New Update Windows 11 is finally killing off legacy printer drivers in 2026

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

Microsoft is moving forward with a long-planned cleanup of the Windows 11 printing stack. Starting with the non-security update released in January 2026, Windows 11 no longer supports legacy V3 and V4 printer drivers, a change that will affect devices running versions 24H2 and 25H2 as the rollout gradually expands.

The company first announced the deprecation of V3 and V4 printer drivers in September 2023, giving hardware partners and customers more than two years to prepare. As the final cutoff now approaching, Microsoft is signaling that the transition to modern printing is no longer optional for Windows 11 users.

In the official support page, the company notes that starting in "January 2026, Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers. These older driver models were announced as deprecated in September 2023."

Microsoft is pulling the plug on old printer drivers — here’s what it means

The next system update for Windows 11 could break your printer. Here's what you need to know.

www.windowscentral.com

 

[Parkinsond]

A nice boost for printers sales.

 

[stonjean633]

A nice boost for printers sales.

Money and $ale$ for the Printer Makers

 

[Parkinsond]

Money and $ale$ for the Printer Makers

MS: You paid for a new PC for W 11? Great; now it's time to pay fo a new printer to work with W 11

 

[Parkinsond]

The lack of “new” updates via Windows Update does not mean Windows 11 no longer supports v3/v4 drivers.

Microsoft told me that Windows will still allow vendor-supplied drivers via separate installation packages, and existing printer drivers can still be installed even after the end of servicing via Windows Update. That means if you own a printer that already works with a v3 or v4 driver, it doesn’t automatically break after you install Windows Updates.

No, Windows 11 isn’t killing millions of printers, but it’s ending new V3/V4 drivers on Windows Update

Microsoft says it has stopped releasing V3 and V4 printer drivers via Windows Update starting January 2026.

www.windowslatest.com

 

[Gandalf_The_Grey]

“If your printer works today, it will continue to work”: Microsoft corrects previous announcement

Last month, Microsoft made a statement regarding printer support on Windows that caused confusion. Back then, Microsoft wrote: “January 2026, Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers. These older driver models were announced as deprecated in September 2023”.

Turns out, this was not really what the company meant. Windows Central claims to have received a statement by Microsoft that confirms that support for legacy printer drivers is not ending after all on Windows.

If that would be the case, millions of printers would stop working. Here is the full statement as reported by the site:

Windows has not ended support for legacy printer drivers. If your printer works with Windows today, it will continue to work, and no action is required [..] an update to the Windows Roadmap stated that Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers—this update was inaccurate and has since been removed

Here is what Microsoft actually meant: new legacy printer drivers will only be accepted on a case-by-case basis. This does not affect existing printer drivers and users may still download and install the updates from third-party sources.

The core changes

• The Microsoft IPP Class Driver: Instead of downloading a specific driver for every printer model (e.g., an HP driver, a Brother driver, a Canon driver), Windows 11 is shifting to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and the Mopria standard. This allows Windows to use a single, built-in inbox driver that works seamlessly with almost any modern printer.
• Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP): Introduced in the Windows 11 24H2 update, this is an optional security feature that entirely disables third-party printer drivers. When enabled, your PC only uses the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. While it’s currently turned off by default, Microsoft’s long-term goal is to make WPP the standard.
• Print Support Apps (PSAs): Instead of bundling advanced features (like watermarks, stapling, or deep color management) into a heavy driver package, manufacturers are being pushed to offer these features through lightweight Print Support Apps downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store.

"If your printer works today, it will continue to work": Microsoft corrects previous announcement - Chipp.in Tech News and Reviews

Last month, Microsoft made a statement regarding printer support on Windows that caused confusion. Back then, Microsoft wrote: “January 2026, Windows will no longer support...

chipp.in

 

[BSONE]

About time.