In a notable advancement for Windows 11, Microsoft has transitioned its newly designed Print Management tool into the Release Preview channel, signaling a significant upgrade to a utility that has long been a staple in printer administration. This move brings the modernized application closer to general availability, following its initial appearances in Beta and Experimental builds.
Microsoft’s new Windows 11 Print Management is already in Release Preview
The new Print Management app was confirmed in the Release Preview following our early observations in August. This latest iteration, built on WinUI 3, replaces the outdated MMC-style console that has remained largely unchanged over the years. Microsoft typically reserves the Release Preview channel for more polished features, indicating that this tool is nearing a broader rollout.
The August optional update is the next step
The rollout schedule for this update is as follows:
- August 14: KB5120998 was released to the Release Preview as builds 26100.9267 and 26200.9267.
- Late August: KB5120998 is anticipated to become an optional, non-security preview update for supported Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 PCs.
- September 8 (second Tuesday): The changes from the August preview are expected to be included in the regular September cumulative update, in line with Microsoft’s monthly servicing model.
However, the September timeline is not set in stone. Microsoft retains the option to delay the Print Management rollout, even if other components of KB5120998 proceed as planned. Notably, the Release Preview notes do not explicitly mention Print Management in the changelog.
Windows 11’s new Print Management looks modern, but Microsoft kept the useful stuff
Upon comparing the two versions, the transformation is striking. The previous Print Management console bore the hallmarks of an older Windows design, complete with a traditional menu bar and a cluttered interface. In contrast, the new version embodies the aesthetics of Windows 11, featuring a streamlined layout, modern spacing, and a user-friendly hamburger menu.
The new Print Management app is still a serious administration tool
This updated application is not merely a tool for selecting a default printer; it serves as a comprehensive management system for administrators and power users. Users can oversee printers, print queues, drivers, ports, print servers, and shared printers, all of which have been thoughtfully reorganized for ease of access.
The main interface now includes sections for All Printers, All Drivers, Printers Not Ready, and Printers with Jobs, alongside a Print Servers area that expands to reveal Drivers, Forms, Ports, and Printers.
The column selector has also been revamped, allowing users to customize the displayed information—such as printer name, queue status, and driver version—through an intuitive Add/Remove Columns panel, replacing the cumbersome right-click menu of the past.
Renaming a printer has been simplified to a modern dialog with a single text field, while the Driver Properties section retains its essential information but is now presented in a more readable format.
Moreover, the printer migration screen indicates that Microsoft is committed to maintaining the administrative functionality of the tool, enabling users to review which print queues, drivers, and ports will be exported.
Despite these advancements, some legacy elements persist. Users may still need to launch the app with administrative privileges manually, and certain dialogs revert to the older interface. Thus, while this update marks a significant step forward, it does not signal the complete retirement of the classic MMC version.
Microsoft is finally cleaning up Windows 11’s legacy UI
In recent months, Microsoft has been actively working to replace outdated components in Windows 11 with WinUI 3, moving beyond the superficial updates of previous years. March Rogers, Microsoft’s Partner Director of Design, confirmed that several legacy elements, including the File Explorer Properties dialog, have been rebuilt from the ground up.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to modernizing Windows’ user interface, as evidenced by improvements to file-copy dialogs and the Run dialog, which has shown significant performance enhancements in testing.
While the modernization of Print Management may not capture headlines, it plays a crucial role in the overall refinement of Windows 11. By updating these administrative tools without sacrificing essential functionality, Microsoft aims to create a more cohesive and contemporary operating system experience, gradually eliminating the patchwork feel of previous versions.
