Windows 11 Printer Issue: KB5050092 Causes Gibberish Printouts

A perplexing printer problem is causing head-scratchers for many Windows users. If your USB printer is outputting what appears to be random, programming-related gibberish, you might be experiencing an unexpected side effect of a recent Windows 11 update.

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The Unexpected Glitch: Gibberish on Your Printouts​

A Windows 11 preview update, identified as KB5050092, which began rolling out on January 29, has been linked to an unusual printing error. Several users have reported that when their printer is connected via USB, instead of the intended documents, it churns out inexplicable text. Some of these prints even include lines such as "POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1" along with typical headers from the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). This behavior isn’t due to spectral mischief—it’s firmly rooted in software.
Key observations include:

• Affected Update: Windows 11 preview update KB5050092, impacting certain builds.
• How it Manifests: Printers connected through USB inadvertently receive IPP commands, leading to printouts filled with random text and data.
• When It Happens: The issue seems more prevalent when a printer is either restarted or reconnected after being disconnected.

This issue highlights how even seemingly minor firmware changes within an operating system can have bizarre side effects that disrupt everyday tasks.

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Digging Into the Details: What’s Causing the Chaos?​

At the heart of the glitch is an interference between the printer drivers installed on Windows and the print spooler—the software component responsible for queuing print jobs. Typically, the print spooler directs jobs in the correct format for the printer. However, post-update, it appears that the system is occasionally sending internet printing protocol messages to USB-connected printers, causing them to interpret these messages as document data.
Technical Breakdown:

• Print Spooler Miscommunication: The update inadvertently causes the spooler to transmit messages formatted for IPP devices.
• Driver Vulnerability: The installed printer drivers can mistakenly process these commands, printing them as plain text.
• Repetitive Triggers: The error is more common when the printer is turned on or reconnected, suggesting that the initialization process may be a trigger.

This interaction of components underscores how deeply integrated and sensitive the printing process is on Windows systems. Even routine updates require rigorous testing to ensure that peripheral devices continue to operate seamlessly.

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Who’s Impacted? Affected Windows Versions and Devices​

While this bug has caused considerable disruption for some, it’s important to note that it does not affect all Windows users. The issue is currently limited to:

• Windows 11 Versions: Including 23H2 and 22H2 (preview and stable builds), particularly those who installed the preview update KB5050092.
• Windows 10 Systems: Specifically the final version of Windows 10 22H2.

Microsoft has confirmed that the latest Windows 11 24H2 release appears to be free of this issue. If you are operating on this newer release, you likely won’t encounter the problem.
Impacted System Summary:

• USB Printers: Only those connected via USB seem affected.
• Affected Updates: Preview update KB5050092 and later builds of affected Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions.

For IT administrators, this means that the update rolled out in early 2023 has to be closely monitored, especially in environments where print reliability is critical.

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Temporary Workaround: Rollback Using the "Known Issue Rollback" Tool​

As Microsoft continues to develop a final resolution, IT administrators have been provided with an interim fix. The company suggests using the "Known Issue Rollback" tool. This tool reverses the recent update on affected Windows machines, effectively “disabling the change causing the printing issue” until a permanent patch is available.
Steps for the Rollback:

• Download the Rollback Tool: Access Microsoft’s support page for the necessary downloads.
• Install on Affected Devices: Deploy the tool on systems experiencing the issue.
• Reboot the Device: After installation, reboot the affected machines to ensure the rollback takes effect.

This serves as a practical remedy for businesses and power users who rely on USB printing. It’s always advisable to back up critical data before applying such changes, ensuring you can recover swiftly if any unintended side effects occur.

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The Broader Implications: Windows Updates and Peripheral Compatibility​

This incident underscores a broader trend: even small updates can have unexpected ripple effects on hardware functionality. Modern operating systems like Windows 11 are exceptionally complex, integrating countless drivers and system components. Here are a few broader takeaways:

• Testing Complexity: Each update must be tested across a broad spectrum of devices. Even a minor miscommunication between the print spooler and printer drivers can lead to macroscopic effects, such as this gibberish printing issue.
• User Vigilance: Users should remain attentive to update notices and consider delaying update installations in mission-critical environments until after a brief observation period.
• Supporting Infrastructure: Enterprises may need to employ configuration management tools that allow quick rollback when unexpected bugs arise, minimizing disruption to daily operations.

This cautionary tale isn’t just about printers—it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between operating system innovation and dependable peripheral support.

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Expert Analysis and Future Expectations​

It is clear that the underlying challenge stems from an issue within the software rather than a malicious act or hardware failure. Microsoft’s ability to isolate and plan for a permanent fix in a future Windows update should lend some reassurance. However, it also brings to light several pertinent questions:

• Will future updates undergo more rigorous cross-hardware testing?
• How can IT administrators better prepare for unforeseen conflicts between system updates and peripheral drivers?
• What additional tools or monitoring might Microsoft or third-party vendors provide to detect similar issues early on?

The expert consensus is that while interim workarounds like the rollback tool are helpful, transparency about potential update issues is key. In a digitally connected era, minor missteps in update protocols have wide-reaching implications. As Windows continues to push updates at a rapid pace, both users and administrators need to stay informed and agile.

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Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Curve​

For Windows users and IT professionals alike, this incident is a timely reminder of the complexities inherent in modern operating systems. If your USB printer has recently been printing gibberish, you may be experiencing the fallout from the KB5050092 update. While a permanent fix is on the horizon, the rollback tool offers a welcome stopgap solution to maintain productivity in the interim.
Keep an eye on official channels for further updates and consider checking your update settings if you rely heavily on USB printing. In today’s fast-paced tech environment, staying informed and ready to adjust is crucial—whether you’re troubleshooting mysterious printouts or planning your next system update.
By connecting the dots between software updates and peripheral issues, we can better prepare for and adapt to the inevitable quirks of evolving technology.
Stay savvy, stay updated, and keep those printers running smoothly.

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Source: PCMag Is Your Printer Producing Gibberish? A Windows 11 Update May Be to Blame