Security News > 2023 > September > Microsoft will block 3rd-party printer drivers in Windows Update
Microsoft will block third-party printer driver delivery in Windows Update as part of a substantial and gradual shift in its printer driver strategy over the next 4 years.
"With the release of Windows 10 21H2, Windows offers inbox support for Mopria compliant printer devices over network and USB interfaces via the Microsoft IPP Class Driver," Microsoft says.
Starting in 2025, Microsoft will stop accepting driver submissions from printer vendors, and no new third-party printer drivers will be published to Windows Update.
All drivers released by printer vendors will still work and can be installed on all Windows versions even after third-party printer drivers reach the end of servicing.
"Existing third-party printer drivers can be installed from Windows Update or users can install printer drivers by using a print device manufacturer-provided installation program," Microsoft explains.
Microsoft will keep issuing security patches for legacy printer drivers as long as the respective Windows versions are within their Microsoft Support Lifecycles.
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