Windows 11 on old hardware and printing problems

[bsm2]

Time to upgrade to a new copier

[UNICORNico]

I suggest install a simple PCL 6 Driver. Static IP Port. Turn off the tab in the OS "Let Windows Manage the Printers". In the Web Interface de-Select the WSD port setting. Make sure your Firmware for the Copier is up to date.
What Web Browser is Being used? Is the Protocol RAW or LPR? Under the security tab are All functions allowed to manage prints and the Printer ? Are they Wireless or hardwired ?

Just because it has not been updated does not mean it shouldn't it shouldn't be used. It just means that Ricoh product specialists have not received any printing complaints requiring an update. Most likely W11 overwrote one of the supporting dll files. Delete the existing driver and reinstall either the PCL6 v1.5.0.0 driver or the PCL5c v1.2.0.0 driver.
As for "Universal" drivers, was to support universal spooled printers. In order to spool printer it was required that all spooled printers used the same driver. Universal were created to allow different make and model of printers to appear to be using the same driver. That also meant one of those printers did not have a peripheral such as a finished or a paper bank, that peripheral was not usable on any of the printers.
The V4 drivers support Microsoft POC V4 architecture. All I have to say about V4 architecture is Run Forrest Gump run.

My problem with the "Universal" drivers is that in cases where Windows has "auto-installed" them, they have not given a good performance.
On the specific drivers I will reinstall them, in case in the migration from W10 to W11 (as you have mentioned) there has been any problem. If you persist I will try the PCL5 version, being simpler.
About the ports, for years I use IP, and I never let it use WSD because of recurring problems (I already commented above), about the RAW / LPR protocol, the truth is that I do not know, right now you just left me K.O. xD hahaha.

In terms of security both SMB1 and FTP are a dead end. Many environments I deal with won't even allow an FTP server because of the lack of any security. Both are slowly being taken out of Windows as well. Newer builds of Windows 11 won't even include the binaries for SMB1.
It's 2022: if you have a device that still needs a forty year old protocol, it's time to let it go.

Obviously I know the problems of "enabling" the SMB v1, but for this particular client, who does NOT have internet in the company, I doubt that he will suffer a cyberattack or anything serious about it.
On the FTP thing, I knew that Apple is leaving it in oblivion, but I did not know that Microsoft was also doing it.
Despite the failures, both SMB or FTP, I try to make the access made by the MFP as safe for the client.

Time to upgrade to a new copier

We know xD...
But we want to continue squeezing this machine, because it has the right wear, for this customer.

Thank you all, there are things that I have not taken into account, thinking that it could be for other reasons. I will implement it.

[slimslob]

My problem with the "Universal" drivers is that in cases where Windows has "auto-installed" them, they have not given a good performance.
On the specific drivers I will reinstall them, in case in the migration from W10 to W11 (as you have mentioned) there has been any problem. If you persist I will try the PCL5 version, being simpler.
About the ports, for years I use IP, and I never let it use WSD because of recurring problems (I already commented above), about the RAW / LPR protocol, the truth is that I do not know, right now you just left me K.O. xD hahaha.

RAW and LPR options for TCP/IP spooling.
[SOLVED] Network Printing (PCL6 vs. PS & RAW vs. LPR) - Printers & Scanners.

[Codex]

the only thing i've experienced with Win 11 is that scan to smb randomly fails...but after a restart of windows it works again.
The first thing to do is to update the firmware and enabling SMB v2/3 on the machine.

[ridgemill]

Windows 11 defaults to IPP printing.

If you use the old and true method of Devices and Printers > Printing Properties > Ports, check it is not set as an IPP printer, add a new port and select Standard TCP/IP. If you are re-adding the printer make sure you select Standard TCP/IP device as well as changing Device Type to TCP/IP Device.

We've had no issues with TCP/IP printing on Win 11, but knowing M$ they will probably release an update that stops that.

[tsbservice]

...

We've had no issues with TCP/IP printing on Win 11, but knowing M$ they will probably release an update that stops that.

Oh they (M$) surely will mess a thing or two...or two hundred but hey that's another money for techs.