Many businesses are moving to Windows 11 this year, but businesses must be careful when making the move not to expose their print devices to any unnecessary risks. But there are proactive steps businesses should take to prevent major issues and resellers can help.
With support for Windows 10 due to end in October this year, many businesses are now finalising their moves to Windows 11. Recent research by Lansweeper has shown that between September 2024 and January 2025, Windows 10’s presence in organisations decreased from 67% to 60%, while Windows 11 grew from 23% to 30% in the same period. This is set to accelerate this year.
“We expect the pace of migration to Windows 11 to increase significantly as we move towards Windows 10’s end-of-support date,” said Steve Pearce, group head of marketing at Kyocera Document Solutions UK. “Despite the benefits this will bring to businesses, there are some risks to print devices that all companies should be aware of before taking the plunge.”
Steve says there are five key areas that businesses need to keep a close eye on when making the move – and it is something resellers should be aware of too.
1 Driver compatibility issues
“Windows 11 may not support some older printer drivers, which can lead to functionality problems or printers not working at all,” he says. “It’s important to double-check this before the changeover, as it is an area that is often forgotten. If print devices go down, the IT helpdesk is sure to light up, so getting drivers in order should be a priority.”
2 Loss of functionality
Steve says that some advanced features of a printer might not be fully supported after the upgrade, which can lead to reduced functionality overall. “We have heard a number of issues being reported in this area, so it’s a good idea to check by printing a small number of pages immediately after the switchover, before hitting CTRL+P on the company invoice run,” he adds. “This way, you can tackle any problems without wasting valuable resources.”
3 Security vulnerabilities
Security also needs to be considered. “If your printer relies on outdated drivers or firmware, it could become a significant security risk, as these will not receive necessary updates following the upgrade,” warns Steve. “Any unsecured endpoint can present a major problem to the whole business in the event of a cyberattack, so this needs to be nipped in the bud.
“Check with your print supplier that drivers and firmware are up to date, and that future updates will reach your devices after the change to Windows 11. This will ensure you and your data remain secure.”
4 Incompatibility with print software
Steve notes that certain printing software or utilities that worked on previous versions of Windows might not be compatible with Windows 11. “Most managed print service providers will have deployed software to help businesses monitor, measure and manage their printing,” he adds. “If it is an on-premise arrangement, it’s worth checking that it will work with Windows 11.”
Steve adds that an even more effective way to future-proof the business is to implement a cloud-native version of print software at the same time as the changeover.
5 Network connectivity issues
“Network printers might face connectivity issues due to changes in network protocols or settings in Windows 11,” he says. “It’s always a good idea to check with your print manufacturer for updated drivers and network compatibility information before making the switch. This ensures you are fully prepared, maximising the chances of a smooth transition and minimising risk.”
Conclusion
As the above demonstrates, there are various problems that businesses can encounter when making the switch to Windows 11 and it is something resellers and managed print services providers will need to be alive to so they can help customers make the transition as smoothly as possible.
“When making the move to Windows 11, be sure not to forget about print,” says Steve. “Paper cuts are painful after all!”
