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Why is my older printer not working with the latest Windows 11 update?
Microsoft Ends Legacy Printer Support: What You Need to Know
Microsoft has officially shifted its printing strategy for Windows 11, marking the end of support for legacy printer drivers. The preview update KB5074105, released for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 on January 29, 2026, prevents the installation of older V3 and V4 printer drivers. This change will affect a broader user base when the update rolls out to all devices during Patch Tuesday on February 10, 2026.
This transition prioritizes the Mopria standard and Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over manufacturer-specific drivers. If you rely on older printing hardware, you must understand how this impacts your workflow and what steps you should take next.
The Shift from Legacy Drivers to Mopria
For decades, printer manufacturers required users to install specific drivers (V3 and V4) to enable hardware communication. Microsoft is discontinuing this model. Windows 11 now relies on the Microsoft IPP Class Driver.
This driver supports Mopria-compliant devices. The Mopria Alliance, founded by Canon, HP, Samsung, and Xerox, establishes standards for universal printing and scanning. This protocol allows computers to communicate with printers locally or over a network without requiring specialized software. If your printer supports IPP, Windows will detect and install it automatically. If your printer relies solely on V3 or V4 drivers and lacks IPP support, you will encounter installation blocks.
The Phase-Out Timeline
Microsoft signaled this change in September 2023, but enforcement has now begun. The roadmap for ending legacy support is specific:
- January 2026: Windows Update stops distributing new third-party printer drivers. The KB5074105 update blocks the manual installation of older drivers on fresh Windows installations.
- February 10, 2026: The restrictions in the preview update roll out to all Windows 11 24H2/25H2 users.
- July 2026: Windows will prioritize IPP drivers over legacy drivers during installation.
- July 2027: The operating system will strictly forbid the installation of any third-party printer drivers.
Impact on Your Hardware
This policy change primarily affects new installations. If you currently have a legacy printer installed and working on Windows 11, it should continue to function after the February update. The existing drivers remain active.
However, if you attempt to reinstall your printer or perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 24H2, the system will block the V3/V4 drivers. You may find yourself unable to use the device if the manufacturer does not offer an IPP-compliant alternative.
Advisory Steps for Users
To ensure business continuity and avoid hardware obsolescence, take the following actions:
- Verify Mopria Compatibility: Check your printer manufacturer’s support site to see if your model supports IPP or Mopria standards. Most network-capable printers manufactured since 2015 support this.
- Backup Current Drivers: If you rely on a legacy device, back up your current installed drivers locally. While Windows blocks new downloads via Windows Update, having a local backup may assist in specific recovery scenarios, though success is not guaranteed.
- Plan for Replacement: If your critical printing hardware is strictly V3/V4 dependent, budget for a replacement before July 2027.
- Contact Support: Reach out to your printer manufacturer immediately to request IPP drivers if none are listed.