In Windows 8, Microsoft introduces print class drivers. That's a set of drivers included in the operating system that support printers based on what page description language the printer uses. So rather than requiring a printer-specific driver, a printer can announce what PDL it uses and Windows 8 will employ the right print class driver to support it.

By working with printer manufacturers, Microsoft says in its that over time more and more printers will be supported using the print class drivers.

As a result, Microsoft doesn't have to include as many printer-specific drivers in the operating system in order to support the same percentage of printers. That means drivers tie up fewer resources, which is key with Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 that supports ARM devices and where resources are more scarce.

Another way Windows 8 reduces the size of drivers is by providing a generic user interface that can be used by multiple printers. So there is less need to include user-interface code within the drivers themselves, the blog says.

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