Microsoft will quickly make it tougher so that you can get your printer updates on Home windows computer systems. For many years, Microsoft has allowed third-party printer corporations to bundle their drivers into Home windows Updates, making it straightforward for customers to replace their printers to the newest software program. Now, although, Microsoft says it is going to take after that possibility to assist push builders to utilize the Microsoft Retailer.
The plan right here looks like Microsoft hopes this transfer will trigger third-party builders to depend on the Microsoft Retailer to distribute their software program and apps. The change in driver implementation initially started in Home windows 10 model 21H2, which was launched in April of 2022.
Now that we’ve seen that implementation proceed by means of different variations of Home windows 11, as much as model 23H2, Microsoft plans to part out providing third-party drivers to customers through Home windows Updates.
Microsoft documented the change in a assist doc the place it word that the printer producers will not must bundle their drivers with Home windows updates. As a substitute, they need to construct them into the Print Assist Apps, which is able to permit these Home windows printer updates to move by means of the Microsoft Retailer.
The doc states that corporations ought to discover it simpler to distribute for producers, as they’ll solely must construct the answer as soon as to have it operate on all supported variations of Home windows. Due to these adjustments, Microsoft has introduced its plans to part out assist for these drivers in Home windows Replace. The method might be staggered however will start in September of 2023.
Right here’s a take a look at the timeline as Microsoft shared it. Bear in mind all these instances are topic to alter going ahead.
| Timeline in Years | Deliberate Motion |
| September 2023 | Announce legacy third-party printer driver for Home windows finish of servicing plan. |
| 2025 | No new printer drivers might be revealed to Home windows Replace. Current printer drivers on Home windows Replace can nonetheless be up to date. |
| 2026 | Printer driver rating order modified to all the time favor Home windows IPP inbox class driver. |
| 2027 | Aside from security-related fixes, third-party printer driver updates will not be allowed. Current third-party printer drivers could be put in from Home windows Replace or customers can set up printer drivers utilizing printer producers installer applications. |
In fact, with Home windows 10 deliberate for sundown in simply a few years, now’s the time to replace to Home windows 11 and put together for these coming adjustments.
