Microsoft has again paused the Windows 11 24H2 update rollout due to compatibility issues affecting USB-connected devices supporting the eScanner Communication Language (eSCL) scan protocol.
According to the Redmond giant, users who have installed Windows 11 version 24H2 may encounter problems with USB-connected devices using the eSCL scan protocol, including multifunction peripherals and standalone scanners. The company added that affected devices may fail to detect or complete the discovery process, impacting their functionality.
“eSCL is a driverless scanning protocol designed for networked scanners. It enables driverless scanning over a network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi) and USB connections. This issue is caused due to the device not switching out of eSCL mode to USB mode, which allows the scanner drivers to be matched,” Microsoft wrote on its Windows health status support page on Friday.
To safeguard users’ update experience, Microsoft has applied a compatibility hold on devices connected to a USB device that supports the eSCL scan protocol. As a result, these devices will not receive Windows 11, version 24H2, via the Windows Update release channel until it is fixed.
The company notes that this safeguard extends beyond scanners to include other devices using the eSCL protocol, such as printers, fax machines, modems, and network devices.
Additionally, Microsoft recommends that users do not manually attempt to update to version 24H2 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until the problem has been resolved.
Currently, the company has no workaround for this issue and is working on a resolution. It is expected to offer more information when it is available. For users looking for an immediate solution to this issue, the only available option is to downgrade from Windows 11, version 24H2, to version 23H2 to ensure the proper functioning of their scanners, printers, and other eSCL-enabled devices.
