Microsoft is moving forward with a long-planned shift in how Windows 11 handles printer support, a change that will effectively end support for legacy printer drivers beginning in January . While the company has clarified that existing printers using older driver models (V3 and V4) won’t suddenly stop working, the move signals the end of new driver updates via Windows Update for these devices, potentially leading to compatibility issues down the line.
The change, initially announced in , was brought to the forefront recently with an update to the Windows 11 roadmap. Microsoft stated that starting in January , Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers. This announcement sparked concern among users, with some fearing their older printers would become unusable. However, Microsoft has since emphasized that the intention is not to brick existing hardware.
The core of the issue lies in the evolution of printer driver technology. Microsoft began laying the groundwork for this transition with Windows 10 version , introducing built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers. Mopria, a standard developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, allows for seamless plug-and-play functionality for printers, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific drivers in many cases. As more printers adopted Mopria certification – starting around – the reliance on older driver models diminished.
“Most customers use newer printer drivers or modern printing solutions, which continue to work and are recommended,” Microsoft stated, according to reporting by Windows Latest. The company’s goal is to streamline the printing experience and enhance security by phasing out the older, less secure V3 and V4 driver architecture. By focusing on newer standards like Mopria, Microsoft aims to create a more consistent and reliable printing ecosystem.
The implications of this change are nuanced. Users with printers that rely on V3 or V4 drivers will likely continue to be able to print, at least for the foreseeable future. However, they will no longer receive driver updates through Windows Update. This could lead to issues with compatibility as Windows 11 evolves and receives new feature updates. Finding and installing updated drivers may become more challenging, requiring users to manually download them from the printer manufacturer’s website – if they are still available.
The situation is particularly relevant for businesses and organizations that rely on older printers for specific tasks. A recent report on Reddit highlighted concerns within these sectors, with many anticipating the need to upgrade their printer infrastructure. The phasing out of V3 and V4 drivers is prompting a reevaluation of printing setups across various industries.
Microsoft recommends that users experiencing issues with older printers contact their printer manufacturer for updated drivers or consider upgrading to more modern printing solutions. While the company is no longer actively pushing updates for V3 and V4 drivers through Windows Update, it has indicated that, in rare cases, new drivers for these older models may still be approved for distribution. However, this should not be relied upon as a long-term solution.
The move to deprecate V3 and V4 drivers is part of a broader trend in the technology industry towards simplifying software stacks and improving security. By reducing the number of supported driver models, Microsoft can focus its resources on maintaining and improving the newer, more secure printing technologies. This ultimately benefits both users and manufacturers by creating a more stable and reliable printing environment.
While the initial announcement caused some alarm, Microsoft’s subsequent clarification has helped to alleviate concerns. The company is not actively disabling existing printer functionality, but rather ending support for new driver installations via Windows Update. The transition will likely be gradual, and most users will not experience immediate disruptions. However, it serves as a reminder that maintaining compatibility with older hardware can become increasingly challenging as operating systems evolve.
For those concerned about the future compatibility of their printers, proactively checking with the manufacturer for driver updates and considering a move to Mopria-certified printers are the most sensible courses of action. The shift away from legacy drivers is a clear signal that the future of printing on Windows is focused on modern standards and streamlined compatibility.
