WINDOWS UPDATE 05/12/26 DISABLED PRINT FUNCTION

Question

WINDOWS UPDATE 05/12/26 DISABLED PRINT FUNCTION

Diana Wehrli 0

The printer test print works. Request print of document does not

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Hi Diana Wehrli,

I understand that after the recent Windows update (May 12, 2026), your printer can print a test page but cannot print documents from apps. This usually means the printer itself is working correctly, but something in the Windows print pipeline or app-to-printer communication is affected.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, please share a bit more so we can narrow it down further:

Does nothing happen when printing, or do jobs get stuck in the queue?
Does this happen in all apps or only specific ones (e.g., Word, browser)?
Is your printer USB or network/Wi-Fi?

In the meantime, please try the following:

1, Set the printer as default and disable “Let Windows manage”

A Windows update can sometimes change the default printer behavior.

Go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth & devices” > “Printers & scanners”
Turn OFF: “Let Windows manage my default printer”
Select your printer > click “Set as default”
Try printing again from your app

2, Test printing from a different app

This helps determine if the issue is app-specific or system-wide.

Try printing from:
- Notepad (simple test)
- A web browser (Edge/Chrome)

If one app works and another doesn’t, the issue is likely with that specific app rather than Windows or the printer.

3, Recreate the printer connection

Sometimes updates break the existing printer port mapping.

Go to “Settings” > “Printers & scanners”
Remove the printer
Click “Add device” > “Add manually”
Choose “Add a device using TCP/IP address or hostname” (for network printers)
Re-add using the printer’s IP address

This step helps rebuild the communication path rather than just reinstalling the driver.

4, Check if “Print directly to printer” is enabled

Buffered printing (spooler) can be affected by updates.

Open “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers”
Right-click your printer > “Printer properties”
Go to “Advanced” tab
Try toggling:
- Enable “Print directly to the printer” (test)
- Or switch back if already enabled

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Sin-D 10,220 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-18T03:33:25.9+00:00

Hi Diana Wehrli,

Have you had the chance to check my answer yet?

Please do keep me updated.
Carol Adams 0 Reputation points

2026-06-08T17:57:10.5666667+00:00

So, I have the exact same issue after this Microsoft update. Almost a month later and am still unable to print. This extensively hinders my remote work. I've tried all of the above steps with no resolution. Also spent 2.5 hours on the phone with tech support from Brother with no resolution. I guess the most important question is, is this to be expected with every Microsoft update? My printer is rendered useless and was only a year old. My Dell laptop is also only a year old. Unfortunately, I'm placing my $200 printer on the curb tonight for trash pickup. If I have to purchase a new printer every time Microsoft does an update, it's really not feasible. Can you please find a reasonable solution, so this doesn't cost consumers an arm and a leg every time there is a Microsoft update? I've already ordered a new printer which seems to be the only feasible solution to this failed Microsoft update.
Carol Adams 0 Reputation points

2026-06-08T18:06:55.29+00:00

Yes, @Diana Wehrli did this resolve your issue? Or did you end up buying a new printer which is what I've had to do?

Answer 2

A recent Windows update can affect printing in different ways. Since the printer’s test page works but documents do not print, focus on the print path from apps and the Windows print pipeline rather than the printer itself.

Try these steps in order:

Verify the selected printer in the app

In Word, Outlook, or other apps, open the Print dialog.
Make sure the actual hardware printer is selected, not Microsoft Print to PDF or XPS. If a virtual printer is selected, printing may only prompt to save a file instead of sending to the printer.

Clear stuck jobs and restart the Print Spooler

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Find Print Spooler, right-click it, select Stop.
In File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers and delete all files in that folder (this clears the print queue).
Go back to services.msc, right-click Print Spooler, select Start.
Try printing a document again.

Remove and reinstall the printer

Select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
Select the problematic printer → Remove → confirm.
Download and install the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s support site.
Return to Printers & scanners and choose Add device (or Add a printer or scanner) to reinstall the printer.
Test printing from an app.

If using Microsoft Print to PDF If the issue is specifically with Microsoft Print to PDF (for example, it disappeared or fails after the update):

Press Windows + R, type optional features, press Enter.
In Windows Features, enable Microsoft Print to PDF.
Or open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
1. Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Printing-PrintToPDFServices-Features
2. Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Printing-PrintToPDFServices-Features
If enabling fails with error 0x800f0922 after certain 2025 builds, install the servicing update that addresses the Print to PDF issue (for example, KB5060829 or KB5062553, depending on the build mentioned in the Windows Update history) and then re-enable Microsoft Print to PDF.

If, after these steps, test pages still work but documents from apps do not, repeat step 2 (spooler reset) and test from more than one app (for example, Word and a browser) to see if the problem is app-specific.

References:

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WINDOWS UPDATE 05/12/26 DISABLED PRINT FUNCTION

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