Windows Protected Print (WPP)

What's changing in the corporate printing ecosystem 

Microsoft has initiated a significant transformation in the printing ecosystem with the introduction of Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP), a new printing model based on security, standardization, and reduced reliance on traditional drivers.

This change will directly impact manufacturers, print management software, and corporate environments that use printing infrastructure based on legacy drivers.

In practice, Windows Protected Print represents the transition from the traditional printing model to a modern architecture based on:

• IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)

• Driverless printing

• Reduced privileges for the Windows spooler

• Greater protection against security vulnerabilities

Why is Microsoft promoting this change?

In recent years, the Windows printing service has become a recurring target of critical vulnerabilities, such as the well-known PrintNightmare, which exploited failures related to the spooler and printer drivers.

According to Microsoft itself, a significant portion of Windows-related security incidents were associated with the printing stack.

With Windows Protected Print, Microsoft aims to:

• Eliminate dependence on third-party drivers

• Reduce risks of privileged code execution

• Simplify the printing experience

• Create a more modern and secure standard for the market

What changes for businesses?

The adoption of Windows Protected Print offers significant benefits, but also requires attention from organizations.

Key impacts

Printing without traditional drivers

The new model uses IPP and universal Windows drivers, reducing the need to install manufacturer-specific drivers.

Removal of legacy print queues and drivers

When WPP is enabled, incompatible queues and drivers can be automatically removed from the operating system.

Dependence on IPP/Mopria compatibility

Not all current devices are compatible with the new model. The environment now depends on IPP/Mopria-compatible printers.

Changes to advanced features

Advanced printing features may require new approaches to integration and compatibility.

Impacts and Guidance for Environments Using NDD Print 360

Currently, the following features of NDD Print 360—spool-based accounting, policies, quotas, and secure print release—are not compatible with Windows Protected Print (WPP).

Official compatibility is scheduled for October 2026 in the product roadmap, during which period the necessary adjustments to support Microsoft’s new printing model will be made available.

What NDD is doing

Our product and engineering teams are already working on upgrading the platform to ensure:

• Compatibility with the new Windows Protected Print model

• Continuity of management and security features

• Preservation of the customer experience

Our goal is to ensure a safe and planned transition to the new Windows printing ecosystem.

Next steps

Until official compatibility is available, NDD’s recommendation is:

Enabling Windows Protected Print (WPP) prematurely may result in the following issues:

• Removal of current print queues and service stoppages

• Failures in print management integrations

• Limitations on advanced features

• Communication issues with drivers and devices

NDD will continue to monitor the evolution of Windows Protected Print and will share new guidance as the solution’s compatibility progresses.