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Partly. As of October 5, 2026, Windows 11 and later, and Windows Server 2025 and later, are configured to prefer Microsoft’s built-in IPP printer driver. That does not mean Windows has removed every manufacturer (OEM) driver or replaced the driver on every PC. Microsoft’s built-in route is for Mopria-compliant printers, and your result depends on the printer model, connection and features you need.
What Microsoft changed
Windows 10 version 21H2 introduced built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers connected by network or USB through the Microsoft IPP Class Driver. Microsoft describes this as a way for supported printers to work without a printer-maker installer, driver or utility. Manufacturers can customize the experience with Print Support Apps (PSAs).
Microsoft’s policy for Windows 11 and later and Windows Server 2025 and later has three milestones:
| Date | Change | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Microsoft stopped routinely publishing new printer drivers to Windows Update for the covered platforms. | Updates to existing drivers may still be considered case by case. |
| July 1, 2026 | Windows changed its printer-driver ranking to always prefer the Windows IPP inbox class driver. | Windows favors the built-in driver when selecting a driver; this is not a universal removal of installed OEM drivers. |
| July 1, 2027 | Third-party driver updates are no longer allowed, except for security-related fixes. | Existing drivers can still be installed from Windows Update, and manufacturers can provide separate installation packages. |
These are Microsoft’s published policy milestones, not a claim that every printer or Windows release behaves identically. See Microsoft’s printer-driver servicing policy for the stated scope and details.
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Does this mean Windows has removed your OEM driver?
No. “Always prefer” describes driver ranking, not a blanket uninstall or ban. Microsoft says existing drivers can still be installed, and it will continue to allow vendor-supplied drivers through separate installation packages. Microsoft also says it has no plans to disable print features specifically related to the legacy v3/v4 driver platform.
The January 15, 2026 change is also not an absolute end to driver submissions. Microsoft’s submission guidance says printer-driver submissions are blocked by default and manually reviewed. Its listed exception cases include printers that cannot support Mopria, fax devices, ARM64 additions, and drivers for Windows 10 version 22H2 or earlier or Windows Server 2022 or earlier. Security fixes and other tightly justified cases are also addressed in the guidance. Details are in Microsoft’s driver submission instructions.
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Will the IPP inbox driver work with your printer?
That depends on the exact model and the functions you use. Microsoft describes the built-in support for Mopria-compliant printers; the policy does not establish compatibility or feature parity for every printer. Before removing an OEM package, check both the printer’s Mopria and IPP support and whether the built-in route covers your required functions.
- For printing: Confirm the model supports the relevant IPP path over your connection, whether network or USB.
- For scanning or fax: Multifunction devices may use different endpoints. Microsoft’s guidance describes IPP for network printing, IPP Fax Out for network fax, and WS-Scan or eSCL for network scanning. For USB multifunction devices in IPP Over USB mode, it describes device endpoints and eSCL for scanning.
- For extra controls: Check whether a manufacturer driver, utility or Print Support App provides a setting or workflow you rely on.
- For a specific Windows device: Take the Windows version and CPU architecture into account; the policy and submission exceptions distinguish among platforms and architectures.
Those endpoint descriptions are standards-path guidance, not proof that a particular printer implements every endpoint. Microsoft recommends the IPP inbox class driver with Print Support Apps for printer-device development on Windows 10 and 11; that recommendation does not guarantee that the inbox driver offers every feature of every OEM package. See Microsoft’s v4 printer-driver guidance.
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What to do before changing drivers
- Identify the printer model and connection. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for Mopria and IPP support, and note whether Windows connects to it over a network or USB.
- List the functions you actually need. Include printing settings as well as scanning, faxing and any manufacturer-specific controls.
- Check which driver and app Windows and the manufacturer provide for your model. Compare the built-in IPP option and any available Print Support App with the OEM package’s documented features.
- Keep the OEM package if a needed feature is unavailable through the built-in route. Microsoft still permits vendor-provided installation packages; the July 2026 preference does not require you to discard one.
So, has Microsoft replaced your driver?
Windows has shifted its preference toward the IPP inbox class driver on Windows 11 and later and Windows Server 2025 and later, but that is not the same as replacing every OEM driver on every computer. Whether the built-in driver is suitable for your printer is a model- and feature-specific question.
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
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