Microsoft confirms bug that mistakenly renames printers in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Microsoft is officially investigating a bug that unintentionally renames all printers and their related devices or services to the HP LaserJet M101-M106 model. Microsoft confirmed that it is aware of the reports but does not believe HP is to be blamed.

In a previous article, it was discovered that updated metadata or an update pushed via Windows Update resulted in the renaming of some printers, including Microsoft’s Print to PDF or XLS Document Viewer, to HP LaserJet M101-M106. In addition, the Microsoft Store installed an “HP Smart app” on all devices, regardless of the manufacturer.

According to Microsoft’s documentation and statement to Windows Latest, the tech giant is currently investigating the reports and working with partners on a possible workaround. Microsoft officials have stated that their investigations indicate the issue is not caused by an HP update.

Therefore, it is suggested that Microsoft rolled out an update with incorrect metadata or a similar bug via Windows Update, which caused the labeling mix-up.

If your device received the buggy update from Microsoft’s servers, your printer will be renamed HP LaserJet M101-M106. The above screenshot shows that the model and manufacturer name are changed to “HP,” and the icon also shows an HP Laser product.

This is a specific model, which confirms earlier observations that the labeling issue is related to metadata or how Windows retrieves hardware information.

Your device could be affected even if you do not use a printer. For example, on one device, it was discovered that Microsoft had renamed its “Print to PDF” as “HP LaserJet M101-M106”, and it also changed the icon to HP.

When clicking on these renamed printers, a “No tasks are available for this page” error may be displayed.

It’s important to note that the Windows 11 or 10 printer renaming bug does not affect the functionality of the printer or features like Print to PDF and XLS Document Viewer.

While the printer renaming bug does not affect the printer’s scanning or fax capabilities, it may cause issues with the manufacturer-supplied printer apps. The printer manufacturer’s app may not recognize the printer, as it will appear as an HP device to the app. If this happens, some or all of the extended functions might not work.

Microsoft plans to release a hotfix for the printer renaming bug on Windows 11 soon, and more information is expected to be disclosed in the coming days.