It appears that certain Windows 10/11 customers’ printers are no longer functioning due to a security patch included in the most recent Windows update.
According to The Register, the vulnerability is caused by update KB5015807, which is only categorized as fixing security flaws in your Windows operating system. Microsoft released it for Windows Server 20H2 and Enterprise editions, as well as all versions of Windows 10 21H1 and 21H2.
The upgrade may address several security flaws, but it is also making printers less functional. Microsoft admits to this, reporting that after installing this update, some printing devices have been experiencing problems. As a result, Windows 10 users are no longer able to print.
Fortunately, the solution is not too complicated. In this blog, we will discover some of the effective methods to solve the printer problem and attempt to make it functional like before.
Execute Basic Inspections and Repairs
The following initial tests and fixes should be used first since they might immediately remedy the problem:
- Sometimes, a simple turn off and on is what most problems need. Turn your printer off and then back on again.
- Disconnect the printing device from the power supply and reattach it.
- Make sure the cable that connects your wired printer to the computer is in excellent shape and that it is connected correctly.
- To rule out any port problems, connect the printer to a separate USB port.
- If you own a wireless printer, make sure it is correctly attached to your device. In order to ensure that there are no short-term issues, you can also detach it once and fix it again.
- Unplug all of the printers that are attached to your device, excluding the one you plan to use.
- If your business printer isn’t working properly, make sure it’s not linked to any additional devices than it should be.
- If there is no more paper in the printer tray, refill it.
- Make sure there is still ink or toner in your printer.
If none of the above-mentioned basic tests and fixes fix the problem, you can begin executing the remaining remedies. Let us now start with updating the Epson L3210 Printer Driver.
Update the Drivers That Are Relevant
Your first course of action should be to run the troubleshooter whenever a failure or problem occurs. It is quite uncommon, though, for it to identify the issue, much less resolve it. Checking for driver updates and making sure they are current should therefore be your next sensible course of action. This is how to do it:
- Press windows+X to bring menu bar. Search for Device Manager from the list that appears.
- To enlarge the Print Queues category, scroll down.
- To update the driver, right-click on Microsoft Print to PDF and choose Update.
In Windows 11, choosing to Search automatically for latest driver software causes your computer to check for updates.
You can still attempt the manual option if it indicates that the best device driver is already installed. To accomplish this:
- When you click on Microsoft Print to PDF, choose Properties from the menu that appears.
- Navigate to the Settings panel.
- Copy the Value that displays after choosing Device instance path from the Property drop-down box.
- Navigate to the DriverPack repository.
- In the search box, paste the copied value. Then, download and install the appropriate driver.
Run the troubleshooter for your printer
Use the printer troubleshooter to begin looking into the issue. It’s an integrated Windows tool that assists users in identifying printer problems and offers solutions.
Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters to launch the troubleshooter. The Printer troubleshooter is listed among the Windows troubleshooters. To activate it, click the Run box next to it.
Once the troubleshooter has identified the printer’s issue, help them by following the on-screen directions. The troubleshooter will probably show you how to resolve any software problems that are preventing you from printing.
Conclusion
You are not alone if a recent update to Windows 10 or 11 caused your printer to stop functioning. The security patch KB5015807 caused problems with printing devices even though its goal was to address system vulnerabilities. Fortunately, the issue can be fixed by performing simple tests, updating the printer drivers, or using the printer troubleshooter. Without seeking expert assistance, these procedures can assist in restoring regular printing functioning. Checking for manufacturer-specific updates or getting in touch with assistance might be required if everything else fails. Keeping abreast of these problems guarantees that your system will continue to be safe and effective, particularly for crucial personal or professional printing duties.