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No—Microsoft has not announced that Windows 11 will stop working with your existing v3 or v4 printer. The company corrected inaccurate Windows Roadmap wording. Its clarification distinguishes using a printer from how Microsoft distributes and services third-party printer drivers through Windows Update.
What Microsoft clarified
A Windows Roadmap update had said Windows would “no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers.” Microsoft later said that wording was inaccurate and removed it. In a statement reported by Windows Central on February 25, 2026, a Microsoft spokesperson said: “Windows has not ended support for legacy printer drivers. If your printer works with Windows today, it will continue to work, and no action is required.”
That clarification means an already-working legacy printer is not being abruptly disabled. It does not mean Windows Update will continue distributing and servicing every third-party driver in the same way indefinitely.
What the printer-driver dates mean
Microsoft’s End of Servicing Plan, dated May 9, 2025, describes staged changes to third-party printer drivers:
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- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
| Date | Change | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | For Windows 11 and later, and Windows Server 2025 and later, new third-party printer drivers are no longer published to Windows Update by default. Submissions are considered case by case; existing drivers on Windows Update can still be updated subject to approval. | This is a change to new-driver distribution and approval, not a cutoff for printers already installed and working. |
| July 1, 2026 | Driver ranking changes to prefer the Windows IPP inbox class driver. | When Windows chooses a driver, it may favor the built-in IPP driver over a vendor driver. Check whether the selected driver supports your printer’s features. |
| July 1, 2027 | Except for security-related fixes, third-party printer-driver updates are no longer allowed through the Windows Update servicing path. | This limits future updates through Windows Update; it is not an announced shutdown of installed drivers or legacy printing features. |
Microsoft’s third-party printer driver FAQ says vendor-supplied drivers can still be installed using separate installation packages, and existing drivers can be installed even after the end of servicing. Microsoft also says it has no plans to disable print features specifically related to the legacy printer-driver platform.
Can you reinstall a legacy printer after January 2026?
Yes, if you have a compatible driver. Microsoft’s plan changes default publication and approval through Windows Update; it does not prohibit installing a vendor-supplied driver package. If Windows Update does not offer the driver you need, get the installer from your printer manufacturer’s official support page. Save both the installer and the support-page address while they are available, so you can find them again if you need to set up the printer on another PC or after reinstalling Windows.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Which driver should you use?
The right option depends on compatibility and the printer features you rely on. The IPP driver is built into Windows; a manufacturer package may include device-specific functions. Compare them before switching rather than assuming one is universally better.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The OfficeJet Pro 8125e is perfect for home offices printing professional-quality color documents like business documents, reports, presentations and flyers. Print speeds up to 10 ppm color, 20 ppm black
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- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
- 3 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK WITH HP+ ACTIVATION – Subscribe to Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out. After 3 months, monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
Rank #4
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – The Envy 6155 is perfect for homes printing everyday high-quality color documents like homework and borderless photos. Print speeds up to 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color.
- 3 MONTH TRIAL OF INSTANT INK – Subscribe to the Instant Ink delivery service to get ink delivered directly to your door before you run out, and you save up to 50% on ink. After 3 months, a monthly fee applies unless cancelled.
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy and scan, plus auto 2-sided printing and a 100-sheet input tray
- HP'S MOST INTUITIVE COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – Smoothly navigate your printer with the easy-to-use 2.4" touchscreen
- WIRELESS PRINTING – Stay connected with our most reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues
Rank #3
| Option | Compatibility | Feature completeness | Source and offline availability | Windows Update servicing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Existing v3/v4 driver | Continues to work if the printer and driver remain compatible with your Windows setup; Microsoft says a printer working today will continue to work. | Depends on the driver and printer; check device-specific options you use. | Already installed; keep the original installer if you have it. | Third-party driver updates become security-only through this path from July 1, 2027. |
| Manufacturer installer | Use the package intended for your exact printer model and Windows version. | May provide model-specific options; verify that it includes the functions you need. | Available from the manufacturer’s support page as a separate installation package; save it for offline reinstallation. | New submissions to Windows Update are subject to case-by-case approval from January 15, 2026; after July 1, 2027, updates through Windows Update are limited to security-related fixes. |
| Windows IPP inbox class driver | Windows may prefer it in driver ranking from July 1, 2026; actual support depends on the printer. | Check whether it offers the device-specific settings or functions you need. | Included with Windows. | Windows may favor it in driver ranking from July 1, 2026. |
What legacy-printer owners should do
- If the printer works, keep using it. Microsoft’s clarification does not require you to replace it.
- Save the manufacturer’s driver installer. Find it on the official support page for your exact model, and keep the page address with the file.
- Compare drivers if Windows offers the IPP class driver. Test the functions you actually use—such as any model-specific settings—before deciding to switch.
- If a USB printer will not connect, check the cable and port. Replace a cable only if it is damaged or the printer needs a different compatible cable; confirm connector type and length before buying.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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