Windows USB printers suddenly printing gibberish after an update? Here’s how to stop it.
If your printer has started spitting out pages of random text—sometimes including the line “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1”—you’re not alone. This isn’t a malware message and it usually isn’t your printer “going bad.” It’s a Windows update-related printing bug that has affected certain USB-connected dual‑mode printers.
Who this affects
This problem most commonly affects:
- People on Windows 11 (22H2/23H2) or Windows 10 (22H2)
- Anyone using a USB-connected dual-mode printer (supports both USB Print and IPP over USB)
- Home users, small businesses, schools, and front desks where printing is mission-critical
Many reports say it happens right after updates released since late January 2025, and it may trigger when the printer is turned on or reconnected. Microsoft’s release notes later describe the core symptom as printers that “might unexpectedly output incorrect or unwanted text.” [1]
Why it’s happening (plain English)
Microsoft acknowledged a known issue where certain Windows updates caused USB-connected dual-mode printers to unexpectedly print random text/data, including IPP-related headers. [5]
In other words: Windows and the printer disagree about what protocol should be used (USB Print vs IPP over USB), and the “conversation” between them gets printed as if it were a document.
Fixes that are low-risk and actually work
Start with the least invasive options. In most cases, you’ll be printing normally again without replacing hardware.
Solution 1 (best first step): Install the update that contains the fix
Microsoft shipped fixes via later updates. For Windows 11 23H2/22H2, the March 25, 2025 preview update KB5053657 includes a printer fix specifically for this behavior. [1]
Steps (Windows 11):
1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you see Optional updates, open it.
4. Install the latest cumulative/preview update available (look for KB5053657 or anything newer).
5. Restart your PC even if it doesn’t insist.
6. Power-cycle the printer (turn it off, wait 15 seconds, turn it on).
Why this helps: you’re applying Microsoft’s patched printing behavior, rather than trying to “work around” a broken update.
Solution 2: Remove and re-add the printer (quick reset)
If you’ve already updated (or you can’t update immediately), re-adding the printer can clear bad port/protocol selections.
Steps:
1. Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select your printer → Remove.
3. Unplug the USB cable.
4. Restart the PC.
5. Plug the USB cable back in and let Windows re-detect it.
6. Print a Windows Test Page.
If you’re in a small office, do this first on one PC to confirm it works before touching everyone’s setup.
Solution 3: Switch the connection method (temporary but very effective)
If you need printing restored immediately and updates aren’t an option today:
- Use Wi‑Fi / Ethernet printing instead of USB (if your printer supports it)
- Or print from another device temporarily (another PC, a laptop, etc.)
This avoids the specific USB dual-mode behavior that triggers the issue.
Solution 4: If you must stay on USB, update printer drivers/firmware
Even though this bug is update-triggered, printer software updates can improve compatibility.
Steps:
1. Find your printer’s exact model number.
2. Download the newest driver package from the manufacturer.
3. Install it, then restart.
4. If your printer has firmware updates available, apply them following the vendor’s instructions.
Solution 5 (for managed environments): Ask IT about Known Issue Rollback (KIR)
Microsoft often uses Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to revert problematic non-security changes introduced by updates—especially helpful for organizations that can’t wait for the next cumulative release. Some coverage notes KIR has been used as a mitigation path for update-introduced issues. [2]
If you’re not in IT, the practical takeaway is: don’t waste hours—send a ticket and mention “Known Issue Rollback” and the “USB dual‑mode printer random text” symptom.
Quick checklist
- [ ] Confirm it’s printing “random text” / “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” style pages
- [ ] Run Windows Update and install the latest updates (preferably the one containing the fix) [1]
- [ ] Restart PC + power-cycle printer
- [ ] Remove/re-add the printer in Windows
- [ ] If urgent: switch to network printing temporarily
- [ ] Update printer drivers/firmware
- [ ] For work devices: ask IT about KIR and update management [2]
FAQ
1) Is this a virus or someone hacking my printer?
Usually no. The pattern (random characters and IPP/HTTP-like headers) matches a known Windows update-related printer issue affecting USB dual‑mode printers. [5]2) Why does it happen when I turn the printer on?
Reports indicate the bug can show up when the printer is powered on or reconnected, which can trigger re-negotiation of how Windows communicates with the printer over USB. Coverage of the issue describes it commonly occurring around reconnect/power events. [2]3) Do I have to uninstall Windows updates?
Not usually. The lowest-risk approach is installing the newer update that includes the fix (for example, Windows 11 KB5053657 includes a printer fix). [1]4) Does this affect Windows 11 24H2?
Coverage has varied by time and update channel; Microsoft’s official fix notes for Windows 11 23H2/22H2 explicitly include the printer correction in KB5053657. [1] If you’re on 24H2 and see it, the practical guidance remains the same: update fully and test after a restart.5) What if I can’t update because it’s a work PC?
Try the remove/re-add printer reset and switch to network printing as a temporary workaround. Then ask IT to deploy the appropriate fix path (including KIR where applicable) and schedule the cumulative update rollout.Key Takeaways
- The “random text / POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1” printing problem is a known Windows update-related issue for USB dual‑mode printers. [5]
- Installing the latest Windows updates is typically the fastest permanent fix; Microsoft’s KB notes explicitly list a fix for this printer behavior. [1]
- If you need printing back immediately, re-add the printer or switch to network printing while updates catch up.
- In managed environments, IT may use tools like Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to mitigate update-introduced issues. [2]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts: Windows updates released since late January 2025 caused some USB-connected dual‑mode printers (USB Print + IPP over USB) to print random text/data, often starting with “POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1”. Microsoft shipped fixes in later updates; Windows 11 KB5053657 (March 25, 2025 preview) includes a printer fix: USB connected dual-mode printers might output incorrect/unwanted text. Windows 10 KB5053643 (March 25, 2025 preview) includes a similar printer fix.
Recommended actions: Install latest Windows updates (including KB5053657 or newer on Windows 11 22H2/23H2); restart PC; power-cycle printer; remove and re-add printer; switch to Wi‑Fi/Ethernet printing; update printer drivers/firmware; for enterprise, consider Known Issue Rollback (KIR) deployment.
Keywords: Windows printer printing gibberish, POST /ipp/print HTTP/1.1, IPP over USB, USB dual-mode printer, Windows update printer bug, KB5053657, KB5053643, Windows 11 23H2 printer issue, Windows 10 22H2 printer issue
Sources
[1] Microsoft Support — March 25, 2025—KB5053657 (OS Builds 22621.5126 and 22631.5126) Preview
[2] PCWorld — Optional Windows 11 update fixes USB printers spitting out nonsense
[3] Windows Latest — Windows 11 update fixes printer bug auto printing random texts, confirms Microsoft
[4] TechRadar — Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update exorcises possessed printers that spewed out pages of random characters
[5] Slashdot (quoting Microsoft release health text) — Microsoft: Recent Windows Updates Make USB Printers Print Random Text
[6] Microsoft Support — March 25, 2025—KB5053643 (OS Build 19045.5679) Preview (Windows 10 22H2)