Microsoft to Block Third-Party Printer Drivers from Windows Update for Security Reasons

Microsoft will block third-party printer drivers from being delivered through Windows Update starting in 2025 as part of a shift in its printer driver strategy.
This is to improve security, as printer drivers have often contained flaws that went unnoticed for years.
Microsoft will transition to prioritizing its own Windows IPP Class drivers over third-parties' beginning in 2026.
Third-party printer vendors will still be able to provide drivers directly to users after 2025, just not through Windows Update.
Microsoft will keep issuing security updates for legacy third-party drivers as long as their Windows versions are supported.

bleepingcomputer.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Microsoft will stop offering third-party printer drivers through Windows Update soon

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9/12/2023

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