Microsoft announces that it will discontinue distribution of third-party printer drivers with Windows Update, perhaps due to ``strengthening overall security''
Microsoft has announced that it will no longer distribute third-party printer drivers through Windows Update as part of a substantial, gradual rollout of printer drivers over the next four years.
End of servicing plan for third-party printer drivers on Windows - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn
Microsoft will block 3rd-party printer drivers in Windows Update
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-will-block-3rd-party-printer-drivers-in-windows-update/
Microsoft says, 'Since the release of Windows 10 version 21H2, Windows provides in-box support for Mopria -compliant printer devices on network and USB interfaces through the Microsoft IPP class driver. This allows printer manufacturers to is no longer required to provide its own installers, drivers, and utilities.'
Printer drivers and utilities will now be distributed via the Microsoft Store and will also be available through automatically installed printing support apps . In addition, improvements in reliability and performance can be expected by migrating the development framework for drivers and utilities from the existing Win32 to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP).
BleepingComputer, a news site that deals with security issues, points out that Microsoft's purpose is to ``revamp the printing system to strengthen the overall security of the Windows ecosystem.'' In fact, a bug was reported in 2021 that exploited a security vulnerability discovered 16 years ago in printer drivers from HP, Xerox, and Samsung and allowed system administrator privileges to be obtained, prompting a review of the printing system. It's now in demand.
According to Microsoft, it plans to stop accepting driver submissions from printer manufacturers in 2025. In 2026, the company will 'always prioritize Windows IPP inbox class drivers,' and in 2027 it will completely end distribution of third-party printer drivers via Windows Update. However, security-related fixes will continue to be made.
``In the near future, Windows will default to a new printing mode that disables third-party printer drivers,'' Microsoft engineer Jonathan Norman said in Mastodon.
However, by simply discontinuing distribution through Windows Update, third-party drivers provided by manufacturers will continue to work on all versions of Windows. You can also install the driver separately from a package downloaded from the manufacturer's official website.
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