printing issues Archives

Winsage

August 27, 2026

Microsoft is blocking the problem to fix Windows 11 KB5121003 restarts, crashes

Microsoft addressed printing issues and gaming-related complications linked to recent .NET Patch Tuesday updates. The problems were associated with RGB applications and the inpoutx64 system driver, which caused compatibility issues when certain games were launched. Microsoft has implemented a block to prevent the inpoutx64 driver from loading on affected devices, specifically targeting systems with the driver enabled and ARC Raiders installed. Users will receive a notification after the block is implemented, and the game should launch without further issues. The block is also being extended to systems running MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, while the issue with THE FINALS has been resolved. The resolution is being distributed automatically, and users need to restart their devices after the fix is applied. For enterprise-managed devices, IT administrators must manually apply the fix. Microsoft provided a temporary workaround by suggesting users disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry. Users can change the Start value in the Registry Editor to 4 to disable the driver and may need to restart their devices for changes to take effect. Users are advised to back up the Registry before making modifications, and they can restore the driver by reverting the Start value back to its original setting.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

August’s Windows 11 update breaks printers and PDFs. Microsoft explains why

Microsoft has acknowledged that users may encounter printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative update, particularly with applications that use certain fonts like Calibri. Some WPF applications may fail with a System.IO.FileFormatException when printing or generating PDF/XPS content. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround while investigating these issues. Additionally, the KB5121003 update has been linked to problems affecting the gaming community, which Microsoft is also addressing.

Winsage

August 24, 2026

Microsoft shares workaround after Windows KB5120708, KB5120705, KB5120710 break printing

Microsoft released its monthly Patch Tuesday security updates, which included dynamic updates and new .NET Framework versions. Users of Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server are experiencing printing issues after installing the August 2026 .NET Framework cumulative updates, particularly with Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications that fail during printing tasks or when generating PDF or XPS documents. The problems are linked to specific fonts, notably Calibri, and may result in a System.IO.FileFormatException. Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround involving an AppContext switch, but enabling this switch disables certain security protections from the August 2026 update, potentially exposing applications to vulnerabilities. No permanent fix or timeline for one has been provided.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

HP Smart App On Windows: Setup & Troubleshooting

The HP Smart app is a software application designed to enhance interaction with HP printers, allowing users to print, scan, copy, and manage their printers from a computer or mobile device. The installation process on Windows involves downloading the app from the Microsoft Store, installing it, launching it, and adding the printer. Common issues include the app not finding the printer, crashing or freezing, scanning difficulties, and printing problems, with various troubleshooting solutions provided for each issue. Tips for maximizing the app's functionality include using mobile fax, editing photos, printing from social media, and utilizing cloud printing. Keeping the app up-to-date is important for performance and security, with options for automatic and manual updates available through the Microsoft Store and HP support.

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

March 26, 2025

Microsoft fixes printing issues caused by January Windows updates

Microsoft has resolved an issue affecting USB printers that began after Windows updates in January 2025, which caused printers to produce random text. This fix is included in the March 2025 non-security preview updates KB5053643 and KB5053657 for Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The resolution will also be part of the cumulative updates for April 2025 Patch Tuesday. The problem was particularly noticeable when printers were powered on or reconnected, leading to erroneous outputs related to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Microsoft acknowledged that the issue arose after the January 2025 preview update (KB5050092). Additionally, Microsoft has addressed another issue affecting Remote Desktop and RDS connections and is collaborating with Veeam to investigate connection errors on Windows 11 24H2 systems.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Haunted printers turning on by themselves and printing nonsense has to be one of my favorite Windows 11 bugs ever

The Windows 11 23H2 update KB5050092 has been reported to cause USB printers to print random gibberish or unusual characters. This issue affects USB-connected dual-mode printers using both USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols. Microsoft acknowledges the problem, which arises from the interaction between the printer driver and the print spooler. Users can identify the issue if their printer outputs pages starting with "POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1." Microsoft offers a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to revert to a previous state before the update. Similar printing issues have been reported by Windows users in the past.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

How to make Microsoft Windows services work for you

Windows services are essential for the functionality of the operating system, and while many can be deactivated, caution is advised. Daemon Master is a tool that allows users to configure executables, shortcuts, or batch files as services that start automatically with Windows. To create a service with Daemon Master, users must launch the application, click “New,” assign a service name and display name, and optionally add a description. The default start type is “Automatic,” and users can specify the path to the desired EXE file. After saving, the service will appear as “stopped” and can be started by right-clicking and selecting “Start service.” Services run in the background, but users can access the program window temporarily by selecting “Start service on desktop.” Services can be managed by starting, pausing, resuming, or stopping them, and unnecessary third-party services can be disabled through the system configuration. Troubleshooting can involve restarting specific services, like the Print Spooler for printing issues. To delete a service, users must identify its name, stop it using the command prompt, and then delete it with the sc.exe tool. Tools like Autoruns can also be used for managing services. While deactivating services may not improve performance, it can reduce security vulnerabilities, and programs like Ashampoo Winoptimizer can help users assess the necessity of installed services.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046617 and KB5046633 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5046617 for version 24H2 and KB5046633 for version 23H2. The updates address security vulnerabilities and system issues. After installation, the build number for 24H2 will be 26100.2314 and for 23H2 will be 22631.4460. Key fixes include: - Task Manager: Accurate group count on the Processes tab. - WSL: Access to Dev Drive without issues. - Internet connection: Resolved duplicate DHCP options affecting IPv4 connections. - Notifications: Option to disable suggestions from specific apps. - Wi-Fi password dialog: Updated visual design. - Narrator: New shortcut to copy last spoken content and auto-read email contents in new Outlook. - Start menu: "All apps" section renamed to "All." - ALT + Tab: Fixed black screen issue when switching windows. - Scanning apps: Correct detection of connected scanners. - Web sign-in: Resolved unresponsive screen issue. - Copilot key settings: Configuration options for opening applications or Search. - Windows Disk Cleanup app: Improved accuracy of free space estimates. For version 23H2, similar fixes include disabling notification suggestions, renaming "All apps," new Narrator features, Copilot key configuration, battery consumption fixes during Modern Standby, Microsoft Teams meeting access from Outlook reminders, added product activation phone numbers, and resolved printing issues with Multi-Function Printers (MFP). Users are advised to install these updates to address four actively exploited vulnerabilities.

Winsage

October 25, 2024

KB5044377: Windows 11 Insider Beta channel build 22635.4435 has dynamic lighting changes

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11 (22635.4435, KB5044377) for Windows Insider Program Beta channel participants. Key enhancements include a new keyboard shortcut for launching applications as an administrator, updates to dynamic lighting settings, and various bug fixes. The ability to configure the Copilot key has been reinstated, with limitations on which apps can be launched for security and privacy reasons. Additional fixes address issues related to the taskbar, input devices, Bluetooth, product activation, collector sets, Windows kernel vulnerabilities, Windows Hello for Business, multi-function printers, Microsoft Teams, mobile operator settings, virtual switches, and WebView2 apps.