Windows 11 Isn’t Destroying Printers — It’s Simply Ending New V3/V4 Driver Updates

Byrobert Krajnyk
driver updates are ending

Microsoft isn’t axing printer support in Windows 11—it’s ending new V3/V4 driver submissions to Windows Update after January 15, 2026, targeting vulnerabilities like PrintNightmare that turned printers into security liabilities. Legacy drivers already installed keep working, and exemptions cover fax devices and non-Mopria hardware. The shift pushes users toward Microsoft’s IPP class driver, shrinking attack surfaces as legacy print features survive for existing setups. Most modern printers won’t skip a beat, but owners of aging hardware might need firmware updates or manufacturer workarounds to dodge fresh installation headaches down the road.

Windows 11 and Printer Drivers

Whilst most Windows 11 users haven’t given their printer drivers a second thought, Microsoft is about to change that calculus. The company announced in September 2023 that it’s deprecating V3 and V4 printer drivers, and starting 15 January 2026, no new drivers of these legacy types will reach Windows Update for Windows 11 or Windows Server 2025. This isn’t the apocalypse for office printing—it’s a calculated shift towards modern security architecture.

The deprecation unfolds in stages. Come January 2026, Microsoft stops publishing fresh V3/V4 drivers to Windows Update, though existing drivers already distributed can receive updates only after manual review and documented justification. A non-security update, KB5074105, enforces these restrictions.

By 1 July 2026, Windows will actively favour Microsoft’s IPP class driver when ranking available options, effectively nudging users towards newer printing frameworks without yanking legacy support entirely.

Before anyone panics about bricked office equipment, here’s the reality check: printers already installed with V3/V4 drivers keep functioning. Microsoft isn’t disabling legacy print features outright. The policy exclusively targets Windows 11 and Server 2025, leaving Windows 10 22H2 and Server 2022 completely untouched.

New driver submissions require vendor justification and case-by-case approval, but manufacturers retain the option to distribute drivers through their own installer packages—old-school, yet perfectly viable.

Certain categories dodge the restrictions altogether. Fax devices, printers incapable of Mopria certification, native ARM64 drivers, and anything targeting older Windows versions get explicit exemptions. Think of it as Microsoft drawing a perimeter around genuinely outdated models, all the while leaving specialised or emerging hardware unaffected.

The security rationale isn’t corporate paranoia dressed as policy. Legacy printer drivers became infamous through PrintNightmare, a vulnerability that exposed thousands of organisations to remote code execution. Managing an endless catalogue of vendor-specific drivers strains both security teams and Windows update infrastructure.

Consolidating around IPP class drivers and Mopria-certified devices shrinks the attack surface whilst simplifying maintenance—a rare win-win in enterprise IT. This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy for Windows 11 modernisation, streamlining the operating system towards enhanced security and stability.

For most users, this change registers as background noise. Modern printers already ship with IPP compatibility or newer driver architectures. The demographic facing genuine disruption? Small businesses, schools, and home offices clinging to decade-old hardware.

If your office workhorse predates the Obama administration, January 2026 is your cue to contact the manufacturer about firmware updates or replacement options. Windows 10 version 21H2 began including built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers, establishing a foundation for this transition.

Ricoh’s timeline mirrors Microsoft’s thinking—the manufacturer plans phasing out legacy drivers by 2027 in favour of IPP alternatives. Windows 24H2’s Protected Print Mode further signals where the ecosystem’s headed.

Legacy printers won’t spontaneously combust, but fresh installations requiring outdated drivers will hit roadblocks. Microsoft’s message reads clearly: modernise voluntarily now, or scramble later when that ancient LaserJet finally dies.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft isn’t killing your printer—just the old drivers powering it. Windows 11 will no longer receive v3 and v4 driver updates, pushing manufacturers toward modern v4 alternatives. Most users won’t notice the shift, though legacy hardware may finally meet its match. If your printer stops working due to these driver changes or you’re experiencing compatibility issues with Windows 11, Zoo Computer Repairs can help troubleshoot printer problems, update drivers, and recommend compatible hardware solutions. Don’t let outdated drivers disrupt your workflow—contact us today through our contact page to get your printing setup running smoothly again.

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Robert Krajnyk runs and own's several computer repair websites in the greater Brisbane area - along with offering remote support for customers who have just been scammed by viruses online through his website - Virusremovalaustralia.com.au. Robert was one of the youngest employees for IBM in Australia when he was hired at the age of 17 years old and the skills and knowledge he has learnt in this field has carried over into his own business.