Microsoft is ending support for millions of older printers in Windows 11

Microsoft has announced a major change to its Windows 11 operating system that will affect millions of users around the world. The tech giant is gradually phasing out support for older printers that rely on specific third-party drivers. Instead, Microsoft is moving towards the universal MOPRIA standard, which means that many devices that have worked flawlessly for years will soon no longer be compatible with the latest version of the system.

Users who rely on older hardware have found themselves facing a new challenge. Microsoft has confirmed in an official statement that Windows 11 will eventually stop supporting printers that require proprietary drivers from manufacturers. This decision is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to simplify the driver ecosystem and improve system security. Instead of thousands of different files that manufacturers had to develop, Windows 11 will now use the standardized IPP (Internet Printing Protocol), which is based on the MOPRIA certificate.

This transition from Microsoft brings mixed feelings. On the one hand, installing new printers will become faster and easier, as users will no longer have to search for and install additional software from manufacturer websites. On the other hand, it means that printers manufactured before 2010 or those that do not support the MOPRIA standard will become unusable on Windows 11. While the end of support will not happen overnight, Microsoft plans to complete the entire transition by 2027.

Experts warn that Microsoft's move could lead to an increase in e-waste. Many printers in offices and homes are still in perfect condition, but they will no longer be recognized by Windows 11. Microsoft emphasizes that existing drivers will continue to be available through Windows Update for some time, but manufacturers will no longer be allowed to release new versions through this channel. For users, this means that they may have to buy a new device when the next major Windows 11 update rolls out.

To avoid problems, Microsoft recommends checking your printer specifications. If your device is more than 40 cm wide and does not have built-in Wi-Fi or support for modern protocols, it is likely that it will become incompatible in the future. With this step, Microsoft is encouraging the transition to more secure and energy-efficient solutions, but the path to that end will be expensive for many Windows 11 users. It is recommended that you check your hardware compatibility in system settings before any major update.