Computer giant HP is facing a backlash after blocking customers from using cheaper ink cartridges in its printers.

The US company has quietly changed the settings on its machines to ensure they stop recognising many unofficial printer ink cartridges.

It means customers will be forced to use HP cartridges, which are considerably more expensive.

Computer giant HP is facing a backlash after blocking customers from using cheaper ink cartridges in its printers (pictured, stock image)

The US company quietly changed the settings on its machines to ensure they stop recognising many unofficial printer ink cartridges, forcing customers to buy more expensive HP ink

But printer owners have condemned the change, with Dutch printer ink vendor 123inkt – who highlighted the problem – saying it had received more than 1,000 complaints in one day alone.

Customers reported an error message stating: ‘Problem with cartridge. One or more ... seem damaged.’ Others were told their printer would not work due to an ‘older generation cartridge’.

123inkt said OfficeJet, OfficeJet Pro and OfficeJet Pro X printers have been affected. It said it does not believe HP have issued an update since March, suggesting the change was pre-programmed to come into force this month. Last night HP refused to comment on the timing, but said it had upgraded its systems to protect printers from hackers.