Microsoft is transitioning the Windows 11 printing system to the Windows Ready Print platform, which relies on the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) instead of traditional manufacturer-specific drivers. This shift aims to standardize how the operating system manages printers from brands such as HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother.
The company has set a deadline of January 15, 2026, to stop distributing new printer drivers via Windows Update for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. By July 1, 2027, third-party driver updates will be restricted exclusively to security patches, limiting the scope for new feature support for legacy hardware.
The new Windows Protected Print Mode will further restrict driver sources by blocking third-party proprietary drivers. Devices that do not support IPP, IPP over USB, or the Mopria certification standard may face compatibility issues, potentially losing functionality or failing to be recognized by the system once this mode is active.
While users can currently disable the protected print mode to install legacy drivers, they will lose access to automatic updates. Continued functionality for older USB printers will depend entirely on whether manufacturers choose to maintain support for these legacy driver packages in future Windows versions.
