Microsoft Ends Support for Third‑Party Printer Drivers in Windows Update
Microsoft has officially begun phasing out third‑party printer drivers from Windows Update—a major shift that will impact organizations, IT administrators, and printer vendors over the next several years. While the change may sound disruptive at first glance, Microsoft has been preparing the ecosystem for this transition through modern printing standards and new app‑based support models. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, why it’s happening, and how businesses can prepare.
Why Microsoft Is Ending Support for Printer Drivers
Back in 2023, Microsoft announced its long‑term plan to retire third‑party printer drivers from Windows. The move is driven by the widespread adoption of Mopria‑certified printers and the Microsoft IPP Class Driver, which allow Windows to support printers over USB and network connections without requiring vendor‑specific drivers.
This modern approach reduces fragmentation, improves security, and simplifies the printing experience for end users.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Microsoft has now updated its timeline, and several milestones are already in effect:
✔ January 2026: No More Third‑Party Drivers via Windows Update
Printer manufacturers can no longer distribute new V3 or V4 drivers through Windows Update for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Updates to existing drivers may still be submitted, but Microsoft will review them individually through Partner Center.
✔ July 1, 2026: Windows Prioritizes IPP Class Drivers
Windows will begin prioritizing its built‑in IPP class driver over third‑party drivers whenever possible.
✔ July 1, 2027: Third‑Party Driver Updates End (Except Security Fixes)
After this date, vendors will only be able to push security‑related updates to existing drivers.
What This Means for IT Administrators
Although the headline may sound alarming, Microsoft has designed this transition to be smooth:
1. Existing Printer Drivers Still Work
All current drivers remain available through Windows Update. Nothing breaks, and organizations can continue using their existing print infrastructure.
2. Specialized Drivers Will Still Be Signed
Microsoft will continue signing drivers in cases such as:
Printers that cannot be Mopria certified
Drivers targeting Windows 10 or earlier
Native ARM64 printer drivers
3. Print Support Apps Replace Legacy Drivers
Vendors can now deliver custom printer experiences using Print Support Apps (PSAs)—modern UWP apps distributed through the Microsoft Store. These apps eliminate the need for standalone installers, utilities, and multiple driver packages.
This shift reduces maintenance overhead and improves security across enterprise environments.
Why This Change Benefits the Windows Ecosystem
Microsoft’s multi‑year transition aims to:
Standardize printing across devices
Reduce driver‑related vulnerabilities
Simplify deployment for IT teams
Improve compatibility across Windows versions
Eliminate outdated driver models (V3/V4)
By moving to IPP and Mopria standards, Windows printing becomes more reliable and future‑proof.
How Organizations Should Prepare
To stay ahead of the transition, IT teams should:
✔ Audit current printer fleets
Identify which devices rely on legacy drivers and whether they support Mopria or IPP.
✔ Engage with printer vendors
Confirm whether PSAs are available or planned for your models.
✔ Update deployment documentation
Ensure your imaging, provisioning, and onboarding processes reflect the new driver landscape.
✔ Plan for long‑term modernization
Older printers without Mopria support may need replacement within the next few years.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s retirement of third‑party printer drivers marks a significant modernization of the Windows printing ecosystem. While the transition may require planning, the long‑term benefits—simpler management, improved security, and fewer compatibility issues—make this a positive step for both IT administrators and end users.
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