Microsoft has announced stricter controls on legacy Windows printer drivers, effectively blocking most new submissions and requiring manual justification from hardware partners. This move is part of a phased plan to retire the older V3 and V4 driver pipeline.
Key Deadline and Impact
After January 15, 2026, no new third-party printer drivers will be published via Windows Update for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 or later. Existing drivers will remain installable and will continue to receive security fixes for supported operating system versions. The change is designed to push users toward newer printing frameworks and vendor-provided installation methods.
Transition to Modern Printing
The company is steering partners toward its "modern print platform," which relies on standards-based printing and inbox drivers. A related security feature, Windows Protected Print Mode, which disables third-party print drivers, is available starting with Windows 11 version 24H2.
Analysts note that while many newer printers already use modern architectures, some older or specialized devices may face compatibility issues or lose certain features when Windows defaults to simpler class drivers. The policy shift primarily affects how drivers are delivered and signed through Windows Update, not the immediate functionality of already-installed drivers.
Security and Enterprise Considerations
The decision follows past print-spooler vulnerabilities, such as the 2021 "PrintNightmare" incidents, underscoring Microsoft's goal to reduce the attack surface. Enterprises with complex device fleets may need to plan for alternative driver management, as the change places the burden of support for non-standard devices outside the Windows Update channel.
The broader transition is framed by Microsoft as a move toward a more secure, reliable, and lower-maintenance printing experience for Windows users.
