Is Your Printer Ready for Windows 10?

If you have a computer running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you've doubtless received an invitation from Microsoft offering a free upgrade to Windows 10. We tested Microsoft's new operating system, and found a lot to like about it. But before you take the plunge, it's a good idea to make sure your peripherals will still work with Windows 10.

For most people, printers are near the top of the list of devices to consider. The good news is that for the vast majority of printers built in recent years, Windows 10-compatible drivers are already available, or will be in the near future. The degree of Windows 10 compatibility can vary from model to model. In many cases the driver plus the entire software suite can be used with Windows 10, but sometimes compatibility is limited to the driver, and perhaps particular utilities. The manufacturer's site may provide details as to what software is supported, and in some cases an estimated date as to when a Windows 10 driver and other software will become available.

Before you jump at Microsoft's offer of a free Windows 10 upgrade, you should make sure that your printer is compatible. If need be, contact the manufacturer directly. Typically, with a major Windows upgrade, some older printers will not be supported under the new version. If that is the case with yours, you will have to forego upgrading your PC or replace your printer with a more current model. Fortunately, the vast majority of users won't be confronted with such a choice.

Many printer manufacturers have provided us with information on Windows 10 compatibility, which we have excerpted below. In other cases, we have included relevant information from manufacturers' support and driver download pages. We intend to update this article should additional information become available.

Aleph Objects
Aleph Objects provided us with the following information about its LulzBot 3D printers:

We do indeed plan to offer Windows 10 compatibility for both the LulzBot drivers and software. For drivers, our existing drivers do not need to be re-signed as Microsoft issued a valid cross-signing certification before the release of Windows 10. Ultimachine (who manufactures our electronics) will need to test / verify them, but we do not anticipate any issues as we have not seen any issues in the past.

For software, we have heard early reports of Cura working smoothly in Windows 10 and plan to support it with Cura LulzBot Edition. We will prepare our standard installation instructions, documentation, etc. as soon as the release is made publicly available.

Brother
Most of the company's printers and MFPs support (or will support) Windows 10. This chart provides information as to what products are supported, whether their drivers are built into Windows 10 (or available as a Windows Update) or downloadable from Brother, and—if not currently available, whether an availability date has been set for your part of the world. Brother reminds users that when using Brother printers in Windows 10, they must be sure to use the driver/utility that is compatible with the operating system.

Canon
A look at Canon USA's site shows that the vast majority of Canon printers support Windows 10. To check a particular model, click on the printer category, the model name, and then Drivers and Software. The pull-down menu will indicate whether Windows 10 is supported, and with which software.

Dell
This chart on the Dell site provides details on which of its printers support Windows 10, and whether the drivers will be available by a downloadable web package, are included in a CD with a new printer, are included with Windows 10, or are available in a Windows Upgrade.

Epson
Epson informed us that Windows 10 printer drivers and software will be compatible at Windows 10 at launch. Driver/utility combo packages can be downloaded from the company's Windows 10 Support Page. A spot check of Epson's entire product line shows Windows 10 support for nearly all models.

Hewlett Packard
HP supplied us with the following information regarding Windows 10 compatibility:

HP has invested heavily in printer compatibility for Windows 10 to support a smooth upgrade experience and ensure that Windows 10 will work with the vast majority of HP printers.

Most HP printers in use with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will continue to work smoothly without the need to reinstall any drivers. If upgrade issues occur, the user may need to install the latest Windows 10 driver.

For customers purchasing new LaserJet printers with Windows 10, all printers being sold as well as upcoming printers will be compatible with Windows 10 out of the Box. Compatible Windows 10 drivers will be built into the OS, or available through Windows Update, CD, or HP.com at time of the Windows 10 launch.

More Windows 10 guidance regarding HP Printers is available here, and information about which printer models will work with Windows 10 devices is available here.

MakerBot
MakerBot says that its 3D printers will be Windows 10 compatible and that details will be forthcoming.

OKI Data Americas
OKI provided us with the link to the company's driver download page. A quick look at it indicates that Windows 10 drivers are available for all recent OKI printers and many older ones as well.

Panasonic
Panasonic reports that Windows 10 drivers for its printers will be available in the near future.

Xerox
From Xerox:

Xerox works very closely with Microsoft to ensure that Xerox print drivers are compatible with Microsoft operating systems at the time of launch. Xerox has been working with Microsoft and testing our print drivers against all of the beta builds released by Microsoft for Windows 10. To date, we have not found any issues with either the Version 3 or our Version 4 of our print drivers.

XYZprinting
According to XYZprinting, its da Vinci 3D printers seamlessly integrate with Windows 10 and Microsoft's 3D builder app. From XYZprinting's Windows 10 announcement:

As an official Microsoft 3D printing partner as well as working closely with Microsoft's 3D Builder team, XYZprinting included a number of application enhancements that are designed to support a seamless, integrated 3D printing experience in 3D Builder. These include: XYZprinting printers seamlessly integrated with Windows 10 Plug and Play for smooth printing experience; using best in class slicing technology from 3D Builder—and better experiences for users of all skill levels; and direct print to 3D printers from Microsoft 3D Builder and save as PLY, STL, or 3MF, a new standard for 3D models.