Microsoft Clarifies Windows 11 Printer Driver Policy — Support for Legacy Printers Is Not Ending

Microsoft has clarified its Windows 11 printer driver policy, confirming that support for legacy V3 and V4 printer drivers is not ending despite earlier confusion. The company walked back a Windows Roadmap entry from earlier this month that implied these drivers were being cut from the OS entirely, stating that printers working with Windows today will continue to function without any required action from users.

The Source of Confusion

The misunderstanding originated from a Windows Roadmap update stating that Windows would "no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers." This entry has since been removed after Microsoft acknowledged it was inaccurate. The actual change implemented on January 15, 2026, involves blocking new V3 and V4 printer driver submissions to Windows Update by default, requiring case-by-case approval for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 and later.

This distinction is crucial: existing drivers already available through Windows Update remain accessible, printers already installed and working will continue to function, and vendors can still distribute drivers directly via their own installer packages. Microsoft's statement to Windows Central was clear: "If your printer works with Windows today, it will continue to work, and no action is required."

Understanding V3 and V4 Driver Models

V3 and V4 are older Windows printer driver models that have been around for well over a decade. These legacy driver models have historically run in kernel mode, which has made them a source of serious vulnerabilities. The most notable example is the class of exploits known as PrintNightmare, which exposed critical security flaws in Windows printing infrastructure.

Microsoft first announced plans to phase out servicing for these legacy driver models back in September 2023, giving hardware partners more than two years to prepare for the transition. The push to modernize the Windows print stack is largely driven by security concerns, as kernel-mode drivers present a larger attack surface for potential exploits.

Microsoft's Long-Term Deprecation Timeline

While Windows 11 isn't ending support for legacy drivers immediately, Microsoft's broader deprecation timeline remains in effect:

• July 1, 2026: Windows will adjust its internal driver ranking to "prefer" Microsoft's built-in Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) driver over third-party legacy alternatives when both are available.
• July 1, 2027: Third-party printer driver updates distributed via Windows Update will be limited to security-related fixes only.

These changes represent a gradual transition rather than an abrupt cutoff, giving both users and manufacturers time to adapt to the new printing ecosystem.

Windows Protected Print Mode

Microsoft introduced Windows Protected Print Mode with Windows 11 24H2, an optional feature that removes third-party drivers entirely and restricts printing to Microsoft's own class drivers. This feature serves as a hint that Microsoft intends to wean Windows 11 off legacy driver models in the long term, though it remains optional for now.

The introduction of Protected Print Mode demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to modernizing the print stack while still providing flexibility for users who need to maintain compatibility with older hardware.

What This Means for Users

For the vast majority of Windows 11 users, this clarification means business as usual. If your printer is currently working with Windows 11, it will continue to work. The changes primarily affect:

• New printer driver submissions to Windows Update (requiring approval)
• Future driver updates (limited to security fixes after July 2027)
• Users who choose to enable Windows Protected Print Mode

Printers that have already been installed and are functioning properly won't suddenly stop working, and manufacturers can still provide drivers through their own distribution channels if they choose not to go through Windows Update.

Industry Context

This policy clarification comes at a time when Microsoft is balancing security improvements with backward compatibility—a perennial challenge in operating system development. The company's approach of gradual deprecation rather than immediate removal reflects an understanding of the diverse ecosystem of printers and the potential disruption that could occur from sudden changes.

The two-year warning period announced in 2023, combined with the phased implementation timeline extending to 2027, demonstrates Microsoft's attempt to provide adequate transition time for both hardware manufacturers and end users.

While the Windows print stack is moving toward a more secure, modern architecture, your old printer lives to print another day—at least for the foreseeable future.