Windows 11 22H2 users suffer from printing issues

The newest release, Windows 11 version 22H2, reportedly has a number of confirmed issues with printers. For some users it removed all network printers, and for others it eliminates most of the printer's functionality.

With Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft introduced a new group policy, "Configure RPC Connection settings." Its default settings prevent the operating system discovers network printers. So it removes all remote printers, and fails to add them back.

Switching the new policy to RPC over named pipes fixes the issue.

However, this change isn't mentioned anywhere, including the official announcement and release notes. The solution was found by trial and error by @thomas_forde.

Another issue is related to the Universal Print Class Driver. Due to a bug, Windows 11 fails to populate printer's capabilities after you disconnect or turn off the device. If you reconnect the printer, its features will be limited to generic printing options. It may be impossible to configure two-side printing, paper type, size, DPI and color.

So for printers using Universal Print Class Driver/Microsoft IPP Class Driver Microsoft introduced an upgrade block. If such a device is connected to your PC, it will not receive the Windows 11 2022 Update until the company finds a reliable fix.

If your device is affected by this upgrade block, but you want to update it to the latest Windows 11 version, here's an official workaround.  The company advises removing any printers using Microsoft IPP Class Driver or Universal Print Class Driver. After that nothing will prevent you from getting the OS installed.

The bugs appear to be exclusive to Windows 11 version 22H2, so users of the initial "21H2" release aren't affected.

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