Microsoft is introducing a new printing feature in Windows 11 that could cause some older printers to stop working, technology publication How-To Geek has reported.
Under the planned changes, Microsoft will stop accepting third-party printer driver updates through Windows Update starting 1 July 2027. The tech company is transitioning the operating system to a modernized printing platform based on the Internet Printing Protocol.
Journalists at How-To Geek noted that the software update will not immediately disable printers that are already configured on a system. Existing installed drivers will continue to function normally on current machine setups.
However, operational problems are expected to emerge when reinstalling Windows 11 or when connecting an older printing device to a new computer. The publication explained that older printers operating solely through USB connections will fail to work if they no longer receive driver updates and have lost manufacturer support.
Phased rollout timeline
Specialists at the technology outlet highlighted that the transition to the new architecture is taking place gradually. Microsoft already stopped automatically accepting new printer drivers for Windows 11 on 15 January 2026.
Starting 1 July, the operating system defaults to preferring its built-in Internet Printing Protocol driver over third-party software solutions. That step precedes the total phase-out of third-party driver update delivery through Windows Update in July 2027.
Microsoft Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington, develops the Windows operating system used on hundreds of millions of computers globally. Operating systems rely on hardware drivers, which act as software translators between the computer and external equipment. Windows Update is Microsoft's automated internet service designed to download and install security patches, system improvements, and hardware drivers. The Internet Printing Protocol is a standard network protocol designed to let computers communicate directly with printing equipment over network connections without requiring custom third-party drivers.
Alternative network printing options
In a related report published in mid-August, How-To Geek journalists explained how users can repurpose household equipment to maintain device connectivity. The outlet noted that a standard wireless router featuring USB ports can be configured to function as network storage or a media server.
Furthermore, tech experts at the publication explained that connecting a USB printer directly to a router's USB port converts the standalone peripheral into a shared network device accessible across a local network.
How-To Geek is an online tech magazine that publishes tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and news regarding computer hardware and operating systems. Universal Serial Bus connections remain the most widespread standard for connecting physical peripherals to computers and networking equipment, allowing data transfer and hardware integration across home and office networks.
