New Windows 11 feature may cause some printers to stop working after OS update

Due to a new feature in Windows 11, some printers will stop working after updating the OS. This was reported by How-To Geek.

The authors of the portal reminded that Microsoft will stop accepting updates for third-party printer drivers through Windows Update from July 1, 2027. This is due to the fact that the company is moving the operating system (OS) to a modern printing platform based on the IPP protocol. In turn, this transition may cause older printers to stop working.

The authors of How-To Geek described the dangers of such an update. According to them, the Windows 11 update will not disable an already installed printer - existing drivers will continue to work. However, problems may occur after reinstalling Windows or connecting the old printer to a new computer. “If you have an old USB-only printer that no longer receives driver updates and is not supported in any way by the manufacturer, then it will not function,” the authors explained.

Experts concluded that the transition will be gradual. As of January 15, 2026, Microsoft no longer automatically accepts new printer drivers for Windows 11, and as of July 1, the OS prefers the built-in IPP driver over third-party solutions by default.