The recent macOS Sonoma 14.4 update has brought with it a wave of reports from users experiencing issues with their printers, particularly Laserjet Printers. Many users have found their printers disappearing from their system settings after the update, encountering error messages when trying to add them back, and facing disruptions in their printing workflows. This article delves into the problems reported, potential causes, and actionable troubleshooting steps to get your laserjet printer working again on macOS Sonoma 14.4.
The Problem: Printers Disappearing After macOS Sonoma 14.4 Update
Since upgrading to macOS Sonoma 14.4, a significant number of users have reported a frustrating issue: their printers vanish from the “Printers & Scanners” settings. When attempting to manually add a printer, users are met with a persistent error message, preventing them from establishing a connection.
Error message when trying to add a laserjet printer after macOS Sonoma 14.4 update, showing no printers are found.
This issue extends beyond just the settings menu. Users have also found that CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), the underlying printing system for macOS accessed via localhost:631, is also affected. This prevents users from making changes or managing printers directly through CUPS. The widespread nature of this problem indicates a potential incompatibility introduced with the macOS 14.4 update affecting printer functionality across various laserjet models and brands.
Potential Causes: What’s Behind the Laserjet Printer Issues?
While Apple is investigating the root cause, user experiences and initial troubleshooting point to a few potential culprits behind these laserjet printer problems after the Sonoma 14.4 update:
1. Microsoft Defender Interference:
One prominent theory emerging from user reports suggests a conflict with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. It appears that the update might be disabling “Full Disk Access” for a component of Defender, “com.microsoft.dlp“. This denial of access could be interfering with the printing system’s ability to function correctly, leading to printers disappearing and CUPS errors. This theory is supported by users who found resolution by granting Full Disk Access back to Microsoft Defender.
2. CUPS Server Daemon Issues:
Another reported symptom is the “cupsctl: Unable to connect to server: Bad file descriptor” error. This error message suggests a deeper problem with the CUPS server daemon itself, which is crucial for managing printing tasks on macOS. Some reports indicate that Microsoft Defender might be crashing the CUPS Server Daemon, further disrupting printing functionality.
3. Driver Compatibility:
Operating system updates can sometimes introduce changes that affect the compatibility of existing printer drivers. While macOS generally provides drivers for many popular printers, these drivers are often sourced from manufacturers. It’s possible that changes in macOS 14.4 are causing conflicts with current laserjet printer drivers, leading to connection issues.
Troubleshooting Steps: How to Get Your Laserjet Printer Working Again
Based on user-reported solutions and common troubleshooting practices, here are steps you can take to try and resolve laserjet printer issues after the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update:
1. Grant Full Disk Access to Microsoft Defender (if applicable):
If you have Microsoft Defender for Endpoint installed, this is the first and most widely reported fix.
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click on Privacy & Security.
- Select Full Disk Access.
- Look for “com.microsoft.dlp” in the list.
- Toggle the switch to ON to grant Full Disk Access.
Granting Full Disk Access to 'com.microsoft.dlp' in macOS Privacy & Security settings to potentially fix laserjet printer issues after Sonoma 14.4 update.
- Restart your Mac.
- Check if your laserjet printer is now recognized and functional.
2. Uninstall Microsoft Defender (as a test):
If granting Full Disk Access doesn’t resolve the issue, and you suspect Microsoft Defender is the root cause, you can temporarily uninstall it to test. If printing functionality returns after uninstallation, it strongly suggests a conflict with Defender. You can then reinstall Defender and monitor for future updates that address this compatibility issue.
3. Update Laserjet Printer Firmware and Drivers:
Outdated printer firmware or drivers can often lead to compatibility problems, especially after OS updates.
- Visit your laserjet printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Brother, Canon, etc.).
- Navigate to the support or downloads section.
- Enter your printer model number.
- Check for the latest firmware updates and macOS 14.4 compatible drivers.
- Download and install any available updates for your printer.
- After updating, try adding your printer again in “Printers & Scanners”.
4. Reset the macOS Printing System:
Resetting the printing system can clear out corrupted configurations or driver conflicts.
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Right-click (or Control-click) in the left-hand printer list area.
- Select “Reset printing system…”.
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
- Restart your Mac.
- Re-add your laserjet printer.
5. Check Printer Network Connection:
Ensure your laserjet printer is properly connected to your network (if it’s a network printer) and that your Mac is on the same network. For USB-connected printers, ensure the USB cable is securely connected.
6. Try Adding Printer via IP Address:
If standard printer addition fails, try adding your laserjet printer using its IP address. You’ll need to find your printer’s IP address from its network settings menu.
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Click on Printers & Scanners.
- Click the “+” button to add a printer.
- Select the IP tab.
- Enter your printer’s IP address, protocol (usually HP Jetdirect – Socket), and other details.
- Click Add.
Is it a Bug? Apple’s Response and Community Feedback
The widespread reports and consistent nature of the laserjet printer issues after the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update strongly suggest a bug or incompatibility introduced by the update. Apple Support has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly investigating.
Community feedback in forums like Apple Discussions highlights the scope of the problem, affecting various laserjet printer models across different brands. Interestingly, some users have noted that the issue seems more prevalent in managed Mac environments, suggesting a potential interaction with management profiles or software. However, the core problem appears to stem from the macOS 14.4 update itself.
Conclusion
The macOS Sonoma 14.4 update has unfortunately brought printing disruptions for many laserjet printer users. While the exact cause is under investigation, potential solutions like granting Full Disk Access to Microsoft Defender, updating printer firmware and drivers, and resetting the printing system have shown promise. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can attempt to restore your laserjet printer functionality. Keep an eye on official Apple updates and printer manufacturer support channels for further resolutions and permanent fixes as they become available. For more tips and guides on printer maintenance and troubleshooting, visit amazingprint.net.
