How to Avoid and Fix Printer Issues Caused by Windows 10 Updates

As a digital trends expert, I understand the frustration that comes with technology not working as it should. The recent news that a Windows 10 update has broken some printers may come as a shock to some, but unfortunately, it's not the first time this has happened. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have a significant impact on productivity and workflow for those affected. In this article, I'll explore why these updates can cause issues, what steps you can take to avoid them, and how to fix them if they do occur.

Why do Windows 10 updates break printers?

The short answer is that updates can cause compatibility issues between the operating system and the printer drivers. When Microsoft releases an update, they do their best to ensure that it's compatible with as many devices as possible. However, with the vast number of different printers and drivers available, it's impossible to test them all. This can lead to issues where some printers stop working correctly after an update.

How can you avoid these issues?

While there's no way to guarantee that an update won't cause issues, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk:

• Delay automatic updates: By default, Windows 10 will automatically download and install updates as soon as they're available. However, you can delay these updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options, and choosing to defer updates for up to 365 days.
• Check for compatibility: Before installing a major update, it's a good idea to check with the manufacturer of your printer to ensure that it's compatible with the new version of Windows. They may have updated drivers available that you can download and install before updating your operating system.
• Create a restore point: Before installing an update, it's a good idea to create a restore point. This will allow you to roll back your system to a previous state if something goes wrong during the update process.

What should you do if your printer stops working after an update?

If you've already installed an update and your printer has stopped working correctly, there are a few things you can try:

• Update your drivers: Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your printer. This may solve the issue if the problem was caused by outdated drivers.
• Roll back the update: If you created a restore point before installing the update, you can roll back your system to that point to undo the changes. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and choose "Go back to the previous version of Windows 10".
• Contact support: If none of the above solutions work, you may need to contact the manufacturer of your printer or Microsoft support for further assistance.

In conclusion, while it's frustrating when an update breaks something that was previously working, it's a fact of life in the world of technology. By taking a few precautionary steps and knowing what to do if something goes wrong, you can minimize the impact of these issues on your productivity and workflow. As always, stay up to date with the latest technology news and trends to stay ahead of the game.