARM-based Copilot+ PCs hardest. Microsoft has acknowledged the turmoil, even going so far as to offer some potential workarounds in a support document. Solutions include:

1. USB Connections: The simplest recommendation is to connect the printer directly to the PC via USB rather than relying on wireless or network setups.
2. Settings App Addition: Users can try adding the printer through the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and then opting for the "Add device" feature.

While these methods could potentially alleviate issues, they highlight a fundamental question: why are these problems occurring in the first place?

A Broader Context of Bugs​

These printer woes are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to malaise surrounding Windows 11 24H2. The update has been associated with a plethora of issues, including:

• Constant crashes on new Intel Z890 motherboards.
• Unexplained loss of drive space.
• Various malfunctions in task management features.

Among this chaos lies a silver lining: Microsoft is reportedly aware of these issues and is working diligently to patch the myriad bugs that have surfaced. A question remains for users: will these fixes arrive in time to restore confidence in the Windows 11 platform?

Implications for Users​

For users relying heavily on printing—be it for work or personal projects—this ongoing saga could lead to significant disruptions. There's a unique frustration that comes with technology, especially when it fails to deliver as expected. While the excitement of upgrading to a new version of Windows typically brings thoughts of enhanced features, security updates, and better performance, this experience serves as a reminder that every coin has two sides.

Conclusion​

As Windows 11 24H2 continues to roll out, printer issues remain a significant concern for many, especially on newer ARM-based machines like Copilot+. While Microsoft’s acknowledgment of the problems is a heartening indication of their awareness, the real test lies in how swiftly and effectively they implement fixes. If you're experiencing headaches with your printer after the update, a bit of patience and the workarounds provided might just serve as a temporary band-aid until a more comprehensive solution is rolled out.
Stay tuned, Windows users, and perhaps keep that trusty USB cable close at hand—your printers might need it!

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Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2 misery continues, as Microsoft’s buggy update is now breaking printers – especially on Copilot+ PCs