Windows 11 is about to leave a lot of older hardware behind – and this time, it’s printers in the firing line.
Microsoft has confirmed it will begin ending support for legacy printer drivers. This move could affect millions of devices that are still working perfectly well today.
The change centres on legacy v3 and v4 printer drivers, which are commonly used by printers that are around a decade old or more. Microsoft has already stopped publishing new versions of these drivers through Windows Update as of 15 January 2026. In addition, the restrictions will tighten further over the next couple of years.
From July 1, 2027, non-security third-party printer driver updates will no longer be delivered via Windows Update at all. At that point, Windows will instead prioritise its own IPP inbox class driver. This is part of Microsoft’s push towards modern, standards-based printing through platforms like Mopria.
Before panic sets in, it’s worth stressing what this doesn’t mean. Your printer won’t suddenly stop working overnight. Existing drivers will continue to function. You’ll still be able to install older drivers via Windows Update or download updates directly from the manufacturer’s website. Importantly, security-related fixes will also continue to be allowed.
Microsoft says the shift reflects how far Windows printing has evolved. According to the company, newer printing standards now remove the need for manufacturers to maintain custom installers, utilities and drivers. Therefore, legacy systems are becoming increasingly redundant.
This transition has been a long time coming. Microsoft first announced its intention to phase out legacy printer drivers back in September 2023. There is a staged rollout designed to give users and manufacturers time to adjust. By July 2026, Windows will already start preferring its own IPP drivers when setting up printers, even if older drivers are available.
For most people, the impact will likely be minimal in the short term. If your printer works today, it should keep working for years yet. There will just be fewer automatic updates in the background. However, for businesses or users relying on very old models, this could be the nudge that finally makes an upgrade unavoidable.
It’s another reminder that while Windows 11 keeps pushing forward, long-standing peripherals aren’t always guaranteed a permanent seat on the journey.
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