How to enable Protected Print Mode on Windows 11

Windows 11 now offers more secure print drivers for version 24H2 and higher releases, and here's how to set it up.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows Protected Print Mode
Windows Protected Print Mode / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To enable Protected Print Mode on Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click the “Set Up” button for the “Windows protected print mode” setting and confirm the feature.

On Windows 11 24H2 (and higher release), the system includes the Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP), which is a new universal modern print stack (driver) that lets you connect a printer to Windows 11 without needing third-party software.

The idea of this new print mode or universal driver is to increase security and make printers plug-and-play without additional software. The only caveat is that this new technology only works for Mopria printers. Also, when enabling this feature, the system will remove any printer that isn’t compatible with this feature. You can learn more details on the benefits of this new printing mode.

In this guide, I will outline the steps to turn the WPP feature on or off on Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update) or higher releases.

Enable Protected Print Mode on Windows 11

To enable the Protected Print Mode on Windows 11 24H2 (or higher), use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

  3. Click the Printers & scanners page.

  4. Click the Set Up button for the “Windows protected print mode” setting.

    Enable Windows Protected Print Mode

  5. Click the “Yes, continue” button to enable the Protected Print Mode feature.

    Protected Print mode warning

    Quick note: This configuration will remove any printer that is not compatible with this feature.

  6. Click the “Yes, continue” button to set up the feature.

Once you complete the steps, you can start using printers with the Windows Protected Print Mode.

Disable Protected Print Mode on Windows 11

To enable the Protected Print Mode, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.

  3. Click the Printers & scanners page.

  4. Click the Turn Off button for the “Windows protected print mode” setting.

    Disable Windows Protected Print mode

  5. Click the “Yes” button to disable the Protected Print Mode feature.

    Confirm disable print mode

After completing the steps, you may need to reinstall the printer you want to use on Windows 11.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].