printers Archives

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows 11 can’t find your printer? The instant solution!

Windows 11 may fail to recognize a printer even when it is powered on and ready. This issue can occur after system updates, restarts, or when switching to a new device. To resolve it, follow these steps: 1. Ensure all connections are secure, including checking for a loose USB cable, a powered-off WLAN printer, and the correct network connection for wireless printers. Restarting both the printer and PC may help. 2. If the printer is not recognized, manually add it by going to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners and selecting Add device. If it still doesn't appear, use the "The desired printer is not listed" option to start the setup wizard. 3. Update the printer drivers by visiting the manufacturer's website to download the latest software compatible with Windows 11 for your printer model. 4. If these steps do not resolve the issue, use the built-in repair tool by going to Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters and selecting the Printers troubleshooter. If problems persist, consider the possibility that the printer itself may be faulty or outdated.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system

Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Microsoft claims Windows 11 24H2 is the ‘most reliable’ Windows version ever

Microsoft announced enhancements to Windows 11 with the optional July update (KB5062660), which includes the new features Windows Recall for EU users and Quick Machine Recovery for repairing boot failures. The company claims Windows 11 24H2 is the most reliable version of Windows yet, citing a 24% reduction in unexpected restart failure rates compared to Windows 10 22H2. However, the reliability of this claim is questioned due to selective telemetry data and reports of disruptions in functionalities such as USB printers, audio output, Bluetooth connections, Windows Update, and Windows Firewall.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Windows 10 KB5062554 cumulative update released with 13 changes, fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5062554 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2, which includes thirteen new fixes and enhancements. This mandatory update addresses one critical zero-day vulnerability and 136 other flaws, and users can install it by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.6093 and Windows 10 21H2 to build 19044.6093. The update features various fixes, including issues with the Start Menu, file server responsiveness, and USB-connected printers. A known issue with the update is that NOTO fonts may appear blurry at 96 DPI, particularly affecting CJK text in Chromium-based browsers, with a suggested workaround of adjusting display scaling to 125% or 150%.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Windows 11 update chaos: Another patch brings more bugs and issues

Microsoft temporarily halted the rollout of June's Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 due to user complaints and issued an emergency patch. A new issue has arisen with the Print to PDF feature on Windows 11 24H2, where the option is missing from the Settings app and cannot be activated via PowerShell, primarily affecting corporate users. Microsoft is working on a solution through the optional preview update KB5060829, which has also introduced performance problems, including cursor delays in games and erratic Windows Firewall behavior. Users are advised to consider postponing the installation of KB5060829 and may roll back the update if they encounter issues.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

Patch Chaos: Windows 11 Update Breaks PDF Printing

A Windows update in April 2025 caused the "Microsoft Print to PDF" function to disappear from Windows 11 24H2 systems, resulting in error 0x800f0922 when users attempted to reactivate it. Microsoft released cumulative update KB5060829 as a potential fix, available only through optional updates. Users can also try to manually reinstall the feature via the "Optional Features" window or PowerShell commands, though the error may persist. Previous updates had also caused issues with USB printers and delays in security patches. IT teams must carefully plan and test updates due to the potential for complications.

Winsage

July 3, 2025

A recent Windows update broke the Print to PDF tool, but don’t worry, there are fixes

The Microsoft Print to PDF feature has encountered issues for some users after the June 10, 2025, update (KB5060842), with the virtual printer missing from settings and error code 0x800f0922 appearing during attempts to enable it. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and provided temporary fixes, including enabling the feature through the Windows Features dialog or using PowerShell commands. Users may experience the error code initially but should find the feature operational afterward. Additionally, users are encouraged to consider third-party PDF solutions as alternatives.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

Microsoft fixes ‘Print to PDF’ feature broken by Windows update

Microsoft has resolved an issue with the 'Print to PDF' feature on Windows 11 24H2 systems that arose after the April 2025 preview update, where the Microsoft Print to PDF printer was not visible in the Settings menu. Enabling the Printing-PrintToPDFServices-Feature led to error code 0x800f0922, preventing the installation of the printer driver. The fix was included in the KB5060829 preview cumulative update released on Friday and will be available to all users with the July Patch Tuesday updates. Users can also manually enable the feature through the Windows Features dialog or PowerShell, although using PowerShell may still result in the 0x800f0922 error. This fix follows previous updates addressing other printing issues and potential delays in June 2025 Windows security updates.

Winsage

July 2, 2025

How to secure your printer with Windows 11’s new Protected Print mode

Nine percent of Windows security issues are attributed to its printing system. In 2021, a flaw in the printer spooler, known as "Print Nightmare," was discovered, allowing attackers elevated system rights. Microsoft introduced Windows Protected Print mode (WPP) in the Windows 11 24H2 update to address these vulnerabilities. WPP replaces manufacturer-specific drivers and prevents the installation of new printer drivers, limiting printer spooler tasks to user rights. WPP is based on the Internet Print Protocol (IPP) and is compatible with printers certified by the Mobile Printing Alliance. Users must manually enable WPP through the Settings menu. Once activated, Windows manages print jobs using its WPP driver, and users can find additional tools in the Microsoft Store. To deactivate WPP, users can return to the Settings and remove it, which requires reinstalling the original manufacturer’s drivers.

Winsage

June 27, 2025

How to configure multiple DHCP scopes on one Windows server

Administrators use the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) service to manage IP address configurations for clients efficiently. Deploying multiple DHCP scopes on a single server is more practical than having separate servers for each subnet. DHCP operates through a four-step lease process: discover, offer, request, and acknowledge. To install a DHCP server, the PowerShell cmdlet Install-WindowsFeature DHCP -IncludeManagementTools is used, and the server must be authorized in Active Directory. A single DHCP server can manage multiple scopes, each with specific configurations for different subnets, such as DevNet, ProdNet, SalesNet, and EngineersNet. Each scope can have unique IP address ranges and settings, and additional scopes can be created by adding network interface cards (NICs) to the server. Server options apply globally, while scope options are specific to individual scopes. Reserved IP addresses can also be configured within each scope.