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Fix Microsoft Access Cannot Print to Generic/Text Only Printer
Question details
Users are unable to print to printers utilizing the Generic/Text Only driver from Microsoft Access following the installation of the May 2024 Windows updates.
- Product
- Microsoft Access
- Device & OS
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Scenario
- Attempting to print database reports or text data to line printers (such as the IBM 6500) using a Generic/Text Only driver.
- Observed behavior
- Print jobs fail to process or output to the Generic/Text Only printer, despite other printer drivers working normally on the same machine.
Verify your current Windows version (Windows 10 or Windows 11) and ensure you have administrator privileges to manage system updates before proceeding.
Install the July 2024 Windows Cumulative Update
Applying the official Microsoft cumulative update from July 2024 permanently resolves the driver conflict introduced by the May update.
Microsoft has addressed this specific Generic/Text Only printer driver issue in their July 2024 update rollout. Installing this patch is the most secure and permanent fix.
Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon, or simply press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard.
Select 'Update & Security' if you are on Windows 10, or click 'Windows Update' from the left sidebar if you are using Windows 11.
Click the 'Check for updates' button and allow the system to search for the latest patches. Look specifically for KB5040427 (Windows 10) or KB5040442 (Windows 11).
Click 'Download and install' next to the update. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the fix.
Uninstall the May 2024 Windows Update
If you cannot immediately deploy the July update, removing the problematic May update can act as a temporary workaround to restore printing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Generic/Text Only printer suddenly stop working in Access?
A known bug introduced in the May 2024 Windows updates (such as KB5039211) caused software conflicts with the Generic/Text Only driver, preventing Microsoft Access and other programs from communicating with the printer.
Will reinstalling Microsoft Access fix this printing error?
No. The issue is rooted in the Windows printer driver (UNIDRV.DLL) and the recent operating system update, not within Microsoft Access itself. You must install the Windows OS cumulative patch to resolve it.
What specific updates do I need to download to fix this printer issue?
You need to install the July 2024 cumulative updates provided by Microsoft. Specifically, install KB5040427 if you are using Windows 10, or KB5040442 if your device runs Windows 11.
How can I stop Windows from reinstalling the bad update after I remove it?
You can temporarily pause updates by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and clicking 'Pause updates for 7 days'. This provides a buffer period until you are ready to deploy the permanent July fix.
