Windows Protected Print. What Your Business Needs to Know Before 2027
Microsoft is preparing to change the way Windows devices connect to printers, and this shift will affect almost every business over the next few years. The update centers on a new system called Windows Protected Print, which replaces traditional print drivers with a more secure, modern way for computers and printers to communicate. While this change brings long-term improvements, it may also create challenges for offices that still rely on older, driver-dependent devices. This blog explains what’s changing and what your business can do today to stay prepared in simple, straightforward language, without the technical jargon.
Quick Summary
-Microsoft is changing how Windows devices print by moving to a driverless printing model called Windows Protected Print.
-Older printers that rely on downloaded manufacturer drivers may not work reliably once WPP becomes the default in 2027.
-Newer Sharp, Lexmark, HP, and Canon models that support IPP or Mopria will continue printing without issues.
-Your business should identify which printers are driver-dependent and which already support the new model.
-MMIT can review your print fleet and help you plan upgrades or changes ahead of the transition.
Interactive Roadmap
Why Windows Printing Is Changing
For decades, Windows computers used a traditional model that required each printer to have its own print driver. A driver acted as the translator between your computer and the device. Think communicating through a middle man. If you bought a new printer, you needed to download and install a new driver. If multiple people shared the same device, they all needed the same driver. If you used several printers, you ended up with several drivers stored on your computer.
This setup worked for a long time, but it created several problems. Drivers often became outdated. They created compatibility issues across devices. They caused installation headaches. They also introduced security risks when left unpatched or unsupported. Many businesses have dealt with at least one print issue that originated from a driver conflict, a driver update, or a driver that simply stopped working after a system upgrade.
To solve these problems, Microsoft is moving toward a simpler approach. Instead of relying on drivers, Windows Protected Print uses a built-in printing framework that does not require additional software. Every Windows device will be able to print using the same method, which removes a large portion of the complexity that has built up over the past few decades.
Microsoft is making this change to improve security, increase consistency, and reduce the maintenance for offices of all sizes. It is part of a growing trend toward driverless printing, where the operating system handles the connection instead of relying on device specific files.
What Windows Protected Print Mode Is
Windows Protected Print Mode, or WPP, is Microsoft’s new approach to printing. Instead of depending on drivers, Windows devices will use a communication method called the Internet Printing Protocol. IPP is a secure, standardized way for computers and printers to talk to each other without the need for extra software downloads.
You can think of IPP as a common language that both the computer and printer understand, cutting out the afore mentioned middleman. With WPP, the operating system and printer speak the same language by default, so the translator or middleman is no longer needed.
This new approach has several benefits for long term success. It simplifies setup. It creates fewer compatibility issues. It removes many of the security risks tied to outdated drivers. It also provides a more consistent printing experience within a business, since every computer uses the same method to connect to the printer.
Most modern business printers already support IPP, so many offices will not notice major changes right away. The businesses that will be affected the most are those with older devices that still depend on manufacturer drivers.
Why Microsoft is Moving to a Driverless Printing Model
Microsoft is making this change because drivers have become one of the most common sources of printing issues. When a driver fails, your pringing environment fails. When a driver becomes outdated, it can cause sudden disruptions. These issues often happen without warning, and many offices have experienced printing downtime because the driver on one computer did not match the driver on another.
Another major motivator behind the new model is security. Drivers operate close to the core of the operating system, and outdated drivers can become a vulnerability. Windows Protected Print reduces this exposure by eliminating the need for drivers altogether. The Windows 11 operating system uses its own secure framework to handle print requests. This removes risks that come from print drivers all together.
All of these reasons point toward a simpler, safer, and more stable printing experience. WPP is designed to create fewer surprises and fewer service disruptions, which benefits both employees and IT teams.
How WPP Will Change the Way Your Business Prints
Once the transfer to Windows 11 is complete the biggest change your business will notice is the removal of traditional print drivers. If you still print through a driver that your computer had to download, your printing process will need to change before the beginning of 2027.
This does not mean your printer will immediately stop working. Many newer printers already support IPP, and these devices will continue to print normally. The businesses that may experience issues are those with older printers that cannot print without a print driver. These older devices may not be able to communicate with Windows once driverless printing becomes the standard.
If your office uses older models from Sharp, HP, Canon, or Lexmark, or if your printers required you to install brand specific drivers at setup, these devices are the ones most likely to be affected. When Windows completes the transition in early 2027, devices without IPP support may not connect or print reliably.
How to Check If Your Printers Are Ready
The easiest way to confirm whether your printers are prepared for Windows Protected Print is to check for Mopria certification or IPP support. Mopria is a global standard that ensures printers are compatible with modern, driverless printing. If a printer is Mopria certified, it already meets the requirements for WPP.
Most printers list Mopria certification on their specification sheet or product page. You can also check for IPP support, which is the communication method WPP relies on. Printers that support IPP are designed to work with driverless printing and should be ready for the transition.
If you are not sure whether your device supports these features, you can contact MMIT to review your fleet and check the manufacturers documentation.
If your printers are not Mopria certified and do not support IPP, this update is an opportunity to plan ahead. Upgrading devices before the transition ensures that your team continues printing without disruptions. Since the shift to WPP is gradual, there is still plenty of time to prepare. Although Microsoft has mentioned early 2027 as a transformation date, we have not been told an exact date as to when Windows devices must move to printing through the WPP Program.
What Your Business Should Do Next
The most important step your business can take today is to evaluate your current printers. Start by identifying which devices are driver dependent and which ones already support the new printing model. If you have a mix of older and newer printers, you may only need to upgrade a few devices rather than replacing your entire fleet.
Next, review the specifications for each printer. Look for Mopria certification or IPP support. Devices with these capabilities will transition smoothly as Windows continues to adopt Windows Protected Print. Devices without these features may need to be replaced or updated.
If you recently upgraded printers, you should be prepared for the transition. Modern Sharp and Lexmark models support the standards that Microsoft is moving toward. If your printers are older, this is a good time to talk with your print provider about upgrade options.
If you are unsure about your current setup, MMIT can help you review your devices and identify the best path forward. Our team can check your models for Mopria certification or IPP support and help you understand what changes may be needed before 2027.
If you have any questions about Windows Protected Print or want help reviewing your current print fleet, our team is ready to assist. We support businesses across Central Iowa with print and IT solutions and are located right here in Urbandale. Visit MMIT Business Solutions or call (515)-251-1511 to get started.