Microsoft to phase out third-party printer drivers in Windows 11 by 2027

Microsoft is overhauling the Windows 11 printing system to reduce reliance on manufacturer-specific drivers. The company is transitioning toward a unified standard using the Microsoft IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) class driver and Windows Ready Print. This shift aims to simplify the user experience by allowing compatible printers to function immediately without manual driver installations.

The transition is occurring in phases. Since January 2026, Windows has begun prioritizing the Microsoft IPP driver for compatible devices. A major milestone is set for July 1, 2027, at which point Microsoft will stop providing functional updates for third-party drivers via Windows Update, limiting such updates strictly to security patches.

While existing drivers can still be installed manually via manufacturer packages and legacy printing functions will not be disabled, older hardware—particularly USB printers that do not support IPP over USB or Mopria—may face compatibility issues. Additionally, multi-function devices might lose certain proprietary features that previously relied on manufacturer-specific drivers. Microsoft is also working toward making Windows Protected Print Mode the default behavior, which would restrict printing exclusively to devices compatible with Windows Ready Print.