Windows 11’s Redesigned Print Management Tool Now Live in Release Preview

In a surprising move, MS has introduced its new WinUI 3-based Print Management tool into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel, bringing the decades-old printer administration utility closer to mainstream users. We tested the tool on our device running the latest Release Preview update.

Windows 11 Builds 26100.9267 and 26200.9267, also identified as KB5120998, were released to the Release Preview channel on August 14, 2026, catering to both the 24H2 and 25H2 updates. This particular channel is the final step before an update is made available to all users, making this development more significant compared to its earlier appearances in Beta and Experimental builds.

MS’s New Print Management App in Release Preview

The new Print Management app is now officially available in the Release Preview channel. This follows its earlier sightings in Beta and Experimental builds, where we initially reported on the WinUI 3 redesign. At that time, the updated tool appeared alongside the old MMC-based console, with no official announcement regarding its replacement.

MS rarely introduces incomplete features into the Release Preview channel. Hence, the inclusion of the new Print Management tool here indicates its imminent broader rollout. However, the timeline for its general release remains uncertain.

1. The update, KB5120998, is expected to roll out publicly in September 2026, though this timeline is not guaranteed.
2. Interestingly, MS’s Release Preview notes do not explicitly mention the new Print Management tool in the update changelog.

So, what can users expect from this revamped tool?

Modern Design with Retained Functionality

The new Print Management tool showcases a modern design that aligns with Windows 11’s aesthetic, while retaining the core functionalities that administrators and power users rely on. A comparison between the old and new versions highlights the following improvements:

• The old MMC-based console featured a dated interface with a File/Action/View/Help menu bar and a cramped three-pane tree view reminiscent of older Windows versions.
• The new WinUI 3-based tool boasts a sleek, contemporary interface with a hamburger menu, modern spacing, and dialogs consistent with the rest of Windows 11.

Beyond its appearance, the new tool remains a powerful utility for managing various printing tasks. Key features include:

• Administration of printers and print queues
• Management of printer drivers, printer ports, and print servers
• Support for shared printers and driver configuration

The updated interface organizes features more efficiently:

• A sidebar provides access to All Printers, All Drivers, Printers Not Ready, and Printers with Jobs.
• The Print Servers section expands to display Drivers, Forms, Ports, and Printers.

Other enhancements include:

• A modernized column selector for customizing visible data such as printer name, queue status, jobs in queue, server name, driver name, and driver version through an Add/Remove Columns panel.
• A simplified Rename Printer dialog with a single text field and OK/Cancel buttons.
• The Driver Properties screen, which retains the same information but presents it in a more readable, scrollable format.
• A printer migration feature that allows administrators to review print queues, drivers, and ports before exporting.

Despite these improvements, some legacy elements persist. For instance, users must manually launch the app with Run as Administrator, and certain dialogs still open in the older interface. It remains unclear if MS will fully retire the classic MMC version or keep it alongside the new app.

MS’s Push to Modernize Windows 11’s UI

Over the past few months, MS has been actively replacing legacy elements in Windows 11 with WinUI 3-based designs. This effort extends beyond Print Management to other long-standing features:

• The File Explorer Properties dialog has been rebuilt from scratch with WinUI 3, as confirmed by March Rogers, MS’s Partner Director of Design.
• Legacy file-copy dialogs and the Run dialog have also been modernized, with the latter now loading faster (94ms compared to 103ms for the older version).
• The AutoPlay dialog has transitioned from a top-right flyout to a centered design for the first time since Windows 7.

While these updates may seem minor, they contribute to a unified and modern user experience. Importantly, MS appears committed to preserving the functionality that power users rely on, even as it modernizes the operating system’s interface.

Although the new Print Management tool may not be a headline-grabbing feature, it represents a significant step forward in cleaning up Windows 11’s legacy UI. By addressing these less prominent areas, MS is working towards a more cohesive and streamlined operating system, ensuring that Windows 11 feels like a unified platform rather than a patchwork of different generations.

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