Windows Printing Bug Fixed: What You Need to Know
Stop the Gibberish: How to Fix Windows’ Latest Printing Bug
Windows Printing Bug Fixed: What You Need to Know
Microsoft has finally resolved a frustrating printing issue that has been plaguing Windows users since January. The problem, which caused USB printers to print random text and gibberish instead of actual documents, has been fixed with the latest March updates. Here’s everything you need to know about this issue and how to resolve it on your systems.
The Problem
In late January 2025, Microsoft released the optional non-security preview update KB5050092 for Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2) and Windows 10 (version 22H2). After installing this update, users began experiencing a strange issue with their USB-connected printers.
The problem specifically affected dual-mode printers that support both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols. When these printers were powered on or reconnected to a Windows PC after being disconnected, they would unexpectedly print random text and data, including network commands and unusual characters.
The printed gibberish typically started with the header “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1,” followed by other IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) related headers. This not only confused users but also wasted paper, ink, and valuable time as people tried to troubleshoot the issue.
Affected Systems
The printing bug impacted:
- Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2
- Windows 10 version 22H2
Only USB-connected dual-mode printers that support both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols were affected. However, some users reported similar issues even when printing wirelessly, suggesting the problem was more complex than initially thought.
The Fix
Microsoft has addressed the issue with the following updates:
- For Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2): KB5053657 (released March 25, 2025)
- For Windows 10 (version 22H2): KB5053643 (released March 25, 2025)
These non-security preview updates contain important improvements and bug fixes, including the resolution for the printing issue. For those who don’t install these optional updates, the fix will be included in the April 2025 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.
How to Resolve the Issue
To fix the printing problem on your Windows systems:
- Check your Windows version to determine which update you need:
- For Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2): Look for update KB5053657
- For Windows 10 (version 22H2): Look for update KB5053643
- Install the update:
- Open Windows Update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click “Check for updates” and review the optional updates section
- Download and install the appropriate update for your system
- Restart your system if prompted
- Verify the fix:
- Test your printer by printing a document to ensure it outputs correctly
For Enterprise Environments
For enterprise-managed devices that have already installed the March 25, 2025 update (KB5053657 or KB5053643), no additional action is needed. The issue should be resolved automatically.
For environments that haven’t yet updated, IT administrators previously had the option to use Known Issue Rollback (KIR) through Group Policy to temporarily disable the change causing the printing issue. With the new updates, this workaround is no longer necessary.
CinchOps – Keeping Your Systems Updated
This printing bug highlights the importance of maintaining a regular patching schedule for all your systems. While occasional bugs in updates are inevitable, staying current with patches ensures that you benefit from both new features and critical fixes.
At CinchOps, we understand the challenges of managing updates across multiple platforms. Our comprehensive patch management solution helps organizations efficiently maintain Windows, Mac, and Linux systems without the headaches of manual tracking and deployment.
Our platform offers:
- Centralized Patch Management: Monitor and deploy updates across Windows, Mac, and Linux from a single dashboard
- AI-Powered Patch Intelligence: Make smarter decisions with AI-driven patch sentiment analysis that identifies potential risks before deployment
- Flexible Scheduling: Schedule updates during maintenance windows to minimize disruption
- Testing and Validation: Test patches in a controlled environment before full deployment
- Detailed Reporting: Access comprehensive reports on patch status across your organization
- Automated Remediation: Automatically resolve common update-related issues
By implementing a robust patch management strategy with CinchOps, you can prevent issues like this printing bug from affecting your productivity while ensuring your systems remain secure and stable.
Discover more about our enterprise-grade and business enabling services on our IT Services page.
Contact us today to learn how we can help streamline your patching processes and keep your systems running smoothly.
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