Overview of the USB Printer Issue

In early 2025, following the rollout of Windows updates released since late January, many Windows users began experiencing a frustrating issue with USB-connected dual-mode printers. These printers, supporting both traditional USB Print and the modern Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over USB, started printing pages filled with garbled text and odd network commands such as "POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1." This unexpected behavior typically occurred when the printer was initially powered on or reconnected after a disconnection, severely interrupting normal printing activities and wasting ink and paper.

Background and Cause

The root of the problem was traced to a bug introduced by the January 2025 non-security preview update KB5050092 affecting Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The issue involved how the Windows print spooler communicated with dual-mode USB printers using the IPP protocol. Specifically, the update caused the spooler to send protocol headers and network commands as literal print data instead of proper print instructions, resulting in unintelligible output rather than the intended documents.

This bug highlighted the complexity of modern printer communication, where USB-connected devices support legacy direct printing as well as protocol-based network-style printing over USB interfaces. The intersection of these technologies means that even minor system software updates can inadvertently disrupt communication layers.

Microsoft's Response and the Fix in March 2025 Updates

Recognizing the widespread disruption, Microsoft issued a fix through two non-security preview updates:

  • KB5053643 for Windows 10 version 22H2
  • KB5053657 for Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 (released March 25, 2025)

These updates address the underlying protocol handling errors, ensuring that IPP data is correctly processed internally and not passed as print content. Importantly:

  • The fix stops random network commands and headers from printing.
  • The updates restore reliable printing functionality for affected dual-mode USB printers.
  • For Windows 11 version 24H2 users, a similar fix is scheduled for March 27, 2025.
  • The fix will be included in the broader cumulative updates for April 2025, making it widely available.

Additional Technical Insights

For IT professionals, the updates rely on correcting the print spooler's interpretation of USB print job data. Prior to the fix, the spooler mishandled IPP over USB communication packets, treating network protocol information as printable text.

Microsoft also facilitated interim relief for enterprises through the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) mechanism. KIR allowed IT administrators to roll back the problematic update via Group Policy, enabling normal printing pending the official patch.

Implications and Impact

This incident underscores several key points in the modern Windows ecosystem:

  • Hardware-Software Interplay: Printers, though often seen as simple peripherals, depend on tight synchronization between drivers, firmware, and OS-level protocols.
  • Update Complexity: Even well-tested updates can cause unexpected side effects in complex environments.
  • Enterprise Readiness: Microsoft's Known Issue Rollback provides a valuable safety net for business-critical operations.
  • User Experience: For casual and business users alike, such bugs cause productivity losses, wasted resources, and frustration.

By swiftly delivering the March 2025 fix, Microsoft demonstrated a commitment to promptly addressing disruptive update regressions and maintaining system stability.

Best Practices Moving Forward

  • Stay Updated: Users should install the latest Windows cumulative or preview updates including KB5053657 to resolve the issue.
  • For Enterprises: IT admins should ensure the KIR policies are applied if using previous updates and plan patch deployments accordingly.
  • Monitor Windows Health Dashboard: For official advisories and update status.

References and Further Reading

Below are several authoritative sources detailing this update and the USB printer issue:

  1. Microsoft Official Advisory on USB Printer Issue and KB5053657 - Microsoft Release Health Dashboard
  2. Windows Latest - Fix details for USB printer bug in Windows 10 and 11 - Detailed update analysis
  3. PCWorld - Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers printing nonsense - User impact and workaround info
  4. Mashable India - Microsoft Exorcises 'Possessed Printers' with Windows 11 March Update - Coverage of the bizarre glitch
  5. MobileAppDaily - How Microsoft addressed printing bugs in Windows updates - Context and implications

For users facing printing issues after recent Windows updates, the release of KB5053657 in March 2025 marks the end of the "possessed printer" saga. Installing this update will restore normal printing behavior and avoid wasting paper and ink on unintended protocol dumps.

Staying vigilant and promptly applying such fixes remains essential in maintaining a smooth and reliable Windows experience in today's complex hardware-software environment.