Microsoft Lifts Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade Block on PCs with USB Scanners

Microsoft has addressed a bug that disrupted connections for USB scanners and other devices on Windows 11. The company has lifted the compatibility hold, allowing users to install the Windows 11 version 24H2 update on affected PCs.

Last month, many users reported that USB scanners and other scanning devices stopped working after updating to Windows 11 version 24H2. The issue affected devices using the eSCL protocol, which couldn’t switch to USB mode, rendering them unrecognizable. The eSCL protocol is a driverless scanning system that facilitates communication between devices and clients using HTTP(S) and XML.

Which devices are affected by the Windows 11 24H2 USB scanner bug?

According to Microsoft, this problem caused scanning and other features to stop working. It affected various devices, including scanners, multifunction printers, fax machines, modems, and other eSCL network devices. To resolve the problem, the company has released the KB5048667 cumulative update for all supported versions of Windows 11.

“This issue was resolved by Windows updates released December 10, 2024 (KB5048667), and later. We recommend you install the latest security update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions, including this one. The safeguard hold (ID 54762729) that was previously in place for this issue will be lifted in the coming days,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft notes that some devices may take up to 48 hours to receive the Windows 11 24H2 update. However, users can reboot their PCs to speed up the upgrade process.

In related news, Microsoft has acknowledged that users upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 may encounter issues launching Outlook if the Google Workspace Sync app is installed. To address this, the company has blocked the update on PCs running older versions of the app and recommends updating to version 4.3.68.0.