Old printer not working with Windows 11? Try this

Linux emulation can help legacy printer users extend their lifecycles

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

If you’re still clinging to aprinterthat you should have dumped ten years ago, then the OpenPrinting project might have some good news.

Users will now be able to run printers that are unsupported by modern versions of Windows via running the Linux-emulator Windows Subsystem for Linux in combination with the project’s Open Printing software.

In keeping with its hardcore fanbase,Linuxsupports a wide variety of legacy hardware that has long had its Windows support discontinued, for example, the Linux-based open-source printing system CUPS thatAppleabandoned in 2020.

How can I use this?

In a presentation originally reported byThe Register, Till Kamppeter a decades-long Linux developer, a current manager of OpenPrinting, and a Canonical contractor explained how the process works.

First, you’ll need to check whether you haveWindows 11and the current WSL version installed.

You will also need to check whether your printer actually does not work under Windows.

You can do this by going to “Settings” > “Bluetooth & devices” > “Printers & scanners” - if it works, you do not need to continue.

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Once complete you’ll then need to install the Ubuntu Application from the Windows Store, followed by installing the USB bridge if needed and then Installing “avahi-daemon” and the Printer Application in Ubuntu under WSL.

Rejoice! Microsoft has finally fixed this nasty Windows 11 printer bug>HP will pay you compensation if you bought the wrong printer ink

Our guide to the best office software

If you still have doubts about how the process works you can head here for additional clarity from OpenPrinting’suser guide.

The past few years have been kind to fans of Linux emulation.

The performance of Ubuntu Linux, one of the most popular Linus distro, run using the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 under the upcoming  Windows 11 was a close match to the performance of the distro run on bare metal, according to a newbenchmarking projectpulled together by tech websitePhoronix.

Will McCurdy has been writing about technology for over five years. He has a wide range of specialities including cybersecurity, fintech, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, cloud computing, payments, artificial intelligence, retail technology, and venture capital investment. He has previously written for AltFi, FStech, Retail Systems, and National Technology News and is an experienced podcast and webinar host, as well as an avid long-form feature writer.

Google puts Nvidia on high alert as it showcases Trillium, its rival AI chip, while promising to bring H200 Tensor Core GPUs within days

A new form of macOS malware is being used by devious North Korean hackers

Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020)