Microsoft Ends Windows 11 Support for Older Printers: Your Survival Guide

With its firm decision to discontinue legacy V3 and V4 printer drivers, Microsoft is basically changing the way we will have to print on different Windows systems in the future.

Keeping in mind the users and the IT department, it’s not a disaster overnight, the existing installations will keep working, but it does mean that the transition period will have to be handled carefully and strategically.

The main point of the change is quite simple: Microsoft will no longer release new versions of these old drivers via Windows Update from early 2026.

If users install new Windows 11/Server 2025 devices or try to add printers requiring these kinds of drivers, they will be surprised by the fact that the system won’t automatically download the manufacturer-specific legacy drivers anymore. It will rather be Microsoft’s modern Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) class driver that gets first ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌priority.

Simply Put: Microsoft has ceased the automatic release of printer driver updates to a significant number of legacy printers on Windows 11. A driver is basically a software that enables your computer and printer to communicate. Microsoft is phasing out the old “translators” (drivers) and will not be supplying any further ones.”

What This Means for You (The Real-World Impact)

Currently, your system is SAFE.

If your printer has already been detected and installed on your PC, you can continue to use it without any trouble. Most of the changes will be noticed when you are either setting up a new computer or using a new printer for the first time.

Here is what you might come across:

• Setting up a new Windows 11 PC? When you attach an old printer, Windows may not automatically get the correct driver. It might end up using a very basic, limited driver.
• Purchasing a new (old) printer? In case you buy an old printer from a few years ago, and it requires a special driver, Windows Update won’t be there anymore to automatically install it for you.
• Future updates could potentially conflict with the printer. A forthcoming Windows update might create problems with an older driver that the manufacturer is no longer updating or that the user should fix themselves.

In one sentence: It’s fine to use your existing printer, that’s what’s gone smoothly for. If anything, you can have a tough time when setting new devices up.

Also Read: How to Get Microsoft Office for Free (Legally)

What To Do: Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

Don’t wait for an issue to arise. Run through this easy guide.

Step 1: Check Your Printer’s “Birth Certificate”

Locate your printer model exactly the first time. It can be found on a label stuck to the printer. You should get the complete model number for your printer (e.g. “HP LaserJet Pro M404dn” without just “HP LaserJet”).

Step 2: Do a Quick Compatibility Check

• Visit the site of your printer manufacturer (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, etc.).
• Navigate to their “Support” or “Drivers” section.
• Type in your full printer model.
• Get drivers for Windows 11 if you’re lucky enough to find some. You are fine if there are.

Step 3: How to Install a Driver Manually (The New Normal)

With Windows Update no longer doing it automatically, at times you’ll have to go through the process yourself. Don’t panic, it is straightforward:

• Download: Choose the correct Windows 11 driver for your model on the manufacturer’s site and download it.
• Execute: Open the downloaded program (generally, it ends with .exe).
• Following the step: The installation program will be started. Press the “Next” button several times. The program steps you through the installation of the driver and usually also helps you connect the printer.

Pro Tip: Save the webpage of your printer’s driver download in the browser’s bookmarks. You will be pleased with yourself if you ever have to reinstall the printer.

Step 4: Know Your Backup Options

What will you do if there isn’t a Windows 11 driver of any kind for your great old printer?

• Apply the Built-in Polyfill: Windows can utilize a very modern generic driver called the IPP Class Driver on Windows 11. Your printer may be compatible with it, but only with basic functionalities. The latter can be the default choice of Windows when you add a printer.
• Lean on the Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Printer troubleshooter. It can be a handy tool for fixing printer setup issues.
• Plan B: If you really cannot get along without a printer and it is really an important one for you, you could keep an old Windows 10 computer to print to the same printer, or else you should consider buying another ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌one.

Also Read: How to Sign or Login Into Microsoft Office 365 for Business

Quick Guide: Printer Problem Solutions

The Bottom Line

This change by Microsoft pushes the responsibility for printer drivers from automatic updates to a “self-service” model. For most people, the solution is straightforward: get comfortable visiting your printer manufacturer’s website to download drivers yourself.

It’s one extra step, but it ensures you get the right software and keeps your printing running smoothly. Check your printers today and bookmark those driver pages—it’s the simplest way to avoid future headaches.