WPP and the End of Third-Party Print Drivers: Are You Ready?

As businesses continue to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, one often-overlooked area of vulnerability is printing. Microsoft’s Windows Protected Print (WPP) is a new security-focused printing feature designed to address these risks and make printing safer. If you rely on Windows-based printing, here’s what you need to know about WPP and how it will impact your business.

What is Windows Protected Print (WPP)?

Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) enhances security by eliminating the need for third-party print drivers. Instead, it uses the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), which reduces vulnerabilities and improves the overall security of Windows devices.

Why is Microsoft Implementing WPP?

Did you know that Microsoft reports that 9% of all security vulnerabilities are related to print drivers? Because printing requires deep access to the Windows operating system, attackers have exploited print drivers to install malicious code, leaving systems vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

WPP addresses this risk by:

• Running with lower privileges
• Eliminating third-party drivers
• Reducing the risk of SYSTEM-level access by attackers

For years, Microsoft has prioritized backward compatibility, but this has left Print Spoolers and other components open to security threats. WPP is their answer to making printing more secure moving forward. 

How WPP Works: The Microsoft IPP Classless Driver

The IPP Driver allows Microsoft to enable basic printing without requiring manufacturer-specific drivers or additional utilities. While this improves security, it also means that some features—such as user codes, secure print, and advanced tray selections—won’t be available by default.

Since WPP relies on IPP (which is based on HTTP), it enables secure and reliable printing over a network without the need for traditional print drivers.

Microsoft’s WPP Rollout Timeline

Microsoft has outlined a phased approach to making WPP the default printing method:

• October 1, 2024 – WPP is released as an optional security feature for Windows 11 Pro.
• 2025 – Microsoft will stop accepting new third-party print driver submissions from manufacturers.
• 2027 – Third-party driver updates through Windows Update will no longer be available.
• By 2027 – WPP is expected to become the default print mode for all Windows systems.

Supported Devices:

• Windows 11 24H2 (released October 1, 2024)
• Windows Server 2025
• WPP is initially disabled but will be enabled by default starting in 2027.

Preparing for Windows Protected Print

Not all printers will support WPP. To ensure a smooth transition, businesses should take proactive steps now. UBEO’s Business Technology Assessment (BTA) can help organizations:

• Determine which printers are compatible with WPP (devices must support IPP and be Mopria certified).
• Assess how WPP will impact their current print environment.
• Develop a comprehensive print strategy to optimize their fleet.

Challenges and Considerations with WPP

While WPP strengthens security, it also introduces some challenges that businesses need to address:

• Limited Features Without a Print Support App (PSA) – Without installing a PSA, users won’t have access to staple, hole punch, or tray selection options.
• Manufacturer-Specific Print Support Apps (PSAs) – Each printer manufacturer will develop its own PSA, which must be installed on each user’s workstation.
• PSA Deployment Methods:
  • Download from the Microsoft Store
  • Download directly from printer manufacturers
  • Deploy via IT management tools like Intune & Winget
    
• Impact on Print Queues:
  • Enabling WPP will delete all TCP/IP print queues with manufacturer drivers, even if WPP is later turned off.
  • Virtual drivers (e.g., PDF & fax printers) will also be removed.
  • IPP printers cannot be shared from a print server like traditional TCP/IP print queues.

How UBEO Can Help

UBEO is a leader in print management solutions and can help businesses navigate the transition to WPP with ease. Our solutions include:

• Cloud-Based Print Management – Eliminate the need for on-premises print servers.
• Driver Deployment with Full Finishing Options – Maintain access to essential printing features.
• Secure Follow-Me Printing – Print securely from any device within your network.
• Cloud Storage Integration – Seamlessly connect with OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, and more.
• E-Fax Integration – Streamline digital faxing within your workflow.

Windows Protected Print represents a major shift in how Windows printing operates. While it enhances security, businesses must prepare for the changes it brings—especially around compatibility and feature limitations.

UBEO is here to help your organization seamlessly transition to WPP while maintaining efficiency and security. Contact us today to get started with a Business Technology Assessment (BTA) and ensure your print infrastructure is ready for the future.