also known as Windows Protected Print Mode
Microsoft are evolving the Modern Print Platform under a new name: Windows Ready Print.
Windows Ready Print is built for modern Windows environments, simplifying printing, aligning modern standards, and delivering consistent experiences for users, IT admins, and partners.
Driving the transition with driver selection control
Windows Ready Print is a transition away from legacy, third party drive-based workflows toward modern, standards-based printing with IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) using the Windows inbox IPP printer driver.
Starting in July 2026, new printer installations will default to Windows Ready Print where supported, enabling a simpler and more reliable setup experience. This change reduces the need for traditional driver management.
Microsoft recognises that not all environments can move to Windows Ready Print immediately. To ensure a smooth and flexible transition, Microsoft is introducing the ability for users to configure Windows to install their printers using Windows Ready Print (if supported) or the OEM printer driver during installation.
Finding Windows Ready Print
End users should be able to find this setting under Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Default install printer using Windows Ready Print.
This feature enables users and IT admins to control how Windows selects drivers when installing printers:
- When “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print” is enabled, Windows Ready Print installation is preferred
- When “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print” is disabled, default driver selection is used
The configuration applies to new printer installations only, without affecting existing devices.
When an MSP, IT admin or end user enables Windows protected print mode, printers are exclusively installed with Windows Ready Print. Devices that do not support Windows Ready Print cannot be installed.
Take Note: When Windows protected print mode has been enabled, the user/IT admin cannot disable “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print”.
