Microsoft is phasing out traditional third-party printer drivers in Windows 11, moving toward a unified built-in printing architecture. This shift targets v3 and v4 driver versions, which previously required manual installation from hardware manufacturers.
Since July 1, 2024, Windows has prioritized the use of built-in Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) drivers for compatible devices. While existing third-party drivers continue to receive updates, the system is transitioning to a standardized framework to improve security and maintenance.
By July 1, 2027, Microsoft will restrict third-party driver updates exclusively to security patches. Users will still be able to manually install manufacturer-provided driver packages, provided that the hardware vendors continue to support the legacy mode.
The company is also introducing Windows Protected Print Mode. When enabled, this mode blocks third-party drivers and removes dependent printers. Compatible Mopria-certified devices can be reinstalled via Windows Ready Print, while unsupported models will remain inactive unless the mode is disabled.
Microsoft intends to make the Protected Print Mode the default setting in the future, although a specific timeline for this transition has not yet been announced.
