Share via

Windows Hardware / Driver certification (HLK/WHCK)

Yi Qu 0 Reputation points
2026-05-22T06:02:38.64+00:00

I would like to ask a question about the following statement in the above URL: “July 1, 2027: Except for security-related fixes, third-party printer driver updates will no longer be allowed. Existing third-party printer drivers can be installed from Windows Update, or users can install printer drivers by using an installation package provided by the print device manufacturer.”

 

We would like to continue releasing printer drivers to the market after July 1, 2027, in the form of installation packages that are not included in Windows Update. What I would like to know is whether, after July 1, 2027, it will be possible to submit such printer drivers for WHCK certification and obtain CAT files.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Other
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Scott Nguyen 1,470 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-22T06:18:33.7533333+00:00

    Hello, you will still be able to submit third-party printer drivers for Windows Hardware Compatibility Program certification and receive signed CAT files after the July 1, 2027 deadline. However, submissions must meet the following conditions:

    • A printer that cannot be Mopria certified.
    • Driver package submissions specifying a ceiling of Windows 10 or lower, will continue to be signed.
    • Native ARM64 printer drivers.

    For more details, please refer to: End of servicing plan for third-party printer drivers on Windows

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-05-22T06:02:56.96+00:00

    After July 1, 2027, new or updated third-party printer drivers are generally no longer allowed, except for security-related fixes. However, printer manufacturers can still submit printer drivers for validation and signing through the Partner Center hardware tool, subject to stricter review and approval conditions.

    Under the legacy printer driver submission process effective January 15, 2026, all printer driver submissions (both WHQL and Attestation) are blocked by default and undergo manual review. Each new printer driver submission must include justification documentation. According to the end-of-servicing FAQ, after January 15, 2026, new printer drivers targeted at Windows 11+ and Windows Server 2025+ will only be approved on a case-by-case basis, under specific conditions:

    1. The printer cannot be Mopria certified.
    2. The driver package targets Windows 10 or lower (these will continue to be signed).
    3. Native ARM64 printer drivers.

    Windows will continue to allow vendor-supplied printer drivers to be installed via separate installation packages, and existing Microsoft-signed printer drivers can still be installed even after end of servicing.

    Therefore:

    • Submitting printer drivers for WHQL/attestation signing (to obtain CAT files) remains possible, but is subject to manual review and case-by-case approval under the above conditions.
    • For Windows 11+ and Windows Server 2025+, non-security driver updates or new drivers that do not meet those conditions are not expected to be approved after the deprecation milestones.
    • For Windows 10 or lower, driver packages can continue to be signed as long as they explicitly target those OS versions.

    To continue releasing printer drivers as standalone installation packages after July 1, 2027, ensure submissions comply with the documented conditions (for example, targeting Windows 10 or lower, native ARM64, or justified non-Mopria scenarios) and provide the required justification documentation in Partner Center.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.