How to Check if Printer Supports Windows Protected Print Mode
Windows Protected Print mode is a Windows 11 security setting that stops your computer from using old printer software and talks to the printer directly instead. Checking if your printer supports this feature protects your network from risky software and security flaws.
Your printer needs to support Mopria certification or the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) to work with this setting. You can find these details by checking the Settings app or looking up your printer model specifications.
Check if your printer is Mopria certified or supports IPP. You can also look for the Windows Protected Print icon next to your printer in Windows 11 Settings under Printers & scanners.
Option 1Use Mopria Certified Products list
The Mopria certified products website lists hardware supporting Windows Protected Print (WPP). Most modern models carry Mopria certification, ensuring full compatibility with Windows Protected Print. Checking this registry helps when purchasing new equipment or verifying existing hardware.
Option 2🪟 Windows 11 Settings
You can check if your currently installed printer supports Windows Protected Print directly inside your Windows 11 Settings app . Press the Win plus I on your keyboard to open Settings , go to Bluetooth & devices, and select Printers & scanners. Look at the list of devices to see if the special WPP icon appears next to your printer name, which confirms it is compatible.
- 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
Group Policy Objects (GPO) allow administrators to manage Windows Protected Print across multiple computers simultaneously, enforcing consistent security configurations network-wide.
Summary
Windows Protected Print is a built-in security feature in Windows 11 that isolates printer communication to protect your computer from vulnerabilities. It stops the need for third-party manufacturer apps and drivers by using modern Microsoft printing software, which helps keep your overall system defense strong against potential threats from connected hardware.
References:
- Windows Protected Print Mode
- Making it easier to identify Windows protected print mode compatible devices | Microsoft Community Hub
For technical specifications, consult the official Microsoft Learn documentation.
Does enabling WPP delete my existing printer drivers?
Enabling WPP halts legacy driver usage without deleting them permanently. The system switches to a driverless printing stack. Disabling WPP later restores access to previous drivers, provided they remained installed during the transition.
Is Windows Protected Print Mode mandatory for all 🪟 Windows 11 users?
Home users are not forced to adopt WPP. This optional security feature toggles on or off inside system settings. Microsoft recommends enabling it to mitigate vulnerabilities linked to legacy print infrastructure and third-party drivers.
How does WPP affect network printers versus USB printers?
Network and USB printers function with WPP as long as they support the IPP standard. USB connections utilize IPP-over-USB for secure data transmission. Modern print stacks apply security benefits regardless of connection hardware.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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