Windows and printers, Microsoft announces the end of driver installations and updates via Windows Update

2023-09-07 22:04:02

Windows 11 et l’impression

Under Windows 10 and 11 connecting a printer generates two scenarios. Either it is recognized and exploitable or it is not. In this case it is necessary to intervene in order to install the drivers necessary for its proper functioning.

Microsoft has just made an important announcement on this subject. The firm ends the maintenance of printer drivers. Clearly in the years to come, printer manufacturers will no longer be able to use the “Windows Update” distribution channel to deploy their print drivers.

The idea is to push for the adoption of standardized drivers accompanied by a printing assistance application to exploit the functionalities. These UWP apps will be distributed through the Microsoft Store and may install automatically if a supported printer is discovered.

The giant explains that the default printer driver provides ” inbox support for Mopria-compatible print devices on network and USB interfaces ».

The Mopria Alliance was formed in 2013 by Canon, HP, Samsung and Xerox with the aim of creating universal standards and solutions for scanning and printing. Since then, the number of members has increased considerably with now players such as Brother, Epson, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Lexmark, Kyocera, Adobe and many others. Today more than 6000 printer models support this standard.

Microsoft has planned this change in several stages over the next four years.

September 2023 > Announcing the end of legacy third-party printer drivers via Windows Update. 2025 > Manufacturers can no longer release new printer drivers through Windows Update. Existing printer drivers can still be updated. 2026 > Microsoft changes the ranking order of printer drivers to prefer standardized drivers. 2027 > Third-party printer drivers can no longer be updated via Windows Update. The only exception to the rule are updates that address security issues.

Related Articles:  AirPods Max are being stolen in the streets of the US

On the other hand, manufacturers can continue to create and distribute printer installation packages independently of Windows Update even after 2027. In addition, older printers will continue to be supported, provided that a driver is available.

1694126082
#Windows #printers #Microsoft #announces #driver #installations #updates #Windows #Update

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.