HP Accidentally Removes Support for Branded Cartridges from LaserJet Printers

HP has released a software update for its office equipment, after installation of which branded laser printers failed en masse – they began reporting a problem with the toner even in cases where original cartridges from HP itself were installed in them.

Image source: hp.com

The problematic update, 20250209, was released on March 4 and targets the HP LaserJet MFP M232-M237 series. The release included “security updates,” “regulatory updates,” “general improvements and bug fixes,” and updates to the IPP Everywhere component. Patches like this are released frequently. Previous releases mention things like “improved print quality to ensure margins are not clipped on certain document types” and “improved firmware updates and cartridge failure situations.” There is no mention of toner handling in the release notes.

However, after installing the 20250209 update, owners of LaserJet MFP models M232–M237 began to report problems with the use of HP toner. When trying to print a document, the system displays error code 11, and the toner indicator starts blinking. Cleaning the contacts and replacing the toner do not help. “We are aware of a software issue affecting a small number of HP LaserJet 200 Series devices, and our team is working on a solution. Affected customers can contact our support team at support.hp.com for assistance,” an HP representative told Ars Technica.

HP did not say how widespread the problem was, but it is not the first time something like this has happened. In May 2023, after an update, some HP OfficeJet Pro printers refused to print for several weeks, and users saw a blue screen.