Windows 11 beta update is making some printers spit out gibberish

[zohaibahd]

WTF?! If you've updated to a specific Windows 11 preview build, you might want to keep an eye on your printer. Microsoft has acknowledged a strange bug that can cause USB printers to unexpectedly come to life and begin printing random pages of gibberish.

Microsoft's own documentation states that the KB5050092 cumulative update for Windows 11 version 23H2 is causing some printers to "unexpectedly print random text and data, including network commands and unusual characters." The printed gibberish often starts with the header "POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1," followed by a jumble of nonsense.

Microsoft adds that the issue tends to occur more frequently when a printer is powered on or reconnected after being unplugged.

It almost sounds fun and whimsical, until you realize it's wasting your ink and paper. It's certainly one of the stranger Windows bugs to surface over the years. Haunted printers? Just imagine: you're working away at your desk when suddenly the printer whirs to life, making you jump. Scary stuff indeed.

Microsoft states that the issue specifically affects USB-connected dual-mode printers that support both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols.

While the bug may seem like an isolated incident, the company is taking it seriously enough to document it on its Windows "Learn" website. It also provides instructions for using the "Known Issue Rollback" feature to remove the problematic update if your printer has been... "activated."

The mitigation details that IT administrators can resolve the issue by installing and configuring a special Group Policy, which is available on the website. The policy can be found under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > [Group Policy name].

With Microsoft offering a mitigation, the bug's status has been changed to "Mitigated." However, the company notes that the final resolution will be included in a "future Windows update."

Of course, this isn't the first time Windows updates have caused printer issues. A Google search reveals reports of similar IPP printing problems spanning several years, with similar header texts making unwelcome appearances.

For those staying calm, if your printer suddenly goes rogue, you know what to do. But if you're feeling adventurous, let it print its evil incantations and see what it has to say.

Image credit: Jakub Zerdzicki, Tima Miroshnickenko

Permalink to story:

Windows 11 beta update is making some printers spit out gibberish

 

[opckieran]

With Microsoft offering a mitigation, the bug's status has been changed to "Mitigated." However, the company notes that the final resolution will be included in a "future Windows update."

My issues were mitigated by switching to Linux.

 

[RudyBob]

New update and a new article on a rare occurrence.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

New update and a new article on a rare occurrence.

Funny how often these "rare occurrences" happen.

 

[dualkelly]

Turned off the BS of windows update ages ago way back with windows xp. They break way more things than they fix.

 

[Anton Longshot]

At least if you have an HP there's a chance it'll refuse to print gibberish...or anything else for that matter. :-D

 

[seeprime]

"Microsoft adds that the issue tends to occur more frequently when a printer is powered on..". What incredible insight. Wow.

 

[Gars]

I cant afford that, thats why im using print shop
they need money too

 

[guillejp]

My issues were mitigated by switching to Linux.

Sure, and now instead of 1, you had or still have 3 others, not counting limitations.

 

[Axiarus]

Sure, and now instead of 1, you had or still have 3 others, not counting limitations.

Linux has been pretty smooth for me.

 

[daffy duck]

Linux has been pretty smooth for me.

If Adobe weren't such pricks and launched native binaries for Lightroom and Photoshop I might switch. No use trying others like On1 etc , they're just as bad. I will never use GIMP, I've spent a few years using at Uni and didn't like it at all and it's way down on features compared to Photoshop I find extremely useful such as AI masking and I've spent too long mastering PS to give up now.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

At least if you have an HP there's a chance it'll refuse to print gibberish...or anything else for that matter. :-D

Dont get me started on that SmartHP enabled garbage.

"Microsoft adds that the issue tends to occur more frequently when a printer is powered on..". What incredible insight. Wow.

With problem solving like that, I am SHOCKED that MS cant get their updates to install without breaking things.

 

[dnous]

Shocking, an update in a opt-in beta program has a bug.

 

[yRaz]

If Adobe weren't such pricks and launched native binaries for Lightroom and Photoshop I might switch. No use trying others like On1 etc , they're just as bad. I will never use GIMP, I've spent a few years using at Uni and didn't like it at all and it's way down on features compared to Photoshop I find extremely useful such as AI masking and I've spent too long mastering PS to give up now.

While the GUI is a little different, GIMP gives me major CS2/CS3 feels. After a few images and some youtube videp how-tos, I don't even miss photoshop. Probably took less than 10 hours for me to learn to use GIMP just as well as photoshop. Also, I don't have to Adobe anymore.

Then darktable is a pretty good alternative to lightroom. It does "feel" a bit weird, can't explain what I mean by that, but it's a feeling I get everytime I use it. Not a deal breaker and Adobe has pissed me off to the point where a little discomfort is worth it. It's not even about saving money for me anymore, I just don't want to deal with their nonsense anymore. Being free of Adobe is more valuable than any money I'll save by not using their software.

 

[RudyBob]

Funny how often these "rare occurrences" happen.

It's the articles that are common because Techspot is a news organization that needs to put something out there just like CnbwcbcMSN

 

[Axiarus]

If Adobe weren't such pricks and launched native binaries for Lightroom and Photoshop I might switch. No use trying others like On1 etc , they're just as bad. I will never use GIMP, I've spent a few years using at Uni and didn't like it at all and it's way down on features compared to Photoshop I find extremely useful such as AI masking and I've spent too long mastering PS to give up now.

It is possible to get Affinity products installed. I only do very light photo editing very rarely, so Krita works for me.