* Tom's Hardware article
Microsoft purges Windows 11 printer drivers, putting millions of devices on borrowed time
https://www.tomshardware.com/peripherals/printers/microsoft-stops-distrubitng-legacy-v3-and-v4-printer-drivers
# Part of the content was translated from Gemini 3.0 and edited.
Microsoft is overhauling the way Windows 11 supports printers, discontinuing support for drivers that primarily supported older hardware. Starting with a non-security update released on January 15th, Microsoft will no longer support legacy (legacy) V3 and V4 printer drivers, which officially ended support in September 2023.
* [Support document reference] End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/ko-kr/windows-hardware/drivers/print/end-of-servicing-plan-for-third-party-printer-drivers-on-windows
This policy is part of a broader plan to modernize the Windows printing platform, which began with the release of Windows 10 21H2, eliminating the need for printer manufacturers to provide their own installation programs.
Under this plan, users running Windows 11 or Windows Server 2025 and above will no longer be able to install new printer drivers through Windows updates.
Essentially, this change is a decision for service management and security. The existing Windows print driver ecosystem has long been a headache for Microsoft. Issues with the print spooler vulnerability, such as PrintNightmare, and the burden of supporting thousands of manufacturer-specific drivers have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the entire ecosystem.
Microsoft has strengthened its Windows update deployment policy, shifting the responsibility for supporting older hardware back to the manufacturers. [Rest of content omitted]
* Link to a similar article from another media outlet, Windows Central
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11-finally-pulls-the-plug-on-legacy-printer-drivers-starting-january-2026
https://x.com/WindowsCentral/status/2019840038763131226
