Microsoft Says Goodbye to Old Printer Drivers—Here’s What It Means for You

In January, Microsoft released an update for Windows 11, which no longer supports obsolete V3 and V4 printer drivers. As always, the update is gradually being rolled out, but it will soon be on all supported PCs. On its official support page, the company states that starting January 2026, Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers. Created by Grok

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These older driver models were declared obsolete back in September 2023, so Microsoft gave partners and customers time to prepare. Now, the company claims that disabling support will not affect the majority of users since most printers on the market use newer driver architectures. However, it is easy to imagine a situation where some small company, government, or educational institution is still using an old printer. Most often, such printers are used with old PCs, but not always. In such cases, there will be issues.

Preparations and Market Adjustments

Many companies and institutions will need to consider upgrading their IT infrastructure. For those still relying on printers with V3 and V4 drivers, this update serves as a catalyzer for modernization. New printer models compatible with Windows 11 are already flooding the market, promising enhanced connectivity, security features, and environmental efficiency.

For small businesses worried about additional expenses, Microsoft has announced various support programs to facilitate the transition. These include discounts on new compliant devices and comprehensive assistance for technical integration.

Impact on IT Management

The removal of support for outdated drivers could initially challenge IT departments, particularly if they lack the resources for immediate hardware upgrades. Nevertheless, this shift could also pave the way for more streamlined management of digital devices, reducing maintenance costs and bringing about more uniform security protocols across an organization’s network.