Microsoft will gradually stop distributing legacy printer drivers via Windows Update starting Jan 15, 2026, with the transition completed by 2027. Rather than distributing older drivers, Microsoft announced that it will focus on modern printing standards—specifically the Microsoft IPP Class Driver, which has supported Mopria-certified printers (network and USB) since Windows 10 version 21H2. This model eliminates the need for traditional driver packages and promotes greater system stability and more standardised updates. Starting Jan 15 this year, manufacturers can no longer publish new printer driver versions to Windows Update, except for security fixes. The major US-based multinational technology company said it will not block the installation of manufacturer-provided drivers outside Windows Update.

Source: Bangkok Post February 16, 2026 08:16 UTC