Windows 11 printer problems confirmed by Microsoft

Windows 11 Logo 3 Surface Pro (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

Microsoft has confirmed multiple issues that prevent Windows 11 PCs from installing printers.
Issues arise when attempting to install printers through HTTP connections or through Internet Printing Protocol.
Microsoft is investigating the issues and working on fixes that should arrive in a future Windows 11 update.

Some Windows 11 PCs run into issues when trying to install printers. Microsoft confirmed two issues related to installing printers on systems running Windows 11 (via Bleeping Computer). One of the issues causes printer installation to fail when devices attempt to connect to printers through HTTP connections. The other issue appears when attempting to install printers through Internet Printing Protocol. Both issues only cause installations to fail in some cases.

The HTTP-related issue affects the following platforms:

Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1909; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 10, version 1607; Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB; Windows 8.1; Windows 7 SP1; Windows 11, version 21H2
Server: Windows Server 2022; Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1909; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2016; Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008 SP2

The list of affected platforms for the IPP issue is shorter:

Client: Windows 10, version 21H1; Windows 10, version 20H2; Windows 10, version 2004; Windows 10, version 1809; Windows 11, version 21H2; Windows 10, version 1909
Server: Windows Server, version 20H2; Windows Server, version 2004; Windows Server, version 1809; Windows Server 2022; Windows Server, version 1909

Microsoft is investigating the issues and working on fixes that should roll out in a future update.

As a temporary workaround, admins can install printer drivers on the client by copying packaged drivers from a known good package location.

Earlier this week, we reported that some Brother printers have issues with Windows 11. It appears that Microsoft's printer issues will continue with the next generation of Windows.

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.