Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) is here, bringing the biggest shift in print security in years. While it promises enhanced protection, it also has major implications for IT teams managing print environments. If you’re wondering whether to enable WPP now or wait, this guide will break down everything you need to know, including potential risks, compatibility concerns, and strategic steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Microsoft’s New Print Security Standard
Microsoft launched its Protected Print Mode (Windows Protected Print) in October 2024 as a security-focused printing feature. It aims to simplify printer management and eliminate vulnerabilities by removing third-party print drivers—shifting entirely to Internet Printing Protocol (IPP).
While this transition strengthens security, it introduces operational changes that IT teams must consider before enabling.
At imageOne, our trusted managed print services (MPS) professionals recognize the importance of balancing security with workflow efficiency. Because enabling WPP without thorough planning can disrupt operations and productivity, we strongly recommend assessing your fleet and workflow before making changes.
A provider like imageOne can help you navigate this change.
What is Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP)?
Windows Protected Print Mode is Microsoft’s answer to long-standing print security vulnerabilities and attacks like PrintNightmare (2021) and Stuxnet (2010s) which exploited weaknesses in the Windows Print Spooler and third-party drivers to execute remote code or escalate privileges. WPP mandates a driverless printing model via IPP, eliminating these security risks.
Key Features of Windows Protected Print Mode:
- IPP-based printing only. No more third-party drivers.
- Runs with lower privileges. Eliminates SYSTEM-level print vulnerabilities.
- Permanent transition. Once enabled, all non-IPP print configurations are deleted.
However, this transition comes with challenges that IT teams in charge of print management must consider before enabling it.
Why Microsoft WPP Is Disabled by Default
Microsoft has opted for a phased approach, allowing organizations time to assess and adapt before making Windows Protected Print Mode the default setting (expected by 2027). Currently, WPP is disabled by default, providing IT leaders time to assess, test, and transition thoughtfully.
This timeframe allows businesses to:
- Evaluate fleet compatibility. Not all printers support IPP. You will need to assess your fleet’s compatibility with WPP’s Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) drivers.
- Test feature availability. Some advanced print functions (e.g., stapling, tray selection) may be lost. You might need OEM Print Service Applications to address any loss of features associated with using WPP drivers.
- Adjust IT workflows. Existing print scripts and policies will require modification.
How Will WPP Affect My Print Fleet?
Before enabling Microsoft’s Protected Print Mode, IT teams should consider the following factors:
Printer Compatibility
Windows Protected Print Mode relies on the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), which means only IPP and Mopria-certified printers will function seamlessly. If your fleet includes older models or devices that depend on third-party drivers, you may experience compatibility issues. Approximately 70% of printers are IPP-ready, but some may face slower performance or reduced functionality.
For more details on IPP, visit Microsoft’s IPP overview.
Conduct a compatibility assessment before enabling WPP to prevent workflow disruptions. imageOne’s Managed Print Specialists can help you verify your devices and determine if upgrades or alternative solutions are needed.
Loss of Advanced Print Features
Some advanced printing features may become unavailable once WPP is enabled. Functions such as stapling, color management, and custom tray selection rely on proprietary drivers, which WPP eliminates. If these features are critical to your operations, you should explore OEM Print Service Applications or additional software solutions.
Test your most commonly used print workflows before enabling WPP to identify gaps and determine whether additional adjustments are needed to maintain efficiency. Visit HP Print Solutions or Canon Print Services for manufacturer-specific options.
Permanent Printer Driver and Queue Deletion
Enabling WPP permanently removes all third-party drivers and traditional TCP/IP print queues from your environment. This means that if your organization depends on legacy printer configurations, they will be lost and cannot be recovered by simply disabling WPP.
While this transition improves security, it requires thorough planning to avoid unexpected downtime. Create a backup of your current print setup and test in a controlled environment before rolling it out fleetwide.
For additional insights on fleet optimization, check out our guide on Print Fleet Management.
Changes to Print Management and Scripts
Many traditional Windows print deployment methods, such as printui scripts, will no longer function under WPP. Organizations that rely on automated print management scripts or centralized deployment tools will need to update their configurations.
Reconfigure your IT policies to align with IPP-based printing and ensure users can access the print services they need seamlessly. Collaborating with imageOne’s experts can help streamline this transition and minimize disruptions in your print environment.
Should I Enable Windows Protected Print Mode Now?
Our Recommendation: Not yet—at least not without thorough planning.
While WPP enhances security, immediate activation could disrupt printing if your organization is unprepared. imageOne strongly advises against enabling WPP without a full assessment of your print environment. We are working closely with OEMs and IT teams to ensure this transition is seamless—contact us before making changes.
How to Phase in Windows Protected Print Mode
A phased approach minimizes disruptions and ensures a smooth transition. Organizations should start by assessing their fleet, testing key features, adjusting workflows, and gradually deploying windows protected print mode in controlled stages.
1. Assess Your Printer Fleet
Begin by identifying which printers in your fleet are IPP-compatible. Use Mopria’s certification database or conduct test prints to confirm compatibility. Older models may require firmware updates or replacements. Assessing your entire fleet will help prevent downtime and ensure seamless adoption.
Here’s our helpful guide to rolling out printer firmware updates fleetwide.
2. Test Features and Workarounds
Since WPP removes traditional drivers, you may lose some features such as stapling, color management, and tray selection. Conduct test prints to evaluate the impact and explore OEM Print Service Applications or cloud-based print solutions to retain necessary functions.
3. Adjust Your IT Policies and Workflows
Review and update print management policies, as existing scripts and deployment methods reliant on third-party drivers will no longer work. Train IT staff and end-users on new workflows to ensure a smooth transition once WPP is implemented.
4. Control and Monitor Deployment
Enable WPP on a limited set of devices first and monitor for any issues. Gather feedback from users and adjust configurations as needed before expanding deployment. Continuous monitoring will help you identify and resolve any compatibility or functionality concerns earlier on.
Is Protected Print Mode the Future? Yes, But No Need to Rush.
Windows Protected Print Mode is the future of secure printing, but rushing into it unprepared could create unnecessary disruptions. Organizations should use this transition period to thoroughly evaluate, test, and plan for WPP before enabling it across their fleet.
By taking a measured, strategic approach, IT leaders can ensure a secure, functional, and future-proofed print environment.
Need help assessing your print fleet for WPP? Contact imageOne today to start planning your transition.
imageOne is Here to Help You Transition Safely.
As a leading Managed Print Services provider, imageOne specializes in helping organizations navigate complex print environments. With years of experience in print security, we are working closely with OEM partners and IT teams to ensure a seamless transition to windows protected print mode.
We are here to assist with the enablement process and ensure your print environment remains secure and efficient.
Our team is equipped to:
- Assess fleet compatibility and provide an impact report.
- Test and tweak print configurations to prevent feature loss.
- Develop a strategic rollout plan tailored to your environment.
- Provide ongoing support to ensure security and efficiency.
Beyond technical support, imageOne takes a holistic approach to MPS, ensuring that your organization can maintain print security, reduce costs, and streamlined operations long after WPP is implemented.
We’ll continue to monitor how Microsoft’s protected print mode evolves and provide expert guidance so you can make smart, strategic decisions.
Learn more about the benefits of Managed Print Services.
