Windows Update ends support for printer drivers

Back in September 2023, Microsoft announced the end of servicing plan for third-party printer drivers in Windows. The rationale behind this decision was the operating system's support for Mopria compliant printer devices over network and USB interfaces via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. Now, it has updated its timeline to indicate that V3 and V4 printer drivers can no longer be delivered through Windows Update.

As spotted by Tom's Hardware, printer vendors can not distribute drivers via Windows Update since early January 2026 for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. While it is still possible to submit updates for existing drivers, Microsoft will review such instances on a case-by-case basis through the Partner Center.

While this may sound like a nightmare for IT admins, it is worth noting that active vendors have already had alternatives available for years. They can offer customized experiences through Print Support Apps (PSA) that are distributed through the Microsoft Store. This UWP framework ensures that printer solutions no longer need to be rebuilt multiple times, and they vendors don't need to focus on implementing standalone installers, drivers, utilities, and more.

Microsoft understands that end of support for printer drivers is a major change, which is why it has followed a multi-year process to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The company will still allow the signing of driver packages in the following cases:

• A printer that cannot be Mopria certified.
• Driver package submissions specifying a ceiling of Windows 10 or lower, will continue to be signed.
• Native ARM64 printer drivers.

It is also worth noting that existing printer drivers are unaffected by this change and can still be downloaded via Windows Update. Existing features from V3 and V4 printer drivers are unimpacted too.

In terms of what's next in this end of servicing plan, Windows will prioritize Windows IPP inbox class drivers rather than third-party drivers after July 1, 2026. Finally, from July 1, 2027, third-party driver updates will not be possible at all, except for security fixes. You can find more details about the deprecation here.

Source

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Posted Tuesday 10 February 2026 at 11:44 am AEST (my time).

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