Windows 11 January 2026 update breaks universal print

Question

Hi:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I had logged this ticket with Microsoft support on January 18th when the problem started.&nbsp; However, today they closed the case without notifying me.&nbsp; When I followed up to see why it had been closed.&nbsp; They did not consider this a break fix, and nobody else has reported the issue.&nbsp; I want to find out if this is true.&nbsp; I'm sure Azure Universal Print is used by a large number of customers.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;We have been using Azure Universal Print for well on three years without any issues, until Microsoft released the KB5077744 (OS Builds 26200.7627 and 26100.7627).&nbsp; We use a staggered update schedule, so not all computers receive the update.&nbsp; As soon as machines started to receive it, printing errors started to show the errors when trying to print:When trying to view printer properties&nbsp;&nbsp;Machines who never received the update could still print.&nbsp; Here are the errors we see when selecting or printing to a universal printer.&nbsp; The only thing mentioned about this update regarding printing was no new third-party drivers would be added to Windows Update.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operation could not be completed (error 0x00000003)The system cannot find the path specifiedwhen trying to print.ANDThe ‘Universal Print Class Driver’ printer driver is not installed on this computer.&nbsp; Some printer properties will not be available…..&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry, I tried to attach pictures, but it would not let me post.&nbsp; Ill see if I can add them after the initial post.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Microsoft support had a look in Print Management on a Windows 11 machine to see the version of the Universal Print Class Driver on machines that could and could not print.&nbsp;On a computer that could not print (10.0.26100.7627).On a computer that can print and never received the updates (10.0.26100.7623):Since then, we have built some new computers that just received the OOB patch released on January 28th (KB5074752) and they have no issues printing.&nbsp; The only other difference was the computer received 25H2.&nbsp; However, I tried 25H2 on a broken computer, and it had no impact.&nbsp; Just to make sure.&nbsp;

jdbaggs · Answer

Here are the screenshots I couldnt attach earlierDriver versions on workingand broken computers&nbsp;

hardcopy · Answer

Hey JD,&nbsp; kind of off-topic...but I'm curious about the statement "The only thing mentioned about this update regarding printing was no new third-party drivers would be added to Windows Update."&nbsp;I looked and couldn't find any mention, in the KB, that relates to your above statement.&nbsp;I'm curious if you are referring to the well-knownhttps://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/print/end-of-servicing-plan-for-third-party-printer-drivers-on-windows#overview that is underway?

deborahind · Answer

Collect screenshots of the error messages.&nbsp;Log the affected updates and machines. Keep track of the machines that have or haven't received KB5077744 and their status. Document any workarounds you have found (e.g., rolling back the update, workaround steps).

sean_dyer · Answer

Maybe run PROCMON on the workstation to see what is actually failing. That's typically my next step.&nbsp;

bruce2020 · Answer

Could it be related to this nugget of news

"As of early 2026, Windows 11 has phased out support for legacy V3 and V4 printer drivers via Windows Update, causing older printers to stop working or fail installation. To fix this, manually download the latest driver directly from your printer manufacturer's website"

Your printers show as type 3 and 4 if that relates to drivers

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Windows 11 January 2026 update breaks universal print

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