Microsoft is now blocking the Windows 11 22H2 update from being offered because of compatibility issues affecting Windows devices with printers using Microsoft IPP Class Driver or Universal Print Class Driver.
On affected systems, some installed printers might only allow customers to use the default settings with features such as color, 2-sided printing, or higher resolutions not being available because of connectivity issues.
“Windows needs connectivity to the printer to identify all the features of the printer. Without connectivity, the printer is set up with default settings and in some scenarios might not get updated once connectivity to the printer is restored,” Microsoft explained.
“You might be affected by this issue if your printer is unable to use printer specific features such as color, two-sided/duplex printing, paper size or type settings, or resolutions higher than 300x300dpi.”
Redmond has added a compatibility hold (safeguard ID 41332279) that only applies to Windows 11 22H2 systems with printers using Universal Print Class or Microsoft IPP Class drivers.
Microsoft advises customers not to manually install the Windows 11 2022 Update on affected systems using the Media Creation Tool or the ‘Update now’ button until this known issue is addressed and the safeguard is removed.
“We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release,” Redmond added.
“We are working to target only Windows devices with printer drivers which are incorrectly only allowing default settings and will update when more information is available.”
Workaround for affected systems
Microsoft added that Windows 11 customers could work around this issue for printers allowing only default settings by removing and reinstalling the impacted printers.
Reinstalling the printer will force Windows to download and reinstall the drivers, which should mitigate the problems, according to Microsoft.
“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 in a support document.
Affected customers can also mitigate the safeguard to upgrade their systems to Windows 11 22H2 by removing printers using Microsoft IPP Class or Universal Print Class drivers installed on their devices.
Microsoft added that it could take up to 48 hours before the Windows 11 2022 Update is offered IF their device is not affected by other compatibility holds.
Restarting the impacted system and checking for updates via Windows Update might help get the update faster.
This week, Microsoft has added another compatibility hold blocking the Windows 11 22H2 update from being offered on some systems with Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers because of a known issue that triggers blue screens of death (BSODs).
