Windows Protected Print (WPP) Mode and the end of third-party printer drivers

In September 2023, Microsoft announced an end-of-servicing plan for legacy third-party printer drivers. 

Further changes follow in July 2026, when Windows will prioritize the built-in IPP class driver, and by July 2027, non-security updates for third-party drivers will largely stop. 

This roadmap forms the backdrop for Windows Protected Print (WPP) Mode. 

What Windows Protected Print Mode changes 

Windows Protected Print (WPP) Mode is Microsoft’s approach to enforcing the modern Windows print platform. When enabled, it prevents the use of third-party printer drivers and relies on the Windows built-in IPP-based print stack instead. 

Microsoft positions this change primarily as a security improvement. Legacy drivers have historically introduced vulnerabilities and compatibility issues, while the modern print platform reduces the need for driver management on individual endpoints. 

For environments using Mopria-certified printers, WPP can simplify deployment and reduce operational risk. But in real environments, the change is rarely just technical. 

Why does this matter for organizations? 

Most organizations operate mixed print environments built over the years, vendor integrations, and workflow requirements. Moving away from third-party drivers introduces a few practical questions. 

First, compatibility does not always mean identical behavior. Even if a printer works with the IPP class driver, certain device-specific features or workflows may behave differently. 

Second, when WPP is enabled, printers using third-party drivers are removed from the system. Compatible devices can be reinstalled using the modern print stack, but the process can still affect user expectations and established workflows. 

Third, IT teams lose some of the flexibility they previously relied on. For years, print environments were often managed through driver customization, vendor tools, and manual configuration. Microsoft’s direction clearly moves away from that model. 

The timeline organizations should keep in mind 

Microsoft’s roadmap provides a clear sequence of changes: 

• September 2023: Microsoft announced the end-of-servicing plan for third-party printer drivers. 

• January 15, 2026: New drivers will no longer be published to Windows Update for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025 and later. 

• July 1, 2026: Windows will prioritize the built-in IPP inbox class driver over legacy drivers. 

• July 1, 2027: Third-party driver updates will be limited to security-related fixes. 

Existing drivers will not immediately stop working, and vendors can still provide installation packages outside Windows Update.  

However, the direction is clear: Windows printing is moving toward a driver-independent model. 

What organizations should do now 

For most IT teams, the right response is preparation rather than urgency 

Start by identifying which printers rely on vendor-specific drivers today. Then review whether those devices are compatible with the modern Windows print stack and whether critical workflows depend on driver-specific functionality. 

Testing WPP in a controlled environment can also help determine how existing deployments behave under the modern platform. 

A practical perspective 

Microsoft’s shift away from third-party drivers signals a long-term change in how Windows handles printing. For organizations with simple fleets, the transition may be straightforward. For larger or more customized environments, it may require closer evaluation. 

The key is to treat this roadmap as a planning window. The timeline is already defined, and organizations that review their environments early will have the most flexibility in adapting their print infrastructure to the new model. 

MyQ currently supports WPP with our built in IPPS using MDC but say tuned to see further development of Printer Provisioning Profiles (3P).