Starting January 15, 2026, Microsoft will stop distributing new third-party V3 and V4 printer drivers through Windows Update for Windows 11, effectively ending automatic driver support for legacy hardware. Your current printer won't die overnight—existing drivers still work—but organizations relying on older models should prepare for a gradual sunset. By July 2027, only security patches will arrive for outdated drivers as Microsoft pushes users toward its built-in IPP class driver and Mopria-compliant devices. The shift addresses stability and security concerns as it nudges the industry toward modern printing standards, though small businesses and schools may need budgeting adjustments sooner than expected for hardware that can't adapt.
As Microsoft tightens the screws on legacy printing infrastructure, Windows 11 users face a significant shift: starting January 15, 2026, third-party V3 and V4 printer drivers will no longer receive updates through Windows Update for newer operating systems.
This isn't a sudden death sentence for your reliable office workhorse. Existing drivers will continue functioning, and you can still install them from Windows Update or directly from manufacturer packages. However, there's a catch—no new V3 or V4 drivers will be available in the update catalog for Windows 11 or Windows Server 2025 and beyond.
Microsoft announced this deprecation back in September 2023, giving vendors roughly two and a half years to adapt. The timeline resembles a slow fade rather than an abrupt shutdown. By July 2026, Windows will start preferring Microsoft's built-in IPP class driver over third-party options when ranking installation choices.
Come July 2027, existing third-party drivers will only receive security patches—nothing more. Think of it as placing legacy technology on life support while encouraging everyone to move to the new wing of the hospital.
Most users won't notice a thing. Modern printers already support newer driver architectures or work seamlessly with Microsoft's inbox IPP driver. But for small businesses, schools, and home offices clinging to older hardware? That's where the friction starts.
Legacy printers that haven't received firmware updates in years may find themselves stranded when trying to connect to fresh Windows 11 installations after January 2026. Legacy printer drivers have been associated with stability issues and security risks, making their removal a priority for Microsoft's modernization efforts.
Microsoft isn't completely slamming the door. Vendors can still submit drivers through the Partner Centre, but each submission now requires manual review and justification documentation. Exceptions exist for specific cases: fax devices, ARM64 drivers, printers unable to meet Mopria certification, and anything targeting Windows 10 22H2 or earlier operating systems.
Security updates get a pass, too, provided they don't introduce new hardware IDs or additional functionality. The message is clear without being harsh: adapt or replace.
Microsoft recommends contacting manufacturers for supported drivers, switching to vendor-provided installation packages, or—ideally—upgrading to printing solutions that embrace modern standards. Windows 10 version 21H2 introduced built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers, providing users with a modern alternative to legacy drivers. Windows 10 22H2 and earlier versions remain unaffected, offering a temporary refuge for organisations not ready to make the leap.
Is this necessary housekeeping or premature obsolescence? The answer depends on whether your printer was manufactured during the Obama administration. Microsoft's gradual approach softens the blow, but the underlying reality remains: the era of Windows automatically fetching drivers for every ancient HP LaserJet is ending.
Time to check if your office printer still has a fighting chance—or start budgeting for its replacement.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft isn't killing your printer—it's simply halting new driver models for older hardware. While your current setup remains functional, manufacturers are unlikely to develop new drivers for legacy devices on Windows 11. This means it's time to either upgrade your hardware or embrace that "vintage" label. If you're facing compatibility issues or need assistance with your devices, Computer Repairs Sunshine Coast is here to help. Don't wait until 2025—reach out to us today! Click on our contact us page to get in touch.
