Windows 10 version 1809 without print driver

Windows 10 no longer ships with basic printer and scanner drivers

Microsoft removes the basic print and scan drivers from Windows 10. Now, they're available through Windows Update.

Starting with the October 2018 Update, Windows 10 no longer includes inbox drivers for printers and scanners. However, it’s not the case that the operating system no longer supports these kinds of devices. Instead, the basic print and scan drivers are now available on-demand through Windows Update.

According to the software maker, this decision was made to reduce the footprint of Windows 10 and to free up space on devices.

The company also notes that this change should not impact most users. After installing the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809), if you have printers previously installed, the device will continue to work using the same driver.

If you connect a new printer after the upgrade, then Windows 10 will automatically download the correct driver from the Windows Update servers.

In the case that your computer doesn’t have an internet connection, then the operating system will install the Mopria-compatible service to send print jobs to the printer without the need to install the required driver. (Mopria is a wireless printing service designed to connect devices using a universal service, and it works in most wireless printers.)

Of course, you can always install the print or scan drivers manually, instead on relying on Windows Update or the Mopria service.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.