Articles tagged with "Windows, Printers, Drivers"

No, Windows 11 isn’t killing millions of printers, but it’s ending new V3/V4 drivers on Windows Update

Microsoft has ceased releasing V3 and V4 printer drivers via Windows Update since January 2026, but existing printers relying on these drivers are still supported. The phasing out of these drivers began with Windows 10 version 21H2, which now includes built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers. While new V3/V4 drivers won't be published on Windows Update for Windows 11+, existing drivers can still be installed through separate packages. Contrary to misconceptions, older printers using V3/V4 drivers will not stop working after January 2026, as Microsoft continues to support all drivers and printers.

Windows Latest•

3 months ago

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.

Tom's Hardware•

3 months ago

No, Windows 11 isn’t killing millions of printers, but it’s ending new V3/V4 drivers on Windows Update

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

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