How to Enable or Disable Windows Protected Print Mode in Windows 11

How to Turn On or Off Windows Protected Print Mode from Settings

1. Press Windows key + I to ⚙️ open Settings.
2. Click 🔷 Bluetooth & devices on the left. Then choose Printers & scanners on the right. Or click here to open directly: Open Printers & scanners settings
3. Find your printer. Then click on Printer preferences.

Managing Windows Protected Print Mode through the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer is the recommended approach for personal printers. Open Settings, navigate to Devices, then Printers & scanners, and locate your printer to adjust its preferences.

1. Click the Set Up button next to “Windows protected print mode”.
2. Click Yes, continue to confirm.
3. If any printers are removed as part of the setup, click Yes, continue again.

To turn off Windows Protected Print Mode (default):

1. Click the Turn Off button next to “Windows protected print mode”.
2. Click Yes to confirm.

How to Turn On or Off Windows Protected Print Mode Using Local Group Policy Editor

The Local Group Policy Editor provides another way to enable or disable Windows Protected Print Mode. This offers more granular control, particularly when managing multiple computers. Open the Start menu and type ‘Edit group policy’, then press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor. Administrator privileges are required to make changes to this security feature.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the ⊞ Start menu. Type Edit group policy. Press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. ⚠️ Admin privileges required
2. Go to this folder path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers
3. On the right side, double-click Configure Windows protected print.
4. You will see three options:

   • Not Configured: Uses default settings (WPP off).
   • Enabled: Turns on Windows Protected Print Mode.
   • Disabled: Turns off Windows Protected Print Mode.
5. Choose your option and click OK.
6. 🔄 Restart your computer to apply the changes.

How to Enable or Disable Windows Protected Print Mode Using Registry Editor

For advanced users, the Registry Editor allows for direct manipulation of Windows Protected Print Mode settings. It is critically important to back up your registry before making any modifications, as incorrect changes can lead to system instability. Access the Registry Editor by typing ‘regedit’ in the Start menu search bar. Proceed with extreme caution when editing registry values.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry improperly can cause serious problems. Ensure you back up your registry before proceeding.

Here’s how:

1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the ⊞ Start menu and pressing Enter. ⚠️ Admin privileges required
2. Go to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\WPP
3. Look for these items in the right pane:

   • EnabledBy
   • WindowsProtectedPrintGroupPolicyState
   • WindowsProtectedPrintMode
   • WindowsProtectedPrintOobeConfigComplete
4. If they don’t exist, 🖱️ right-click on empty space. Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Create each with the exact names above.

To turn on WPP, adjust these values:

• EnabledBy = 2
• WindowsProtectedPrintGroupPolicyState = 1
• WindowsProtectedPrintMode = 1
• WindowsProtectedPrintOobeConfigComplete = 1

To turn WPP off, delete the first, second, and fourth items. Then, set ‘WindowsProtectedPrintMode’ to 0.

• Delete the first, second, and fourth items.
• Set WindowsProtectedPrintMode to 0.

1. 🔄 Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Summary

• What is it? Windows Protected Print Mode helps keep your printed documents secure by using only trusted printer drivers.
• When to use it? It is especially useful for workplaces handling sensitive or private information like banks or hospitals.
• How to use it? You can turn this feature on or off easily through ⚙️ Windows Settings, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor.
• Which method should I choose? Use the method that best fits your comfort level and needs.
• Important reminder: Always 🔄 restart your computer after making changes for them to work properly.
• Need more help? For more information, you can check out the official Microsoft page about this feature here: Microsoft Tech Community – Secure Print Experience