Microsoft has just announced the end of support for printer drivers via Windows Update. Manufacturers will have to offer their own solution on the Microsoft Store or on their website.
Whether you are running Windows 10 or Windows 11, you know that by going to the page dedicated to updates, you can regularly find the one for your printer. More precisely the latest drivers that it needs to function, or to fix critical security vulnerabilities. This is a classic operation that Microsoft nevertheless began to modify from the Windows 10 version 21H2. The company generalizes it by announcing the gradual end of printer updates via Windows Update.
As the change is not trivial, Microsoft also reveals a timetable to explain the steps of the procedure. In 2025, no new printers will be able to be updated with Windows Update. However, existing drivers can still benefit from it. In 2027, unless there is a security patch, the system ends for all models. So the question is: how to update your printer after the fateful date?
Windows Update will no longer update printers, it’s up to manufacturers to develop their solution
Microsoft explains that manufacturers will have to develop a application to update their productsapplication which will be available on the Microsoft Store. There is an advantage on their side, since they will only have to maintain this app so that it works on all versions of Windows. But what about those who can’t, or won’t, create such a tool?
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In this case, manufacturers will have to find another means of distribution, for example by providing the drivers their official website. Even if 2027 is relatively far away, the choice of the Redmond firm can potentially embarrass users. They will only be able to count on the will and abilities of manufacturers to create and maintain a reliable driver update system. Fortunately, more and more online solutions make it possible to do without a printer. For example, Google Drive which has recently integrated a digital document signature system.
Source: XDA Developers