Microsoft issues out-of-band Windows 10 update to fix printer issues
Microsoft quickly rolled out a fix for the latest printer issue to hit Windows 10.
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What you need to know
Microsoft released an out-of-band Windows 10 update today to address a recently discovered printer issue. The update is labeledKB5005394, and it fixes an issue that prevents some printers, scanners, and multifunction devices from working.
Only a small number of printers are affected by the issue that this update addresses. Devices that use smart card authentication and that fail to meet certain specifications are the only devices affected. Microsoft outlines which devices are affected in asupport doc:
After installing updates released July 13, 2021 on domain controllers (DCs) in your environment, printers, scanners, and multifunction devices which are not compliant with section 3.2.1 of RFC 4556 spec, might fail to print when using smart-card (PIV) authentication.
Theissue appearedfollowing theJuly 2021 Patch Tuesday updatesfor Windows 10. Microsoft confirmed the issue on July 23, when it said that it would work on a way to mitigate it.
Microsoft explains the fix in its support document:
Updates an issue that might prevent printers, scanners, and multifunction devices from working. This issue occurs on devices that do not comply with a certain specification and use smart card authentication.
While the issue only affects a small subset of printers, Microsoft worked to fix it quickly.
The update is not available through Windows Update, Microsoft Update or Windows Update for Business. Instead, people will have to grab it through theMicrosoft Update Catalog.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
