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If a USB-connected printer suddenly prints random characters, HTTP commands, or text such as POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1, install the latest applicable Windows cumulative update first. Microsoft documented this problem for certain dual-mode printers that support both ordinary USB printing and IPP Over USB. The issue was resolved by Windows updates released on March 25, 2025, and later.
The original issue affected Windows 10 version 22H2 and Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. A fully patched supported Windows client should normally no longer show this behavior. If it continues, verify the build and update history before changing drivers or hardware.
Confirm that this is the Microsoft-documented printer issue
This is probably the documented issue when all or most of these conditions apply:
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- The printer is connected directly to the Windows computer by USB.
- The printer supports both USB Print and IPP Over USB. Manufacturers may describe this as USB Print plus IPP, IPP USB, or modern/Mopria printing over USB.
- The printer outputs data instead of a correctly formatted document.
- The paper contains random characters, network commands, HTTP headers, or IPP text such as
POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1. - The behavior began after a January 2025 Windows update or when the printer was powered on or reconnected.
- The printer driver is installed locally on the Windows client.
Microsoft identified the behavior as the Windows print spooler sending IPP protocol messages to the printer through its installed driver. A USB port alone does not make a printer affected: a conventional USB-only printer may have an unrelated cable, driver, queue, or hardware problem. See Microsoft’s Windows release-health documentation for the documented symptoms and scope.
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Which Windows versions were affected?
Microsoft’s issue entries identified these client platforms:
- Windows 10, version 22H2
- Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2
The original issue entries did not identify a Windows Server platform as affected by this specific printer problem. Do not assume that every Windows 11 release or every Windows Server installation has the same defect; use the normal cumulative-update channel for the exact version installed.
The original triggering update period included Windows 10 KB5050081 and Windows 11 KB5050092. Those identifiers are useful when reviewing historical update records, but they are not the current remedy.
Check the Windows version, build, and update history
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
winverand select OK. - Record the Windows edition, version, and OS build.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
- Look for the applicable March 25, 2025 fix or a later cumulative update.
For enterprise troubleshooting, run these commands in PowerShell:
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Get-HotFix | Sort-Object InstalledOn -DescendingTo display the operating-system build:
Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsBuildNumberThese commands report local Windows state. They do not confirm that a particular printer driver, cable, or printer firmware is compatible.
Install the permanent fix
The best remedy is to install the latest applicable Windows quality or cumulative update rather than relying on an old workaround.
- Save or cancel active print jobs.
- Connect the computer to power and to the organization’s update service if it is managed.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install all applicable quality and cumulative updates.
- Restart Windows.
- Power-cycle or reconnect the printer.
- Print a Windows test page before testing from an application.
The historical fixes were:
| Platform | Historical fix | Resolved build |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 version 22H2 | KB5053643 | 19045.5440 |
| Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 | KB5053657 | 22621.5126 and 22631.5126 |
KB5053643 and KB5053657 were released on March 25, 2025. In 2026, install the latest cumulative update offered for the device’s servicing channel rather than trying to locate only these older packages. Microsoft’s KB5053657 documentation specifically describes the fix for USB-connected dual-mode printers.
On managed computers, Windows Update may be controlled through Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Configuration Manager, WSUS, or another endpoint-management system. The update may therefore need to be approved and deployed by an administrator.
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Use Known Issue Rollback only when patching is blocked
Before the permanent fix was available, Microsoft supplied a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) Group Policy package for affected enterprise-managed systems. KIR temporarily disabled the change associated with the printing problem.
KIR is not a printer setting, driver replacement, or permanent repair. Use it only when the organization cannot immediately deploy the correcting Windows update.
- Download the KIR package matching the exact Windows version.
- Install the Microsoft-provided Group Policy definition or package.
- Configure the resulting policy under:
Computer Configuration └─ Administrative Templates └─ <Microsoft-provided KIR policy name> - Restart affected computers and allow policy processing to complete.
- Deploy the permanent Windows update as soon as change control permits.
- Retire the rollback policy after the correcting update is installed.
Do not deploy an old KIR package from an unverified source or use a package intended for another Windows version. Follow Microsoft’s current Known Issue Rollback guidance.
Validate the repair in the right order
Test one layer at a time so that a working Windows print path is not confused with an application or hardware problem.
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- Hardware recognition: Confirm that Windows detects the printer when the USB cable is connected.
- Installation: Confirm that it appears under Printers & scanners.
- Queue operation: Send a job and check whether it leaves the queue.
- Windows rendering: Print a Windows test page.
- Application rendering: Test Word, Adobe Reader, or the affected business application.
- Reconnect behavior: Power-cycle and reconnect the printer, then print another test page.
If the Windows test page works but one application fails, investigate that application’s print settings, page size, orientation, PDF or Office installation, and selected printer. Microsoft provides additional guidance for application-specific printing problems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the printer still fails after Windows is patched
1. Restart the Print Spooler
If jobs remain queued or the service is unresponsive, press Windows key + R, enter services.msc, locate Print Spooler, and select Restart.
For a queue that will not clear, an administrator can reset the spool files:
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Stop-Service -Name Spooler
Remove-Item "$env:WINDIRSystem32spoolPRINTERS*" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Start-Service -Name SpoolerThis cancels pending print jobs for all local queues. Clearing spool files can remove a stuck job, but it does not fix the documented dual-mode protocol defect; Windows must still be patched.
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2. Check the direct USB connection
- Connect directly to the computer rather than through a docking station or hub.
- Try a different USB port.
- Avoid unpowered hubs during diagnosis.
- Try a known-good, appropriately rated USB printer cable.
- Confirm that the printer is powered on before reconnecting it.
- Check Device Manager for USB or printer-device errors.
- Test the printer on another Windows client if available.
These steps address detection and enumeration failures, not the Windows protocol bug. Microsoft’s printer recognition guidance also recommends checking the cable and another USB port.
3. Remove and reinstall the printer
Only do this after confirming that Windows has the correcting update:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners on Windows 11. Windows 10 uses the corresponding Printers & scanners page.
- Select the printer and choose Remove.
- Disconnect the USB cable.
- Restart Windows.
- Install the latest driver package from the printer manufacturer for the exact model and Windows version.
- Reconnect the printer when the manufacturer’s instructions require it.
- Add the printer again and print a Windows test page.
Use the manufacturer’s official driver and support page, not a generic third-party driver-updater utility. Reinstalling a driver may repair corruption or a stale printer object, but it is not a substitute for the Microsoft update. Microsoft’s related instructions cover adding or installing a printer.
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Install printer firmware only from the manufacturer’s official support page. Remove obsolete or duplicate printer objects if they point to the wrong port or driver. Multifunction printers may use separate print and scan components, so repairing printing does not necessarily repair scanning.
Separate this issue from other printer failures
| Symptom | Likely first branch |
|---|---|
| IPP headers, HTTP commands, or random data print on paper | Verify the dual-mode printer and Windows update status. |
| Printer is not detected at all | Check power, cable, USB port, hub or dock, Device Manager, and the vendor driver. |
| Printer is detected but jobs remain queued | Check the Print Spooler, spool files, printer port, offline status, and duplicate drivers. |
| Printer shows offline | Check the connection, selected printer object, port, and vendor status software. |
| Windows test page works but an application fails | Investigate the application’s print settings or installation. |
| Only scanning fails on a multifunction device | Troubleshoot the separate scanner driver or vendor scanning software. |
Switching to network printing may bypass the USB path, but it introduces network discovery, configuration, security, and driver considerations. It is an alternative path, not Microsoft’s documented fix. Similarly, a generic driver may restore basic printing while removing duplexing, finishing, color, status monitoring, or other model-specific features.
Final verification checklist
- The Windows edition, version, and build have been recorded.
- The March 25, 2025 fix or a later applicable cumulative update is installed.
- No temporary KIR policy remains enabled after patching.
- The printer is confirmed to support the relevant USB Print and IPP Over USB combination, where applicable.
- The printer reconnects normally after a power-cycle.
- A Windows test page prints correctly.
- Printing works from the required applications.
- No random characters, HTTP commands, or IPP headers appear after reconnecting the printer.
As of August 2026, a fully patched supported Windows client should normally be past this Microsoft-documented issue. If the signature symptom remains after updating, focus next on the exact printer driver, firmware, USB path, printer object, and spooler state rather than repeatedly reinstalling Windows updates.
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