Microsoft earlier this year with Windows 8 and RT, which is the software maker's first OS for ARM processors. While a majority of printers don't support RT, the compatibility lists reveal wider support for the Windows 8 OS, which is the successor to Windows 7 and written for x86 processors from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices.

Microsoft explained that it was changing the Windows 8 and RT printing architecture to reduce system overhead and simplify the printing process. Windows RT tablets such as Microsoft's Surface have limited resources as ARM's 32-bit processors have a memory ceiling of up to 4GB. Existing Windows applications will work on Windows 8 but not RT, an issue that also extends to device drivers.

"We really wanted to ensure that we didn't negatively impact ARM systems by running unnecessary services, and we wanted to reduce system resource usage, while still providing support for as many devices as possible," wrote Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division in the blog entry dated July 25.

HP 200 LaserJet and ColorJet laser printers and multipurpose devices, of which only 34 are fully compatible with Windows RT, while a majority are compatible with Windows 8. The printers and multifunction devices not compatible with RT total 83, and 83 offer "limited support" for RT. HP has not yet released a compatibility list for inkjet printers.

Limited support may mean that RT users won't be able to take advantage of advanced printing features such automatic duplexing, said Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst at Insight 64. However users will still be able to do basic printing.