Microsoft reverses USB printing chaos from Windows 11 update

In March 2025, Microsoft released a patch, KB5053657, for its Windows 11 operating system that addressed a significant issue affecting USB-connected dual-mode printers. The problem originated from a patch deployed earlier in January 2025, which inadvertently caused printers to produce random text and data, often starting with IPP-related commands. This glitch not only confused users but also resulted in considerable ink wastage. The issue persisted throughout February and became widely known only after being included in the March 11 update as a recognized fault. Users noted a variety of peculiar outputs from affected printers, drawing complaints about the unnecessary printing of gibberish, leading some to suspect that printer manufacturers might benefit inadvertently from increased ink usage. Furthermore, this problem was aggravated when Microsoft inadvertently uninstalled its Copilot feature from some devices, vanishing it from taskbars unexpectedly. However, Microsoft reassured users that this issue was resolved, stating affected devices would be restored to their original settings. In essence, the situation highlights the challenges technology companies face in maintaining product reliability while rolling out updates, particularly in an ecosystem as complex as Windows operating systems. Users should now be aware of the implications of system updates as they might lead to unforeseen complications that extend beyond simple functionality.