Arrr, matey! Ye be rejoicin' fer the jolly tidings! Microsoft be cuttin' off them third-party printer drivers, aye!
2023-09-08
Avast ye! Microsoft be sayin' that it be cuttin' off support for third-party printer drivers, makin' the scallywags who make printers walk the plank and use their own drivers instead!
Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support third-party printer drivers on devices using Windows OS, including Windows 11. Instead, the company will rely on IPP Class Driver and Mopria-compliant print devices, which will be supported through Windows Update. This change means that printer manufacturers will no longer have to provide dedicated drivers for their devices.Consumers will still be able to customize their print settings through Microsoft Store apps. The standardized approach to drivers will also result in improved performance and reliability, as well as broad compatibility across different Windows versions and editions.
Mopria certification will be a mandatory requirement for printers, ensuring compatibility with other devices such as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. This eliminates the need for buyers to check compatibility themselves.
The transition to first-party drivers will take place gradually until 2027, and existing third-party drivers will still be accessible even after the switchover is complete.
While Microsoft's decision to prioritize first-party drivers is commendable, the company's approach to other aspects of Windows 11 has been criticized. Users have expressed frustration with aggressive upgrade prompts, pre-installed bloatware, dropped features from previous versions, and various other issues with the operating system.
In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to no longer support third-party printer drivers is a positive move for both manufacturers and consumers. However, the company still faces criticism for its handling of other aspects of Windows 11.