Microsoft has reversed a contentious update to its product development outline, which initially endangered the operation of countless outdated printers.
This month, the firm's roadmap listing suggested that V3 and V4 drivers for legacy printers faced phase-out. Systems relying on them could potentially stop functioning, based on early indications. A prior analysis clarified, however, that these printers would maintain normal performance, albeit without fresh driver deliveries through Windows Update.
Microsoft has revised the roadmap entry to reflect this and shared an explanatory note with Windows Central.
"Windows maintains ongoing support for older printer drivers. Any printer compatible with the current Windows version will keep operating without user intervention," a company representative stated to the outlet. In practice, the situation remains unchanged.
The firm still indicates that legacy printer producers cannot deliver revised drivers for their products. Generally, as hardware ages, vendors tend to issue progressively fewer software updates. Functionality of these printers is not in question—they will operate—but ensuring driver security against potential breaches is key. Outdated network printers frequently provide hackers with simple access to systems.
In 2025, security experts uncovered vulnerabilities in Brother printers that let external intruders crack default passwords on 689 models. Comparable risks soon surfaced in devices from competing brands. (Owners ought to replace factory-set passwords immediately.) That July, Microsoft rolled out Protected Print Mode in Windows 11 to counter such incursions; a related piece explains enabling this option. The mechanism offers essential safeguards for these otherwise exposed legacy devices.