Windows 10: windows 10 update prevents printer from operating

I bought a new computer in December 2019 with windows 10. I was told that Windows 7 would no longer have support after January 1, 2020. Transferred everything from old computer to new computer, and hooked up 6 month old printer. Printer has been working fine until last week, after a "Windows 10 update", the printer no longer works. I bought a new printer, and it won't work either. An I.T. told me that some updates cause HP printers not to work. What makes matters worse is that Microsoft will not acknowledge that their update is the issue. I'm told that maybe a different brand of printer MIGHT work. I can't afford to keep buying more printers until I find one that works. Hey MICROSOFT, why did your update screw up my printing?

:)

 

Windows 10 update cause printer problem with: "Printer not activated - Error - 20"

Hi John,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

I understand your concern about accessing the printer after the Windows Update, we will help you with this issue.

Do let us know the following:

• What is the make and model of your device?
• How is the printer connected to the computer, locally or through network?
• Have you tried any troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue?

I suggest you to try the below and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to update the drivers for printer and check.

• 
  Right click on the Start button from the desktop and select
  Device Manager.
  
• 
  Locate and expand Print queue.
  
• 
  Right-click on the printer driver
  that is listed and click Update driver software.
  

Step 2: I suggest you to run the printer troubleshooter from
“Fix printer problems”
and then check if this fixes the issue.

Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and required information, we will be happy to help you further.

 

[Windows 10] hide/prohibit install of specific Windows Update

I have never intentionally used windows to provide my device drivers (except for older printers without Vendor drivers for clients). I only manually update from the vendor websites. Will just have to make a list of things to disable/remove if I finally decide to load it up on a machine.

 

Microsoft to make Windows 10 updates mandatory

Well, at the moment at least, you can choose to defer upgrades. Under Settings > Windows Updates > Advanced options you need to check the box labeled "Defer upgrades". What does that do? Good question. The answer I've found might illuminate it to a degree.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/defer-upgrades-in-windows-10

I hear this only applies to Pro and Enterprise editions. But I can't verify that.