Windows Update Glitch: USB Printers Printing Random Text Since January 2025

Recent Windows updates have thrown a curveball at users with USB-connected printers. If you’ve been scratching your head over why your printer suddenly spits out seemingly random text, you’re not alone. The culprit? A set of Windows updates released since late January 2025 that have affected both Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2).

What’s Going On?​

After installing the January 2025 Windows preview update (KB5050092) or subsequent updates, some USB-connected dual-mode printers—those supporting both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols—have begun to misbehave. Instead of printing only your documents, these printers unexpectedly output random text data. Users have reported that the printed text often begins with headers such as:

• POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1
• Along with other bizarre IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) related headers

It appears that the printer’s print spooler is inadvertently dispatching IPP protocol messages directly to the printer. When the printer’s driver is installed on the Windows device, these messages are interpreted as print data, resulting in printed output filled with what looks like network commands and assorted unusual characters. This phenomenon tends to occur when the printer is powered on or reconnected after being temporarily disconnected.

The Underlying Technical Issue​

While the notion of a printer spitting out random text might sound like a scene from a tech thriller, the underlying issue is more about miscommunication between software protocols than a malicious hack. Here’s a closer look:

• Dual-Mode Printers: These devices support both standard USB printing and IPP over USB. The latter protocol is designed to allow for more advanced printing tasks over a network interface.
• Protocol Confusion: Following the installation of the problematic Windows update, erroneous IPP command messages are inadvertently sent to the printer’s print spooler. This causes the printer to misinterpret these commands as print jobs.
• Firmware and Driver Interaction: With the Windows update modifying how USB communication is handled, the printer’s firmware (or the driver software in Windows) can no longer correctly differentiate between a legitimate print job and these protocol messages.

In essence, the update’s changes led to a scenario where the printer, especially after being reconnected, is “confused” about what data to print.

User and Enterprise Impact​

If you’re a home user, this issue might be a minor annoyance—imagine your printer suddenly producing a sheet full of network jargon when all you needed was a document printed perfectly. However, the problem takes on greater significance in enterprise environments:

• Enterprise-Focused Disruptions: Organizations relying on networked printers for day-to-day operations might see unexpected waste of paper and ink, not to mention workflow interruptions. For environments with high printing demands, this can translate into financial loss and operational inefficiencies.
• IT Administrator Concerns: IT departments managing extensive fleets of Windows devices need immediate solutions. The impact is even more pronounced when devices are left to automatically download updates. Imagine an enterprise environment where dozens—or even hundreds—of printers are affected simultaneously. The cumulative effect could be a major headache for IT support teams.

The Quick Fix: Known Issue Rollback (KIR)​

Acknowledging the community’s feedback and recognizing the disruption, Microsoft has introduced a fix through a feature called Known Issue Rollback (KIR). Let’s break down what this means:

• What is KIR?
  Known Issue Rollback is a Windows feature that allows Microsoft to reverse problematic, non-security updates quickly. In this instance, the problematic update that’s causing the errant printing behavior can be remotely “rolled back” on affected systems.
• Deployment:
  Microsoft has indicated that the fix will roll out automatically with a future Windows update. This means that for most users, simply waiting for the next scheduled update should resolve the issue without any manual intervention.
• Enterprise-specific Measures:
  For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators have an additional tool at their disposal. Administrators can manually deploy group policies to apply the Known Issue Rollback. This ensures that systems in a business environment are corrected immediately without everyone waiting for the next wide-scale update.

How IT Administrators Can Act​

For IT professionals managing Windows fleets, a proactive approach is essential to prevent disruption. Here’s a step-by-step guide on deploying the Known Issue Rollback via Group Policy:

• Access the Group Policy Editor:
• On the affected device or domain controller, launch the Group Policy Editor.
• Navigate to the Correct Policy Path:
• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates.
• Target the Affected Windows Versions:
• Within the Administrative Templates, locate settings related to the Known Issue Rollback. You will need to specify the Windows versions that require targeting (e.g., Windows 10 version 22H2, Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2).
• Deploy the Policy:
• Once configured, save your changes and deploy the policy. This can be done via the local computer policy or through the domain policy if you’re working within a Windows domain environment.
• Restart Affected Devices:
• Ensure that all the impacted systems are restarted so that the group policy settings can take effect. A simple reboot should trigger the workaround and correct the errant printer behavior.

This method provides IT administrators with precise control, ensuring that the manufacturing defect in the update is swiftly and neatly reversed on all affected machines.

Broader Implications for Windows Update Reliability​

This printing anomaly underscores a broader theme in modern software development: the balancing act between rapid updates and maintaining system stability. Microsoft, like many tech giants, is under continual pressure to push new features and improvements via updates. However, even with extensive testing, issues sometimes slip through the cracks.

• Update Confidence vs. Disruption:
  The Known Issue Rollback mechanism illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to remediation without compromising security. By enabling a rollback mechanism on non-security updates, the company shows that it is listening to user feedback and is agile in response.
• Trust and Transparency:
  In an era where update-related controversies can affect user trust, Microsoft’s proactive fix helps reassure users that their concerns are valid and being addressed promptly. It also serves as a reminder to users and IT professionals alike that vigilance is key when managing updates.
• The Role of Community Reporting:
  Forums like WindowsForum.com play a crucial role in gathering user experiences. When issues like this emerge, thousands of users have a venue to exchange experiences and troubleshooting tips, further amplifying the collective wisdom that can drive rapid resolutions.

What’s Next?​

As we await the automated fix in the next Windows update rollout, here are some practical tips for both home and enterprise users:

• Stay Informed:
  Keep an eye on official update release notes. Knowing that your system may be due for a Known Issue Rollback can preempt confusion if you start noticing unexpected printer behavior.
• Backup Configurations:
  For enterprise environments, regularly back up your Group Policy configurations. Being prepared means that you can quickly reapply settings should an update disrupt your environment unexpectedly.
• Communicate Internally:
  IT departments should inform users of the potential issue before it escalates. A quick internal memo about the possibility of random text printing and funding a work-around could save vital time and reduce frustration.
• Monitor Printer Behavior Post-Update:
  If you’re part of an organization, monitor any changes in printer performance post-update. This can help distinguish between a benign glitch and a symptom of a more significant networking or device driver issue.

Alternative Perspectives and Considerations​

It’s worth asking: could there be deeper implications behind these seemingly innocuous printouts? While the issue at hand primarily involves unintended interactions between the Windows update and printer drivers, it opens up a broader discussion on update testing and quality assurance.

• User Concerns Versus Enterprise Impact:
  For casual or home users, a few pages of random characters may simply be an inconvenience. However, in enterprise settings where time is money—each unexpected print job can lead to significant productivity loss.
• Balancing Innovation and Stability:
  The incident raises questions about the pace of innovation. With Microsoft eager to roll out new features and enhancements, there’s also an inherent risk when changes affect legacy or specialized hardware. How far should the balance between cutting-edge functionality and established reliability be pushed?
• Resilience in IT Infrastructure:
  This scenario is a case study in the importance of resilient IT practices. Enterprises are reminded that even widely trusted systems can malfunction, and having robust policies—including rapid rollback capabilities—can mitigate downtime and restore normalcy quickly.

In Summary​

Microsoft’s rollout of Windows updates since late January 2025 has inadvertently led to a quirky yet disruptive issue: certain USB printers printing random text. This stems from a miscommunication between the printer’s dual-mode functionality and altered handling of IPP over USB commands post-update. The affected versions include Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (22H2 and 23H2), while the most recent Windows 11 24H2 remains unaffected.
The situation is being remedied through Known Issue Rollback—a feature designed to quickly reverse non-security updates that have unintended side effects. For IT administrators, deploying a Group Policy update to expedite this rollback on enterprise-managed systems could be crucial in mitigating disruptions.
As Windows users, whether home or enterprise, we’re reminded that even the most sophisticated systems occasionally miss the mark. The proactive steps taken by Microsoft to address these issues not only restore functionality but also reinforce the importance of continuous feedback and adaptation in the software update process.
Keep your systems updated, stay vigilant, and don’t be surprised if a troubleshooting forum on WindowsForum.com lights up with discussion about these unusual printouts. After all, in the high-stakes world of IT, every printed line—even if it’s full of random text—tells a story about the evolving landscape of technology.

---

Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft: Recent Windows updates make USB printers print random text