error code 11 Firmware update bricks HP printers, makes them unable to use HP cartridges HP already has a reputation for breaking printers with updates. Scharon Harding Mar 10, 2025 2:05 pm | 20 Credit: HP Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreHP, along with other printer brands, is infamous for issuing firmware updates that brick already-purchased printers that have tried to use third-party ink. In a new form of frustration, HP is now being accused of issuing a firmware update that broke customers laser printerseven though the devices are loaded with HP-brand toner.The firmware update in question is version 20250209, which HP issued on March 4 for its LaserJet MFP M232-M237models. Per HP, the update includes security updates, a regulatory requirement update, general improvements and bug fixes, and fixes for IPP Everywhere. Looking back to older updates fixes and changes, which the new update includes, doesnt reveal anything out of the ordinary. The older updates mention things like fixed print quality to ensure borders are not cropped for certain document types, and improved firmware update and cartridge rejection experiences. But theres no mention of changes to how the printers use or read toner.However, users have been reporting sudden problems using HP-brand toner in their M232M237 series printers since their devices updated to 20250209. Users on HPs support forum say they see Error Code 11 and the hardwares toner light flashing when trying to print. Some said theyve cleaned the contacts and reinstalled their toner but still can't print.Insanely frustrating because it's my small business printer and just stopped working out of nowhere[,] and I even replaced the tone[r,] which was a $60 expense, a forum user wrote on March 8.When reached for comment, an HP spokesperson said:We are aware of a firmware issue affecting a limited number of HP LaserJet 200 Seriesdevices and our team isactively working on a solution. For assistance, affected customers can contact our support team at:https://support.hp.com.HP users have been burned by printer updates beforeHP hasn't clarified how widespread the reported problems are. But this isn't the first time that HP broke its customers printers with an update. In May 2023, for example, a firmware update caused several HP OfficeJet brand printers to stop printing and show a blue screen for weeks.With such bad experiences with printer updates and HPs controversial stance on purposely breaking HP printer functionality when using non-HP ink, some have minimal patience for malfunctioning HP printers. As one forum commenter wrote: this is just a bad look for HP all around. We're just the ones that noticed it and know how to post on a forum. Imagine how many 1,000s of other users are being affected by this and just think their printer broke.Some commenters are already using current exasperation to push HP's customers to move to rival printer-maker Brother."I went out and got a similar Brother printer for $144 at Walmart," one of HPs forum users wrote. "Not ideal - but no more auto firmware updates - plus the new printer has [its] own 250 sheet paper tray and manual sheet feeder[,] which is nice. Just a little bigger than the HP. It's a little slower first page out - but I'm not in any particular hurry."Brother was recently accused via viral video of updating its laser printers so they wouldn't print or would print worse when using non-Brother toner. But Brother denied this is the case to Ars.Scharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon HardingSenior Technology Reporter Scharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She's been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Toms Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK. 20 Comments