In a 2021 statistic, HP stands out as the largest manufacturer of consumer printers globally, commanding just under 25 percent of the market. However, despite its significant market share, HP does not hold a monopoly. Last week, Windows users were taken aback when a peculiar issue emerged: all their printers, regardless of the manufacturer, suddenly appeared as “HP LaserJet M101-M106.”
The culprit behind this widespread confusion seems to be a Windows update. This update erroneously relabeled the metadata of connected hardware printers, whether directly attached to PCs or over the network. Intriguingly, the update also automatically installed the HP Smart app. It’s worth noting that Windows Update has the capability to download third-party executables, alongside standard drivers, for certain partner companies—a feature users might have encountered when connecting new gaming peripherals.
While the bug doesn’t seem to be causing significant technical problems for most users, the mislabeling of printers could pose challenges for busy offices. Sending print jobs to the wrong printer due to this glitch could lead to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially when dealing with expensive ink or toner. Reports of the issue surfaced through various Microsoft support channels and were identified by Tom’s Hardware.
Both HP and Microsoft are aware of the problem, but as of now, there’s no committed timeframe for a fix. Additionally, no effective workaround has been discovered yet. The incident highlights the interconnected nature of software updates and the potential ripple effects on users, underlining the need for prompt resolution to maintain smooth functionality in diverse computing environments.