Microsoft Is Changing Printer Drivers: What Businesses Need to Know

Microsoft is changing the way Windows 11 connects to and manages printers, with a greater focus on security and reducing reliance on traditional third party printer drivers.

With changes to printer driver support already underway and Windows Protected Print Mode becoming increasingly important, businesses may be wondering what this actually means. Will your existing printers still work? Do you need to make any changes? And should you be doing anything now?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is Microsoft changing about printer drivers?

Microsoft is changing how Windows communicates with printers, traditionally, printer manufacturers such as Xerox and Lexmark have provided their own drivers. These are pieces of software that allow your computer and printer to communicate and give you access to different printing features.

Instead, Windows will increasingly use its own built in technology, known as an IPP Class Driver, to communicate with compatible printers.

For the everyday user, printing should still feel much the same as the bigger change is happening behind the scenes in how Windows connects to and manages printers.

Why is Microsoft changing Windows printing?

A key reason is security, due to printers are connecting to your wider IT environment, keeping the technology behind them secure is increasingly important.

Microsoft is modernising Windows printing to reduce its reliance on third party drivers and create a more secure printing environment.

For businesses, it's another reminder that printers should be considered part of your wider IT and cyber security setup, rather than simply a piece of office equipment. We've covered some of the common risks in our guide to why printers can be a security risk.

What is Windows Protected Print Mode?

Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) is part of Microsoft's approach to making printing through Windows more secure. In simple terms, it allows Windows to work with compatible printers without relying on traditional third party printer drivers.

You may also come across the term Mopria certified printer when researching the changes, Mopria is a printing standard designed to make it easier for devices and printers from different manufacturers to work together.

The important thing for businesses is understanding whether your existing printers and the features you use are compatible with Microsoft's new approach.

When are Microsoft's printer driver changes happening?

 Microsoft is introducing the changes gradually, rather than making one big switch.

From 15 January 2026, Microsoft stopped routinely accepting new third party printer drivers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 onwards through Windows Update. Since 1 July 2026, Windows has prioritised Microsoft's built in IPP Class Driver when choosing between available printer drivers.

From 1 July 2027, Microsoft plans to stop allowing third party printer driver updates through Windows Update, except for security related fixes.

This doesn't mean your printer will suddenly stop working. Existing third party drivers can still be installed, but the way Windows supports and manages printer drivers is changing.

For businesses, now is a sensible time to understand what devices you have and check they're ready for Microsoft's changing approach.

Will our existing printers still work?

This is probably the biggest question for most businesses and the answer is: your printers won't necessarily stop working simply because Microsoft is changing the way Windows printing works.

However, compatibility will depend on your devices, how they're currently configured and the printing features your business relies on.

Older devices or more complex print setups may need particular attention, so it's worth reviewing your print environment rather than assuming everything will continue to work in exactly the same way.

What do the changes mean for Xerox and Lexmark printers?

If your business uses Xerox or Lexmark printers, it's worth checking whether your existing devices and the features you rely on are compatible with Microsoft's changing approach to Windows printing.

It's not simply a question of whether you can still press print. Your teams may rely on scanning, finishing, authentication or other device features as part of their everyday workflows. These should all be considered when reviewing your existing print environment.

What should businesses do now?

There's no need to panic or start replacing perfectly good printers. Instead, take the opportunity to review your current print environment. Consider:

• What printers and multifunction devices do you currently use?

• How old are they?

• Are your devices compatible with newer Windows printing technology?

• Are there particular print, scan or document features your teams rely on?

• How are your printers currently managed and kept secure?

Understanding this now can help you identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Preparing your business for the changes

You don't need to become an expert in printer drivers or Windows Protected Print Mode, that's where working with the right print and IT partner can help.

At DNS, we help businesses manage their print environments, including Xerox and Lexmark devices, alongside their wider IT infrastructure.

If you're unsure how Microsoft's changes could affect your printers, we can review your current setup, identify any areas that may need attention and help make sure your print environment is ready for what's next. Contact us to find out more.