Windows 10 printer problems persist following latest security update

Windows Update
Windows Update (Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft confirmed a new printing issue caused by a Windows 10 update sent out earlier this month.
  • The issue only affects printers and scanners with smartcard authentication.
  • Microsoft is working on a mitigation for the issue.

Microsoft lists the following as a known issue for Windows 10 build 19043.1110 (KB5004237):

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.

The patch started rolling out on July 13, 2021, but Microsoft didn't confirm the new issue with printers and scanners until July 23, 2021.

Fortunately, this issue only affects a small subset of printers. Microsoft says that only printers with smart card authentication are affected, so many of the best printers aren't affected. The problems are also related to whether printers support certain keys or controllers, according to Microsoft:

The affected devices are smart card authenticating printers, scanners, and multifunction devices that don't support DH or advertise support for des-ede3-cbc ("triple DES") during the Kerberos AS request.

Microsoft advises people experiencing the issue to make sure that devices are running the latest firmware and drivers. Then, the company encourages people to contact device manufacturers. Microsoft is also working on mitigating the issue.

The company notes that "Devices that are affected when using smart card (PIV) authentication should work as expected when using username and password authentication."

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.