software not working after latest update

elaine tuccio 20 Reputation points
2026-10-26T16:44:55.32+00:00

After the last update my printers and some other software are not loading.

I tried adding my printers and I am having no success.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
Answer accepted by question author
John Jefferson Doyon 91,020 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-27T14:00:38.56+00:00

It turns out it was a HP driver update that was the problem, not my MS update that was keeping my software from loading.

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you were able to identify the cause.

Since the HP driver update was responsible, you can check the HP support website for a newer compatible driver for your printer or device.

If everything is working now, there's no need to uninstall the Windows updates.

Thanks!

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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 91,020 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-27T13:38:20.74+00:00

    (KB5127648) (26300.9711)

    KB5127694) surface pro 7

    Hi, @elaine tuccio

    Thanks for the details.

    Microsoft's release notes for KB5127648 mention a printing fix for certain printer drivers, but they don't confirm that this update causes your specific issue. See the update details here.

    To narrow this down:

    • Are your printers USB-connected or connected over Wi-Fi?
    • Which other software will no longer load?
    • Have you tried restarting your Surface Pro 7 since installing these updates?

    If the issue started immediately after installing the updates and significantly affects your work, you can consider temporarily uninstalling the latest update:

    • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
    • Select “Uninstall updates.”
    • Find the relevant update (KB5127648 or KB5127694) and select “Uninstall,” if available.
    • Restart your Surface Pro 7 and check whether the issue is resolved.

    Note: Uninstall one update at a time and test before removing another. If the option is unavailable, do not force the removal. Uninstalling security updates can expose your device to security risks, so reinstall the update once a fix is available.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-26T16:48:11.6466667+00:00

    Because both printing and business software stopped working immediately after the Windows update, back up the business data and uninstall the most recently installed update, then test the software before changing printer drivers or reinstalling applications.

    1. Back up and identify the update

    Before using recovery options, copy essential business files to external or cloud storage. If device encryption/BitLocker is enabled, ensure the recovery key is available before entering Windows Recovery Environment. ^1^

    1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
    2. Note the most recent update’s KB number and installation date.
    3. Under Related settings, select Uninstall updates.
    4. Select the newest update installed immediately before the failures began, then select Uninstall.
    5. Restart the computer and test the business software first, followed by printing.

    Microsoft documents update removal for problems that begin after an update; personal files and installed applications are not removed, although some updates cannot be uninstalled. Removing a security update temporarily removes its protections. ^2^

    If the update is not removable from Settings:

    1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
    2. Next to Advanced startup, select Restart now.
    3. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
    4. Select Uninstall latest quality update.

    2. If the business software still will not open

    Do not uninstall it immediately if it stores business data locally.

    1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
    2. Select the three-dot menu beside the application.
    3. Choose Advanced options > Repair, if available.
    4. Test the application.
    5. If Settings has no repair option, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, right-click the program, and select Repair or Change. ^3^

    If no repair option exists, obtain a Windows 11-compatible update from the software publisher. The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is also available under Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. ^4^

    Before resetting or reinstalling business software, confirm that its database, licence information, and configuration have been backed up and that the vendor supports the procedure.

    3. Add each network printer manually

    Since automatic Add device has already failed, use the printer’s network address instead of repeating automatic discovery:

    1. Find the printer’s IP address from its control panel, network configuration page, or router.
    2. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    3. Select Add device, wait for the search to finish, and then select Add manually.
    4. Choose the option to add the printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
    5. Enter the printer’s IP address and complete the wizard.
    6. Select Print a test page.

    Manual installation is supported for Wi-Fi and Ethernet network printers when automatic installation does not work. ^5^

    If Windows cannot supply a suitable driver, download the Windows 11 driver matching the exact printer model and system type from the printer manufacturer, install it, and restart the PC. ^6^

    4. If rollback and targeted repairs do not work

    Use Windows 11’s current-version reinstall as the next system-level repair. On Windows 11 22H2 or later, this reinstalls the current Windows version without affecting files, applications, or settings. Avoid Reset this PC until the less disruptive options have failed. ^1^

    If this is a business-managed computer, or the application contains a shared database, stop before reset/reinstallation and contact the application vendor or business IT support with:

    • The KB number and installation date
    • Windows version from Settings > System > About
    • Application name/version and exact launch error
    • Printer manufacturer/model and IP address

    References

    1. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
    2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/how-to-uninstall-a-windows-update#summary)
    3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/repair-apps-and-programs-in-windows#summary)
    4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/apps/make-older-apps-or-programs-compatible-with-the-latest-version-of-windows#summary)
    5. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)
    6. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-driver-compatibility-issues-in-windows#step-6-roll-back-the-printer-driver)
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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