FEBRUARY 9, 2026 sees Microsoft clarifying that, from January 2026, Windows will no longer support V3 and V4 printer drivers, a move framed as a deprecation of legacy architectures rather than a blanket killing of printers. According to Microsoft, V3 and V4 drivers will not be published through Windows Update, but existing drivers can still be updated on a case‑by‑case basis and remain functional if users install them manually.
The policy shift therefore targets new driver distribution rather than removing printers from users’ systems outright. The article notes that most customers use newer drivers or modern printing solutions, which continue to work and are recommended. If a printer depends on a V3 or V4 driver, it may stop installing or working after support ends, unless the user manually retrieves and installs the needed driver.
Microsoft emphasises that drivers already installed will remain viable, though any inherent security vulnerabilities in these legacy systems are a risk users must manage.