Microsoft Clarifies Doubt Over Support for Legacy Printer Drivers

Microsoft Clarifies Doubt Over Support for Legacy Printer Drivers

Microsoft has clarified that it is not ending support for existing legacy printer drivers, following confusion sparked by a recent update to its Windows Roadmap.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: “Windows has not ended support for legacy printer drivers. If your printer works with Windows today, it will continue to work, and no action is required.”

Microsoft emphasized that printers currently functioning on Windows will continue to operate. The company is not removing or disabling already-installed legacy drivers, nor is it blocking devices that rely on them.

However, changes to the driver certification and distribution process are moving forward. Hardware manufacturers will no longer be able to freely publish new legacy drivers through Windows Update as they have in the past. This shift affects driver submissions rather than the ongoing functionality of printers already in use.

Although some older printers that rely exclusively on legacy drivers may face constraints in the future—particularly if new installations require unsupported drivers—Microsoft maintains that the majority of users will not be affected. Many printers produced within the past decade support IPP or can operate using Windows’ built-in class drivers.

For organizations and individuals using older hardware, Microsoft recommends reviewing manufacturer support options and considering migration plans where necessary. However, the company’s latest clarification makes clear that there is no immediate risk of functioning printers being disabled by Windows updates.

Related:

• Microsoft Ends Support for Legacy Printer Drivers
• HP Confirms Microsoft 365 Changes Causing Printer Scan Failures
• Microsoft Announces Availability of Universal Print Anywhere
• Microsoft Advances Toward Driverless Printing Future
• Epson Partners with Universal Print by Microsoft
• Microsoft: HP Not Responsible for Wired Windows 11 Bug

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