What IT teams need to know about the changing Windows print environment

It is part of Microsoft’s move toward a modern print architecture based on Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and Windows Ready Print.

For IT teams, the important question is not simply what Windows Protected Print (WPP) is. It is how the change affects the existing print environment, what needs to be checked for compatibility, and how printing will be managed as organizations move away from traditional third-party drivers. 

What is Windows Protected Print (WPP)?

WPP Mode is designed to improve print security by allowing Windows PCs to use Windows Ready Print exclusively. Windows Ready Print uses standards-based technologies such as IPP and does not require traditional third-party printer drivers.

The distinction between Windows Ready Print and Windows Protected Print is important

Windows Ready Print is the modern printing architecture used by Windows. WPP Mode builds upon that architecture by preventing the installation and use of third-party print drivers. Microsoft describes this as a way to reduce driver management and improve the security of the Windows print environment.

This also changes the role of printer manufacturers. Instead of relying on traditional drivers to provide device specific functionality, manufacturers can use Print Support Apps to extend the Windows print experience.

Why is Microsoft moving away from traditional drivers? 

Traditional Windows printing has developed over decades and depends on a large ecosystem of third-party drivers. These drivers provide specific functionalities, but they also add complexity to the Windows print stack.

Microsoft identifies security as one of the reasons for changing this model. Third party drivers can run with high privileges within the Windows print environment, increasing the potential impact of vulnerabilities. WPP removes the ability to load those third-party drivers and introduces additional security measures around the Windows print stack.

The change is also about simplifying printer management. Windows Ready Print uses a standardized approach to communicating with supported printers, reducing the need for organizations to maintain different drivers across their fleet. Microsoft also notes that Windows Ready Print is designed to provide a more consistent experience across different PC architectures.

Key difficulties organizations face when implementing WPP across their print setups

Enabling WPP can affect existing installations that depend on third-party drivers. Microsoft states that printers using third party drivers are uninstalled when WPP Mode is enabled. Compatible printers can then be reinstalled using Windows Ready Print.

That means organizations should understand how their current environment works before making the change across a fleet.

Questions worth asking include:

• Which printers currently depend on third-party drivers? 

• Which devices support the modern Windows printing architecture? 

• Are any workflows dependent on functionality provided through a traditional driver? 

• Are print servers and clients configured consistently? 

• Do users rely on device specific print options that need to be supported through another mechanism? 

• Are scanning workflows affected by multifunction devices?

The last point is particularly important. Microsoft notes that while a device may support printing with WPP, some scanner functionality may not be available depending on the device and its support for the relevant standards. 

Making WPP work for you with MyQ

Authentication, secure print release, print policies, accounting, reporting, device management and user workflows are important parts of an organization’s printing environment.

Windows Protected Print addresses the Windows printing architecture and the security of the print stack. Print management operates at a different level, helping organizations control how printing is used across their environment.

For organizations using a print management platform, the transition therefore needs to be considered as part of the wider print infrastructure rather than as an isolated Windows change.

MyQ has been following this shift as Windows moves toward IPP based printing. The goal is to support organizations as the underlying Windows print architecture changes while continuing to address the management requirements that exist around the print environment.

How should IT teams prepare?

Begin by identifying the printers, drivers, and workflows in use. Check which devices support Windows Ready Print, and which rely on traditional drivers. Test the workflows that matter most, particularly those involving multifunction devices, specialized print options or scanning.

It is also worth considering the role of print servers. Microsoft notes that WPP clients cannot use Print Management to manage servers that have Windows Protected Print disabled, because the two environments rely on different printing models.

Once compatibility has been established, organizations can determine where Windows Protected Print can be introduced and where additional preparation is required.

The move to WPP is ultimately part of a broader change in Windows printing. For IT teams, understanding that change early means there is an opportunity to assess the current environment, identify dependencies, and plan the transition rather than discovering compatibility issues after the change has been made.

Windows printing is moving toward a more standardized, IPP based architecture. The organizations best prepared for that change will be the ones that understand not only how their printers connect today, but also how their wider print workflows depend on the technology behind them. 

If you are reviewing what Windows Protected Print means for your print environment, MyQ can help you understand how the transition fits your organization. Get in touch with your MyQ representative to discuss your current environment, compatibility considerations, and how MyQ can support your organization as Windows printing evolves.