How to Check if Printer Supports Windows Protected Print Mode
You can check if your printer supports Windows Protected Print (WPP) mode by looking for IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) support or Mopria certification.
Windows Protected Print mode is a security feature in Windows 11 that enhances printing safety by moving away from traditional third-party drivers to a driverless system using IPP.
This modern printing system reduces malware risks and improves stability by communicating directly with your printer, bypassing potentially vulnerable manufacturer drivers.
To ensure your printer works with WPP, it needs to be Mopria certified or explicitly support the IPP protocol.
Check if Your Printer Supports WPP
Before you enable this mode, you should verify that your hardware is ready. You can do this in two ways.
Option 1: Use Mopria Certified Products list
If you are planning to buy a new printer or want to check your current one, visit the Mopria certified products website. Most modern printers are Mopria certified, which means they are fully compatible with WPP.
Option 2: 🪟 Windows 11 Settings
You can check your currently installed printers directly in Windows 11.
- Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices and select Printers & scanners.
- Look for the WPP icon next to your printer name.
Open Printers & scanners settings
Enterprise Deployment and GPO
For businesses, IT administrators can manage WPP using Group Policy Objects (GPO). This allows for consistent security across an entire organization. Administrators can force WPP mode to ensure all workstations follow the same security standards.
Summary
Windows Protected Print (WPP) mode is a security feature in Windows 11 that uses the modern print stack to eliminate the need for third-party drivers. You can check compatibility by looking for the WPP icon in your printer settings or by searching the Mopria certified products database. Enabling WPP improves security but may remove non-compliant printers.
References:
- Windows Protected Print Mode
- Making it easier to identify Windows protected print mode compatible devices | Microsoft Community Hub
For more technical details, visit the official Microsoft Learn documentation.
Does enabling WPP delete my existing printer drivers?
Enabling WPP does not permanently delete your drivers, but it stops Windows from using them. The system switches to a driverless printing stack. If you disable WPP later, your previous drivers should remain available for use, provided they were not manually uninstalled during the transition process.
Is Windows Protected Print Mode mandatory for all 🪟 Windows 11 users?
No, WPP is not mandatory for home users. It is an optional security feature that you can toggle on or off in your settings. However, Microsoft strongly recommends enabling it to protect your computer from vulnerabilities associated with older, third-party print drivers and legacy print infrastructure.
How does WPP affect network printers versus USB printers?
WPP works with both network and USB printers, provided they support the IPP standard. For USB printers, Windows uses IPP-over-USB to maintain a secure connection. If your printer supports the modern print stack, the connection method does not change the security benefits you receive from using WPP.
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