Windows is dropping third-party printer drivers, older printers at risk

Microsoft is phasing out the V3/V4 third-party printer driver system in favor of its IPP-based Windows Ready Print standard. New printer drivers can no longer be published via Windows Update since January 15, 2026, built-in IPP drivers take priority from July 1, 2026, and third-party driver updates will be restricted from July 1, 2027. With Windows Protected Print Mode enabled, printers lacking compliant drivers stop working entirely.

• New printer drivers can no longer be published via Windows Update since January 15, 2026
• From July 1, 2026, Windows prioritizes its built-in IPP driver over third-party ones
• Third-party driver updates will be restricted from July 1, 2027, security fixes excepted
• Under WPP, printers without compliant drivers disappear from the system