The Printers & Windows Random Character Error
- microsoft has resolved an issue affecting Windows printing, where printers would unexpectedly output random characters.
- The printing errors were linked to dual-mode USB printers supporting both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols.
- According to Microsoft, this problem occurs more often when the printer is switched on or when it is re-connected to the device after disconnecting.
Microsoft Addresses windows Printing errors Causing Garbled Output
Table of Contents
- Microsoft Addresses windows Printing errors Causing Garbled Output
- Microsoft Addresses Windows Printing Errors Causing Garbled Output
- Troubleshooting Printing Issues in Windows: Your FAQs Answered
- What is the Windows printing error that Microsoft has addressed?
- What types of printers are affected by this issue?
- What causes the garbled output from my printer?
- Which versions of Windows are affected?
- When did this issue start occurring?
- How can I fix this printing problem?
- Which updates contain the fixes for this issue?
- Is there a timeline for the rollout of the fix?
- Summary of Key Facts
- Troubleshooting Printing Issues in Windows: Your FAQs Answered
Published: March 28, 2025
microsoft has resolved an issue affecting Windows printing, where printers would unexpectedly output random characters. An optional update was released in late March, with a mandatory service update scheduled for distribution beginning April 8 to expand the fix to all affected computers.
The printing errors were linked to dual-mode USB printers supporting both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols. The garbled output often began with the command POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1
,followed by other headers associated with the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP).
According to Microsoft, this problem occurs more often when the printer is switched on or when it is re-connected to the device after disconnecting.
The issue arises when the printer driver is installed and the printing service sends messages via IPP.
The problem affected Windows 10 (22H2), Windows 11 (22H2), and Windows 11 (23H2). Windows 11 (24H2) was not affected. Fixes are included in updates KB5053657 for Windows 11 and KB5053643 for Windows 10.
The printing problems have been present since the release of optional service updates for Windows in January,becoming more widespread with a compulsory update in february.
Users experiencing these issues can install the optional update through Windows Update. For organizations, the problem can be addressed through Group Policy.
Microsoft Addresses Windows Printing Errors Causing Garbled Output
Published: March 28, 2025
Troubleshooting Printing Issues in Windows: Your FAQs Answered
Are you experiencing problems with your Windows printer, such as garbled text or unexpected output? Microsoft has recently addressed a specific printing issue that affected many users. This article provides a complete Q&A to help you understand the problem and implement the solutions.
What is the Windows printing error that Microsoft has addressed?
Microsoft has resolved an issue where Windows printers would unexpectedly output random or garbled characters. This problem has been linked to dual-mode USB printers.
What types of printers are affected by this issue?
The issue primarily affects dual-mode USB printers. Thes printers support both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols. The problem seems to occur when the printer is turned on or reconnected to the device. The garbled output often begins with the command “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” followed by other Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) headers.
What causes the garbled output from my printer?
The issue arises when the printer driver is installed and the printing service sends messages via IPP. According to Microsoft, this problem “occurs more often when the printer is switched on or when it is re-connected to the device after disconnecting.”
Which versions of Windows are affected?
The printing errors have affected:
- Windows 10 (22H2)
- Windows 11 (22H2)
- windows 11 (23H2)
Windows 11 (24H2) was not affected.
When did this issue start occurring?
The printing problems have been present as the release of optional service updates for Windows in January, becoming more widespread with a compulsory update in February.
How can I fix this printing problem?
Microsoft has released updates to address this issue. Here’s how to resolve the problem:
- individual Users: Install the optional update through Windows Update.
- Organizations: address the issue via Group Policy.
Which updates contain the fixes for this issue?
The fixes are included in the following updates:
- For Windows 11: KB5053657
- For Windows 10: KB5053643
Is there a timeline for the rollout of the fix?
An optional update was released in late March. A mandatory service update is scheduled for distribution beginning April 8 to expand the fix to all affected computers.
Summary of Key Facts
| Issue | Affected Printers | Affected Windows Versions | Fixes Available In | Rollout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garbled or random printing output | Dual-mode USB printers (USB Print & IPP over USB) | Windows 10 (22H2), Windows 11 (22H2), Windows 11 (23H2) | KB5053657 (Windows 11), KB5053643 (Windows 10) | Optional update released late March, Mandatory update begins April 8 |