Windows "PrintNightmare" Vulnerability is Being Patched GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO News > Internet & Security
Windows "PrintNightmare" Vulnerability is Being Patched
This affects all versions of Windows, some of which are still waiting on updates
By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 7, 2021 12:17PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming A Windows security vulnerability, dubbed "PrintNightmare," has left all versions of Windows open to a system takeover, but Microsoft has begun patching it out. The "PrintNightmare" security vulnerability is tied into Windows' Print Spooler service, which runs by default, and grants attackers remote system privileges across all versions of Windows. This access makes it possible for nefarious actors to install their own programs, create new system accounts, and view/copy/alter data. Oscar Wong / Getty Images Microsoft initially released a statement of mitigation measures you could take, as documented by Bleeping Computer, in order to temporarily reduce the threat. Now, it's moved on to releasing patches for all affected versions of Windows in order to remove the vulnerability entirely. Not all of the affected versions have been patched yet, but Microsoft states that anything that hasn't been patched prior to July 6 will be updated "shortly." LPETTET / Getty Images Microsoft already has released patches to remove the "PrintNightmare" vulnerability for multiple versions of Windows 10, as well as Windows Server 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and version 20H2. Windows RT 8.1 and multiple versions of Windows 7 and 8 have been patched as well. If you'd like to see if a patch has been released for your version of Windows, you can take a look at Microsoft's vulnerability information page under Security Updates. If for any reason you can't download the necessary patch, Microsoft has two recommendations detailed in the Workarounds section. These steps will prevent inbound remote printing, so your system won't be able to function as a print server, but printing locally to an attached device will still work. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Patch Tuesday (Most Recent: October 11, 2022) Windows Update (What It Is and How to Use It) How to Fix Dsetup.dll Not Found or Missing Errors What Is Microsoft Internet Explorer? Windows 10: Release Date, Editions, Features, and More How to Update PowerPoint on Windows and Mac What Is a Patch? (Patch / Hotfix Definition) DIFF File (What It Is & How to Open One) 5 Reasons to Stick With Windows Vista How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Windows 10 Windows Defender Security Center Review: Everything You Need to Know How to Update Apps on Windows 11 How to Download Updates in Windows 8.1 Can You Get a Virus on a Mac? What You Need to Know 12 Ways to Destroy Your Computer How to Download and Install DirectX Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies