Microsoft cancels its decision to discontinue support for older printers in Windows 11

Microsoft confirmed continued support for legacy V3 and V4 printer drivers

During a press session, Microsoft clarified that its Windows 11 operating system will still support obsolete printer drivers version 3 (V3) and 4 (V4), despite previously published statements about their complete removal.

> “Windows does not stop supporting legacy printer drivers. If your printer works with Windows today, it will continue to work; no action is required,” the company spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that a mistake was made in the Windows roadmap: one of the updates released earlier this month stated that V3 and V4 drivers would no longer be supported. That message was acknowledged as inaccurate, after which the corresponding entry was removed from the page.

What changed since January 15, 2026?
From that date Microsoft actually prohibited the publication of new V3 and V4 driver packages in the Windows Update Center for the following platforms:

* Windows 11
* Windows Server 2025
* All newer versions

However, this does not mean complete removal of support.

* Existing drivers already posted in the Update Center remain available.
* Installed printers continue to work without changes.
* Hardware vendors can distribute drivers directly through their own installation packages.

Why Microsoft is doing this
V3 and V4 drivers are legacy models that have existed for more than ten years. In September 2023, the company announced plans to phase out their support, giving partners at least two years to transition.

The main reason: security. Old drivers can run in kernel mode and are a source of serious vulnerabilities (e.g., PrintNightmare).

What’s next
* July 1, 2024 – Windows will update its internal driver ranking, prioritizing Microsoft’s built‑in IPP protocol over third‑party legacy alternatives.
* July 1, 2027 – printer driver updates from third‑party developers in the Update Center will be limited to security fixes only.

Starting with Windows 11 24H2, the OS introduced a secure printing mode that effectively does not use third‑party drivers. This signals Microsoft’s long‑term intention to fully abandon legacy driver models in the future.

In the meantime, at least for the next year and a half, old printers can continue to be used without needing to replace equipment.