printers Archives

Winsage

March 20, 2026

Think Windows 11 is annoying? These 4 Windows XP “nightmares” were way worse

Windows XP was launched in 2001 without an active firewall or integrated antivirus, exposing users to malware. The Internet Connection Firewall was included but not enabled by default, and it wasn't activated until Service Pack 2 was released nearly three years later. Microsoft introduced its antivirus solution, Microsoft Security Essentials, in 2009. Internet Explorer 6, included with Windows XP, had significant security vulnerabilities, allowing malware to easily infiltrate systems. The transition from Windows 95/98 to NT caused driver compatibility issues, leading to troubleshooting challenges for users. Network sharing features were unreliable, with many users experiencing difficulties connecting multiple XP PCs and sharing printers. Windows XP reached its refined state with Service Pack 3 in 2008 and ended mainstream support in 2014. Despite this, it continues to be used in some modern applications, such as self-checkout registers.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Windows 11 reaches new milestone as Microsoft comes closer to finally killing off Windows 10

Microsoft's Windows 10 global share has decreased to 26.27% as of February, down from 35.77% in January, while Windows 11's adoption rate has risen to 72.77%. Windows 11 is now used by 1 billion individuals worldwide. Official support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft is phasing out the Security Boot feature, and users must upgrade to Windows 11 for ongoing protection and updates. Windows 11 offers features like default encryption and improved virtual desktop support. Users with eligible Windows 10 systems can upgrade for free, but the minimum hardware requirements include a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot. As many as 240 million functioning laptops may be unable to upgrade due to these requirements. New hardware is available with Windows 11 pre-installed, and Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs with unique AI functionalities.

Winsage

March 6, 2026

Windows 11 is making big changes to printing, because printers are awful

Microsoft is transitioning to a universal printer driver system to address issues related to legacy printer drivers in Windows. Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, a universal printer driver compatible with Mopria standards has been integrated and is being enhanced through updates. A phased approach to legacy printer drivers will begin in January 2026, when Windows Update will stop allowing new legacy drivers for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2005. Existing drivers for older printers will continue to function. In July 2026, Windows 11 will prioritize the universal driver over legacy drivers, and by July 2027, updates for legacy drivers will be limited to security fixes. There is no set timeline for the complete discontinuation of old printers and their drivers.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows 11 February 2026 Update Is Now Available With 3 New Features

Microsoft has released a non-security feature preview update for Windows 11, designated as version KB5077241, which introduces performance and visual enhancements. This optional update is available for all Windows 11 users and is not yet part of the stable channel, with a full release expected on March 10. Key features of the update include: 1. A built-in network speed test accessible via the taskbar, allowing users to evaluate their network connection's performance. 2. Improvements to the taskbar search function, enabling result previews without opening additional windows. 3. Minor system upgrades, including backup and restore options for select Windows Professional devices, new emojis, an updated accounts menu, a built-in system monitor, and a revamped widgets settings menu. 4. Enhancements to printing services, nearby sharing features, and Windows Update, along with new camera settings for supported devices. 5. Performance improvements in File Explorer, including more reliable window opening using shortcuts and the introduction of an "Extract All" option for non-ZIP archived folders. 6. Optimizations in the Network page of File Explorer for better device display and improvements in display responsiveness after sleep.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Microsoft Won’t Kill Support For Your Legacy Printer In Windows 11 After All

Microsoft has confirmed that if an older printer is currently functioning within the Windows ecosystem, it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. The company clarified that it has not ended support for legacy printer drivers, despite earlier indications that V3 and V4 drivers would no longer be supported starting in January. However, as of January 15, 2026, new legacy drivers will be approved on a case-by-case basis for Windows Update.

Winsage

February 26, 2026

Windows Could Be the Reason Your Printer Refuses to Cooperate

Microsoft has phased out support for older V3 and V4 printer drivers in Windows 11, marking them as deprecated since September 2023. While printers using these drivers will still function, they will no longer receive automatic updates through Windows Update, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. User feedback is mixed, with some appreciating the move towards modern driver architecture and others concerned about manufacturers' ability to adapt.

Winsage

February 21, 2026

HP Smart App On Windows: Setup & Troubleshooting

The HP Smart app is a software application designed to enhance interaction with HP printers, allowing users to print, scan, copy, and manage their printers from a computer or mobile device. The installation process on Windows involves downloading the app from the Microsoft Store, installing it, launching it, and adding the printer. Common issues include the app not finding the printer, crashing or freezing, scanning difficulties, and printing problems, with various troubleshooting solutions provided for each issue. Tips for maximizing the app's functionality include using mobile fax, editing photos, printing from social media, and utilizing cloud printing. Keeping the app up-to-date is important for performance and security, with options for automatic and manual updates available through the Microsoft Store and HP support.

Winsage

February 20, 2026

The New Windows Update Discontinued Support For A Bunch Of Popular Printers

Microsoft has decided to discontinue support for V3 and V4 printer drivers as part of its Windows 11 updates. Printers using these drivers will continue to function, but lack of updates may lead to future support challenges. Starting January 2026, Microsoft will stop distributing new drivers for V3 and V4 models through Windows Update. User feedback has been mostly positive, with some expressing relief at the focus on modern architecture, while concerns remain about reliance on printer manufacturers for driver updates.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2026

How to Install McAfee Antivirus on Windows 11 or 10

Installing third-party antivirus software like McAfee on Windows 11 can be challenging due to the built-in Windows Security, which can complicate the installation process. Users may face issues such as silent failures from conflicting software, permission problems on restricted machines, or restrictions due to S Mode on new laptops. Windows 11 includes Windows Security, which is effective for malware protection, but McAfee may be necessary for compliance, additional features, or centralized protection for multiple devices. McAfee supports Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Education editions but not Enterprise. The minimum hardware requirements include a processor of 1 GHz or faster, at least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended), 1.3 GB of free disk space, an internet connection for download and updates, and a display resolution of at least 1024×768. McAfee requires a persistent internet connection for activation and updates. Before installing McAfee, users should check if their device is in S Mode, as McAfee cannot be installed in this mode. They must remove any existing antivirus software completely, as leftover files can interfere with the installation. Users should also ensure that Windows 11 is up to date and verify that there is enough disk space available. To download McAfee, users should go directly to the McAfee trial page to avoid scams. After downloading, they need to run the installer and restart their computer after installation. Users should then activate McAfee, run a manual update, and conduct a full system scan. Common installation problems include freezes during download, errors due to S Mode, and issues with Windows Security not recognizing McAfee as the active antivirus. Users can verify that McAfee is functioning correctly by checking the system tray icon, Windows Security settings, and the McAfee dashboard. To uninstall McAfee, users should go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, select McAfee, and follow the prompts to remove it. After uninstallation, Windows Security will reactivate automatically. McAfee offers several plans for Windows users, including Basic, Essential, Premium, and Advanced, each with different features and device limits. The Basic plan is suitable for single-device users without additional needs, while families may benefit from the Essential or Premium plans.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Microsoft changes how it manages MILLIONS of old printers

Microsoft has stopped distributing V3 and V4 printer drivers through Windows Update as of last month, affecting printers up to 12 years old. Support for these drivers will end in January 2026, as they were marked as deprecated in September 2023. Users with printers relying on these drivers may experience functionality issues after support ends. Printer manufacturers are now responsible for providing driver updates via their websites, but existing drivers will remain operational. Microsoft confirmed that vendor-supplied drivers can still be installed using separate packages. Most modern printers do not use V3 and V4 drivers, as they are typically over a decade old. Microsoft aims to enhance system security and streamline the printing process by phasing out outdated drivers. After July 2026, Windows will prioritize built-in printer drivers during installation, and from July 2027, manufacturers will no longer be able to submit driver updates to Windows, although Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates for existing drivers.