Microsoft will block third-party printer drivers on Windows Update
Image: Midjourney
Microsoft will block third party printer drivers in Windows Update in order to make a gradual and substantial shift in its driver strategy over the coming 4 years.
Microsoft says that with the release Windows 10 21H2, Windows now offers inbox support over USB and network interfaces for Mopria compliant devices via the Microsoft IPP Driver.
“This eliminates the need for printer manufacturers to provide their drivers, installers, utilities, etc.”
According to Johnathan Norman, Microsoft Offensive Research & Security Engineering (MORSE) principal engineer manager, the company will implement a new default print mode to disable third-party drivers for printing purposes.
This move is intended to enhance the overall security of Windows, as security flaws in printer drivers that affect hundreds of models often go unnoticed and expose users to significant risks.
“We are changing Print in Windows.” Norman: “This is the first move towards a modern, secure printing system.” tweeted.
Norman said in a Mastodon post that Windows will soon default to an updated print mode which disables third party drivers.
Starting in 2025, Microsoft will stop accepting driver submissions from printer vendors, and no new third-party printer drivers will be published to Windows Update.
The company will then modify the printer driver rankings in 2026 to give priority to the in-house Windows Internet Printing Protocol Class (IPP) drivers.
Beginning in 2027, Windows Update will no longer deliver third-party printer driver upgrades unless they contain security fixes.
Windows will continue to allow users to download printer drivers from vendors’ websites as standalone packages.
All printer drivers released by the printer vendors will continue to work and can still be installed on Windows versions after third-party drivers reach their end of service.
“Existing third-party printer drivers can be installed from Windows Update or users can install printer drivers by using a print device manufacturer-provided installation program,” Microsoft explains.
“However, new printer drivers won’t be published on Windows Update after 2025.” Manufacturers and independent vendors will have to provide an alternative method for customers to download and use those printer drivers.”
Microsoft will continue to release security patches for older printer drivers so long as they are within the Microsoft Support Lifecycle of their respective Windows versions.