Microsoft Ditches Printer Drivers, Switches to HTTP by Default

Microsoft is transitioning Windows printing to a standard HTTP-based communication system, moving away from traditional printer drivers. According to a technical report from Tweakers, the company is shifting toward a model where printers communicate via HTTP, reducing the reliance on manufacturer-specific software installations to enable basic printing functions.

How will the new printing standard work?

The shift replaces the traditional driver model, which requires users to download and install specific software packages from hardware vendors, with a standardized web-based protocol. Under this new framework, Windows will interact with printers using HTTP, treating the printer more like a network service than a hardware peripheral requiring a dedicated local driver. This change aims to streamline the “plug-and-play” experience by eliminating the need for manual driver searches and installations for standard printing tasks.

Why is Microsoft removing printer drivers?

The primary driver for this change is the instability and security risks associated with third-party kernel-mode drivers. According to the reporting by Tweakers, traditional drivers often operate with high system privileges; if a driver is poorly written or outdated, it can cause system crashes or create security vulnerabilities. By moving the communication to HTTP, Microsoft isolates the printing process from the core operating system kernel, which increases system stability and simplifies the update process for both Microsoft and hardware manufacturers.

What happens to older printers?

The transition does not immediately render legacy hardware obsolete, but it changes how those devices are managed. For printers that do not support the new HTTP standard, Windows will continue to rely on existing driver frameworks or generic class drivers. However, the long-term goal is a standardized environment where the hardware provides the necessary interface via HTTP, and the operating system consumes that interface without needing a unique software bridge for every model.

How does this compare to previous printing standards?

This move represents a departure from the legacy Windows Print Spooler architecture and the widespread use of proprietary .inf and .sys driver files. While standards like IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) have existed for years, Microsoft’s push toward a default HTTP-based interaction signals a more aggressive move toward a driverless environment. This mirrors trends seen in mobile operating systems, such as iOS and Android, which utilize AirPrint and Mopria to print without installing dedicated apps or drivers.

Microsoft has not provided a specific sunset date for all legacy driver support, but the integration of HTTP as the default communication method is now the primary development path for Windows printing.