Microsoft's latest Windows update has introduced an eerie bug that's causing printers to seemingly develop minds of their own, activating unexpectedly and printing pages of unintelligible text. This unusual technical issue has been officially acknowledged by Microsoft, affecting specific printer configurations after a recent Windows 11 update.
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| This image highlights the essential components of a printer affected by the Windows 11 update, symbolizing the technical challenges users currently face |
The Ghostly Printer Phenomenon
Users who installed the Windows 11 23H2 update KB5050092 are reporting a bizarre issue where their USB-connected printers spontaneously turn on and begin printing random text and characters without any user input. Microsoft has confirmed this bug on their official Windows Learn website, describing how affected printers unexpectedly print random text and data, including network commands and unusual characters. The phenomenon is particularly unsettling when it occurs in the middle of the night, with printers mysteriously coming to life and consuming ink and paper to produce meaningless output.
Technical Explanation of the Bug
According to Microsoft's documentation, this issue specifically affects USB-connected dual-mode printers that support both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols. The problem occurs when the Windows print spooler sends IPP protocol messages to the printer, triggering the unexpected printing behavior. Users can identify if they're experiencing this particular bug by checking if the printed pages begin with the header POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1 followed by a jumble of nonsensical characters and commands. The issue appears to happen more frequently when a printer is powered on or reconnected after being unplugged.
Microsoft's Response and Solutions
Microsoft has acknowledged the severity of the issue by documenting it on their official platform and providing mitigation steps. The company has implemented what they call a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature to address the problem. IT administrators can resolve the issue by installing and configuring a special Group Policy, available under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates. For individual users affected by this printergeist, rolling back the problematic update appears to be the most straightforward solution. Microsoft has indicated that a permanent fix will be included in a future Windows update.
Not the First Printer Problem
This isn't the first time Windows updates have caused printer-related issues. A simple online search reveals similar IPP printing problems reported over several years, with comparable symptoms including the same header text appearing on unwanted printouts. The recurring nature of these printer bugs suggests an ongoing challenge in maintaining compatibility between Windows updates and the diverse ecosystem of printer hardware and protocols.
User Impact and Reactions
Beyond the technical aspects, the bug has practical implications for users who may waste ink and paper on these phantom printouts. The issue has sparked some humorous reactions online, with users joking about haunted printers and comparing the experience to scenes from low-budget sci-fi horror films. While the bug might seem amusing at first glance, it represents a genuine frustration for affected users and highlights the ongoing challenges Microsoft faces in delivering stable updates across the wide variety of hardware configurations used by Windows customers.