Microsoft purges Windows 11 printer drivers, putting millions of devices on borrowed time — legacy printers face extinction as Microsoft stops distributing V3 and V4 drivers

Microsoft has ceased distributing V3 and V4 printer drivers for Windows 11, impacting legacy printers and potentially rendering them unusable. This move is part of Microsoft's efforts to modernize the Windows print platform and shift responsibility for legacy hardware support to manufacturers. Users of affected printers are advised to contact their printer manufacturer for updated drivers or consider upgrading to newer printing solutions. Microsoft's decision aims to streamline the print driver ecosystem and enhance security, with further changes planned to prioritize Microsoft's own class drivers over third-party options in the future.