Shulou(Shulou.com)11/24 Report--

CTOnews.com Sept. 7, Microsoft released a new document detailing plans to stop serving third-party printer drivers on Windows. The goal of the program is to no longer provide manufacturer-made drivers through Windows updates, but to use Microsoft IPP class drivers and Mopria-compatible printing devices (native support for Windows 10 version 21H2).

This eliminates the need for printer manufacturers to provide dedicated installers and drivers, while still providing print customization for customers through the Microsoft Store application. Another benefit of this approach is improved performance and reliability, as well as wide compatibility across Windows versions.

Microsoft recognizes that stopping providing v3 and v4 printer drivers is a major change that will affect many customers. As a result, Microsoft will proceed in phases over a period of "many years". CTOnews.com attached schedule:

September 2023: preliminary announcement.

2025: manufacturers can no longer release new printer drivers to Windows updates. However, they can still serve and update existing drivers.

2026: Microsoft changes the order of printer drivers to give Windows priority to the built-in IPP class drivers.

2027: in addition to security-related fixes, updates to third-party printer drivers will no longer be available. However, existing third-party drivers are still available.

Microsoft added that manufacturers can continue to provide customers with "alternative ways" to download printer drivers. In other words, users can still install printer drivers from official or third-party websites. Microsoft says it does not intend to prevent users from using separate installation packages or removing features from existing v3 and v4 printer drivers.

The new driver policy will apply to all Windows versions. In addition, Microsoft will make Mopria certification a necessary condition for Hardware Lab Kit, which ensures that printers are compatible with a variety of devices, including PC, smartphones, tablets, etc.

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