Will Windows 11 prevent the installation of new drivers for older printers?

No, Windows 11 will continue to allow vendor-supplied printer drivers to be installed via separate installation packages.

Can existing Microsoft-signed printer drivers for older printers still be installed on Windows 11?

Yes, existing printer drivers can still be installed on Windows PCs, even after the end of servicing for V3 and V4 drivers.

Will my older printer stop working with Windows 11 after January 2026?

No, your printer will continue to work fine with its current driver, and critical security fixes will still be provided.

Home / Technology / Old Printers Live On: Windows 11 Driver Fears Misguided

Old Printers Live On: Windows 11 Driver Fears Misguided

9 Feb

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Summary

Microsoft's roadmap update caused confusion about older printer drivers.
Older V3 and V4 printer drivers will still install via separate packages.
Critical security fixes for older printers will still arrive via Windows Update.

Old Printers Live On: Windows 11 Driver Fears Misguided

Microsoft has clarified its stance on older printer drivers for Windows 11, alleviating fears that many devices would soon become obsolete. Initial statements on the Windows 11 roadmap suggested that V3 and V4 printer drivers would cease to be supported starting in January 2026, leading to concerns that printers relying on them might stop functioning.

However, Microsoft has since clarified that these older drivers will still be installable via separate vendor-provided packages. This means that even if Windows Update no longer supplies these drivers, users can still obtain and install them directly from manufacturers. Existing printer installations will not be prevented from running.

Furthermore, Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates for these older printers through Windows Update. This ensures that even the most outdated devices remain secure. The company has no plans to disable any existing features supported by V3 or V4 printer drivers. Users of older printers can expect their devices to continue working as usual.