Microsoft has fixed a known issue blocking the Windows 11 2022 Update from being offered on systems with printers using Universal Print Class or Microsoft IPP Class drivers because of compatibility issues.
In late September, Redmond added a compatibility hold to block Windows 11 22H2 on affected systems because some installed printers might only allow customers to use the default settings with features like color, 2-sided printing, or higher resolutions.
As revealed over the weekend, Microsoft has come up with a fix that will be delivered automatically in the form of a troubleshooter designed to resolve this issue on impacted devices.
Customers who want to receive the troubleshooter faster should restart the computer and check for updates (more info on Windows 11 troubleshooting is available in this support article).
“Once the issue with the installed printer is resolved, the safeguard should be removed and you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11, version 22H2,” the company said in an update published on the Windows health dashboard.
“Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the upgrade to Windows 11 is offered.”
Microsoft advises affected customers not to manually install the Windows 11 2022 Update using the ‘Update now’ button or Media Creation Tool until the known issue is addressed on their devices and the safeguard is removed.
Workaround also available
Until the troubleshooter rolls out to all systems, you can also work around this known issue by reinstalling the printer to force Windows to download and reinstall the drivers, which should mitigate the printing problems.
“If Windows doesn’t automatically find a new driver after the printer is added, look for one on the device manufacturer’s website and follow their installation instructions,” Redmond explains.
Affected customers can also mitigate the safeguard by removing printers using Universal Print Class or Microsoft IPP Class drivers installed on their devices.
Once the issue is mitigated, or the problematic printers are removed, it could take up to 48 hours before the Windows 11 2022 Update is offered IF the Windows system is not affected by other compatibility holds. You might get the update faster if checking for updates via Windows Update.
Microsoft has added another compatibility hold blocking the Windows 11 2022 Update from being offered on systems with Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers due to a known issue triggering blue screens of death (BSODs).
