Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) is a security feature in Windows 11 that helps keep your printed documents safe, especially if you work with private or sensitive information.

This feature was introduced in Windows 11 build 26016 and works only with Mopria-certified printers. When WPP is on, Windows uses trusted drivers and does not load third-party printer drivers, which helps protect against security risks.

By default, WPP is turned off, letting you use your usual printer drivers. But if you want extra protection — like in banks, hospitals, or government offices — turning it on can help protect your documents from being accessed by others.

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.
4. To turn on Windows Protected Print Mode:
   • Click the Set Up button next to “Windows protected print mode”.
   • Click Yes, continue to confirm.
   • If any printers are removed as part of the setup, click Yes, continue again.
5. To turn off Windows Protected Print Mode (default):
   • Click the Turn Off button next to “Windows protected print mode”.
   • Click Yes to confirm.

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

If you want more control, you can also turn Windows Protected Print Mode on or off using the Local Group Policy Editor.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type Edit group policy, then press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
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

If you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry, you can also enable or disable WPP there.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause problems if done wrong. Be sure to back up your registry before making changes.

Here’s how:

1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Start menu and pressing Enter.
2. Go to this key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows NTPrintersWPP
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, and create each with the exact names above.
5. To turn on WPP, set the values as follows:
   • EnabledBy = 2
   • WindowsProtectedPrintGroupPolicyState = 1
   • WindowsProtectedPrintMode = 1
   • WindowsProtectedPrintOobeConfigComplete = 1
6. To turn off WPP, delete the first, second, and fourth items, and set WindowsProtectedPrintMode to 0.
7. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Summary

• Windows Protected Print Mode helps keep your printed documents secure by using only trusted printer drivers.
• It is especially useful for workplaces handling sensitive or private information like banks or hospitals.
• You can turn this feature on or off easily through Windows Settings, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor.
• Use the method that best fits your comfort level and needs.
• Remember to restart your computer after making changes for them to work properly.

For more information, you can check out the official Microsoft page about this feature here:

Microsoft Tech Community – Secure Print Experience