Microsoft stops providing drivers for previous printers by way of Home windows Replace

Microsoft has determined to cease sending out new drivers for previous printers by way of Home windows Replace. The drivers in query are for V3 or V4 printers, which suggests printers that might be as much as 12 years previous.

Based on an replace to the Home windows Roadmap (noticed by Home windows Newest) that’s not accessible:

Beginning in January 2026, Home windows will not assist V3 and V4 printer drivers. These older driver fashions have been introduced as deprecated in September 2023. Most prospects use newer printer drivers or trendy printing options, which proceed to work and are really useful. In case your printer relies on a V3 or V4 driver, it might cease putting in or working after assist ends.

To be clear, which means that legacy V3 or V4 printers will proceed to work as regular, however gained’t obtain new drivers by way of Home windows Replace. Moreover, Microsoft says customers can nonetheless set up vendor-supplied drivers by way of different set up strategies (outdoors Home windows Replace). So, when you’ve got a V3 or V4 printer, relaxation simple that it gained’t die in a single day.

If you wish to set up printer drivers manually, you’ll be able to navigate to Home windows Settings > Bluetooth and units > Printers and scanners.

In brief, there’s no rush to recycle your previous printer simply but. That mentioned, you may need to get a alternative quickly if yours is on the verge of its life. Try our ideas for getting a printer that doesn’t suck.