Microsoft will block third party Printer Drivers In windows update
Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned to make the Windows platform strong and secure. Now, Microsoft has announced it will not be updating or providing printer drivers from manufacturers or third-party printer drivers via Windows updates. This will be effective as of 2025.
According to the Microsoft note that: Microsoft will block third party Printer Drivers In windows update
- “With the release of Windows 10 21H2, Windows offers inbox support for Mopria compliant printer devices over network and USB interfaces via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. This removes the need for print device manufacturers to provide their own installers, drivers, utilities, and so on.
- Device experience customization is now available via the Print Support Apps that are distributed and automatically installed via the Windows Store.
- This framework improves reliability and performance by moving customization from the Win32 framework to the UWP software development framework. Finally, print device manufacturers no longer have to rebuild their software since this solution is supported across all Windows versions and editions”.
- This is a Mopria authorized move that would seem to obviate the need for third-party drivers, which could theoretically compromise your system.
- Printer Support apps will be automatically distributed and installed via the Windows Store for Device experience customization.
- This will enhance reliability and performance by transitioning customization from Win32 to UWP. Printer OEMs do not need to develop or port their software anew anymore as the new Microsoft IPP class driver is supported across all Windows versions and editions.
- Microsoft has also said that they are sunsetting legacy v3 and v4 Windows printer drivers support. The end of servicing printer drivers will be carried out over multiple years—the Timeline, according to Microsoft, is as shown in the image below:
Microsoft will block third party Printer Drivers In windows update
But Windows would still enable manufacturer printer drivers to be installed, via separate installation packages. After discontinuing support for third-party printer drivers, Microsoft will keep the print features tied to the legacy printer driver platform active.
Beginning in 2027, non-security printer driver updates will no longer be delivered via Windows Update. Standalone installation packages have to be provided by printer vendors in order for users to continue being able to install printer drivers from their websites as well. Third-party print drivers will still work on all of these Windows editions, even after they have gone out-of-servicing.
Notice: Please be aware, though, that Microsoft will give you the security patches for legacy printer drivers as long as their Windows versions are within the MS Support Lifecycles.
These are the first moves in a more secure and modern print system for Windows. Microsoft is dedicated to enhancing security and providing a smooth printing experience for users.