Windows: no new printer drivers from device manufacturers coming soon: the reason why

Si está utilizando una PC con Windows y una impresora, es posible que haya notado que necesita instalar un software de controlador para que funcionen juntas. Un controlador es un programa que le indica al sistema operativo cómo comunicarse con un dispositivo de hardware, como una impresora. Sin un controlador, es posible que su impresora no funcione correctamente o no funcione en absoluto.

However, installing and updating drivers can be complicated for many users. You may need to search for the appropriate driver on the manufacturer’s website, download it and run it manually. Sometimes the driver may not be compatible with your version of Windows or may cause errors or conflicts with other devices. Also, some printer manufacturers may stop providing driver updates for older models, leaving you with an outdated or unsupported device.

That’s why Microsoft plans to change the way drivers work in Windows. According to a recent blog post from the Windows team, Microsoft is introducing a new feature called Universal Print that will eliminate the need for printer drivers from device manufacturers. Universal Print is a cloud-based service that will allow Windows users to print from any device without installing any drivers.

How does Universal Printing work?

Universal Print works through a standard protocol supported by all printers. Instead of sending print commands directly to the printer, Windows will send them to the Universal Print service in the cloud. The service will then translate the commands into a format that the printer can understand and send them back to the device. In this way, Windows will not need to know the specific details of each printer model and will be able to print from any device that supports Universal Print.

What are the benefits of Universal Printing?

According to Microsoft, Universal Print will offer several benefits for both users and IT administrators. Some of these benefits are:

– Simplified printing experience: Users will not need to install or update any drivers or deal with compatibility issues. They will be able to print from any device with just a few clicks.

– Enhanced security: Users will be able to print securely over the Internet without exposing their data or devices to potential threats. The Universal Print service will use encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect print data and devices.

– Cost and waste reduction: Users will be able to save money and resources by using less ink and paper. The Universal Print service will offer features such as duplex printing, grayscale printing and print preview to help users optimize their printing habits.

– Improved management and monitoring: IT administrators will be able to manage and monitor all printers in their organization from a single dashboard. They will be able to set policies, assign permissions, track usage and troubleshoot problems remotely.

When will universal printing be available?

Universal Print is currently in public preview and is expected to be generally available in 2024. To use Universal Print, users will need a Windows 10 device that supports Azure Active Directory (AAD) and a printer that supports Universal Print. Alternatively, users can also use connector software that will allow legacy printers to work with Universal Print.

If you are interested in trying Universal Print, you can register for the public preview here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/universal-print/fundamentals/universal-print-preview-sign-up

Universal Print is one of the ways Microsoft intends to improve the user experience and productivity in Windows. By eliminating the need for printer drivers from device manufacturers, Microsoft hopes to make printing easier, faster and safer for everyone.

In this blog post, I will explain why Microsoft is moving away from proprietary printer drivers and how this affects you as a user. Microsoft has announced that it will stop accepting new drivers from printer manufacturers starting in 2025. This means that you will no longer need to install specific drivers for your printer, whether it is connected via network or USB. Instead, Windows will use Microsoft’s IPP-class universal driver, which supports Mopria-compliant printers. Mopria is an industry consortium that aims to simplify printing and scanning across devices and platforms.

What are the benefits of using the Microsoft IPP class driver?

One of the main advantages of using Microsoft’s IPP class driver is that it improves Windows security. Proprietary printer drivers often contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to compromise your system. By using a single, centrally maintained driver, Microsoft can ensure that it is always up to date and free of flaws. Another benefit is that Microsoft’s IPP-class driver is compatible with all versions and editions of Windows, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right driver for your printer and operating system. You can also use printer support applications from the Windows Store that offer additional features and settings for your printer.

How do I use the Microsoft IPP class driver?

If you have a Mopria-compatible printer, you can use the Microsoft IPP-class driver without any additional steps. Windows will automatically detect your printer and install the driver for you. You will then be able to print from any application or program that supports printing. If you have a printer that does not support Mopria, you may need to manually add it to Windows using the Add a printer or scanner option in Settings. You will need to select the Microsoft IPP class driver as the driver for your printer and enter the IP address or host name of your printer. You can find more information on how to do this here.

What if I want to use my printer’s proprietary driver?

If you prefer to use your printer’s proprietary driver, you can still do so until 2025. However, you should be aware that Microsoft will not accept any new drivers from printer manufacturers after that date, so your driver may become obsolete or incompatible with future Windows. updates. It is also possible that you may lose some of the security and performance benefits of using Microsoft’s IPP class driver. Therefore, we recommend that you switch to Microsoft’s IPP-class driver as soon as possible and enjoy an easier and more secure printing experience.

Microsoft announces major overhaul of Windows printing system

Microsoft security expert Johnathan Norman has revealed some interesting news about the future of printing in Windows. In a post on X (the social networking platform formerly known as Twitter), Norman announced that Microsoft is working on a new printing mode that will disable third-party print drivers. This is part of a larger effort to make printing on Windows more secure and modern.

Norman explained that the new print mode will use the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), which is a standard protocol for communicating with printers over a network. IPP allows Windows to print without relying on proprietary drivers from printer manufacturers, which can pose security risks and compatibility issues. IPP also supports advanced features such as encryption, authentication and compression.

Norman wrote: «We are making some important changes to Print in Windows. This is the first step towards a more secure and modern printing system. More details in a future blog post. https://t.co/RN6b8GzdYe

– Johnathan Norman (@spoofyroot) September 6, 2023″

According to Norman, Microsoft plans to phase out support for proprietary printer drivers gradually over the next few years. The timeline is as follows:

– Starting in 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide new proprietary printer drivers through Windows Update. Microsoft will continue to provide existing certified printer drivers through Windows Updates after 2025. Printer manufacturers can also update existing drivers.

– Starting in 2026, Microsoft will favor IPP drivers over proprietary drivers, and starting in 2027, Microsoft will no longer allow updates to existing proprietary drivers, with the exception of security updates. However, even after 2027, Windows will allow users to install printer drivers provided by manufacturers as standalone installation packages through their websites.

Norman assured users that the new print mode will not affect print quality or functionality in Windows. He also said that Microsoft will provide tools and guidance for users and IT professionals to migrate to the new print mode smoothly.

Norman concluded his release by saying, «We are very excited about this change and hope you are too. We believe this will make printing on Windows more secure, reliable and efficient for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic soon.»