Windows 11 users, if your printer has started outputting what appears to be computer code or random network commands instead of your intended documents, you’re not the only one puzzled by the abnormal behavior. A preview update—KB5050092—released on January 29 has been identified as the culprit behind this printing mishap.
Key insights from the update reveal:
Looking forward, this initiative aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine the Windows user experience and eliminate such unintended side effects of new update rollouts. Meanwhile, staying informed about update versions and following recommended IT best practices—such as deploying known rollbacks when issues are identified—can help mitigate disruptions.
This episode is a prime example of the ongoing challenges in software development, where even essential services like printing can unexpectedly go awry due to a minor update. As users and IT professionals, staying informed, maintaining a cautious approach to updates, and employing available fixes will continue to be best practices while we await a definitive patch from Microsoft.
Source: PCMag UK Is Your Printer Producing Gibberish? A Windows 11 Update May Be to Blame
Unraveling the Gibberish: What’s Happening?
If your USB-connected printer suddenly begins spitting out indecipherable text, the issue isn’t paranormal interference. Instead, Microsoft has traced the problem to a bug present in one of the Windows 11 preview updates. Users have reported that once the printer is powered on or reconnected to the computer after being disconnected, it can start printing out snippets of what seems to be random text combined with technical network commands. Some of these outputs even include the phrase “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” along with various headers typical to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP).Key insights from the update reveal:
- Unexpected Output: The printer may print random text and data, including network commands and unusual characters.
- Triggered by Connection Events: The issue tends to occur more frequently when the printer is powered on or when a device is reconnected after being disconnected.
- Specific to USB Printers: It appears that USB connections are particularly impacted.
Digging Deeper: The Technical Roots of the Issue
Microsoft hasn’t revealed a detailed root cause beyond isolating the problem to printer drivers and the print spooler. For many Windows users, knowing that the error emerges from the communication between the computer and the printer might at least validate the experience if you’ve been scratching your head in confusion.Understanding the Print Spooler
The print spooler is a software service that queues documents as print jobs. It ensures that documents are printed in order and manages the print job data flow to the printer. However, if the spooler starts sending cryptic IPP messages—a protocol more typically used for network printing—then the printer, expecting standard print data, is left to “interpret” these commands literally, resulting in gibberish on your paper.The Role of Printer Drivers
Printer drivers serve as the intermediary between the operating system and the hardware. A minor miscommunication caused by a recent update in these drivers can lead to unusual behavior, such as the unexpected output observed. When a driver mishandles or misdirects data intended for internet printing protocols, the fallout is printed as random text on the paper.Who’s Affected? Understanding the Scope
The issue is isolated to users who have installed the problematic KB5050092 preview update or subsequent updates that build on it. This includes:- Windows 11 version 23H2
- Windows 11 version 22H2
- The final version of Windows 10 22H2
Interim Fix: Roll Back with the “Known Issue Rollback” Tool
As a temporary measure, Microsoft has provided IT administrators with a “Known Issue Rollback” tool. This tool is designed to reverse the changes installed by the problematic update, effectively putting the printing behavior back into normal operating parameters.Steps to Address the Issue
- Identify the Update: Verify whether your system is running the KB5050092 preview update or any subsequent affected update.
- Deploy the Rollback Tool: IT administrators can obtain the rollback tool from Microsoft’s support resources. Installing this tool temporarily disables the change causing the printing issue, allowing users to resume normal operations.
- Monitor for Future Updates: Microsoft has indicated that a final resolution is in the works, so ensuring that your systems are up-to-date once the corrective patch is released will be critical.
What’s Ahead? Microsoft's Final Resolution in Future Updates
Microsoft is actively working on a complete fix that will resolve the printing anomaly in a future Windows update. The resolution will address the underlying issues related to the print spooler and driver interactions, ensuring that IPP messages are properly handled and do not confuse the printer hardware.Looking forward, this initiative aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine the Windows user experience and eliminate such unintended side effects of new update rollouts. Meanwhile, staying informed about update versions and following recommended IT best practices—such as deploying known rollbacks when issues are identified—can help mitigate disruptions.
Reflecting on the Bigger Picture: When Technology Misfires
This unexpected printer behavior offers a broader lesson in today’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem. Every update brings new features and improvements, but sometimes even the smallest tweaks in complex systems can lead to unforeseen issues. For Windows users, especially those managing extensive IT infrastructures, it underlines the importance of balancing the adoption of new updates with thorough testing and contingency planning.- For IT Administrators: This incident reinforces the value of pre-deployment testing and having rollback procedures in place. It’s a reminder that even trusted systems like Windows 11 can encounter bumps along the road.
- For Home Users: While the glitch may be seen as an inconvenience, it serves as an example of how software updates can have unexpected side effects. Keeping an eye on update notes and community forums can ensure you’re prepared to implement temporary fixes when needed.
Final Thoughts
While the sight of your printer randomly producing programming jargon or network commands can be startling, rest assured that Microsoft is on the case. The company’s acknowledgment of the issue and the provision of a rollback tool demonstrate a proactive approach to troubleshooting. In the meantime, if you experience such issues, checking your update version and employing the known issue rollback may just save you a heap of paper—and a lot of frustration.This episode is a prime example of the ongoing challenges in software development, where even essential services like printing can unexpectedly go awry due to a minor update. As users and IT professionals, staying informed, maintaining a cautious approach to updates, and employing available fixes will continue to be best practices while we await a definitive patch from Microsoft.
Source: PCMag UK Is Your Printer Producing Gibberish? A Windows 11 Update May Be to Blame
