The Shift to Driverless Printing: What You Need to Know About Windows Protected Print

Windows Protected Print (WPP) is Microsoft’s new, more secure printing system. Why the change? According to Microsoft , 9% of Windows security issues reported to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) were caused by print stack-related issues.

Microsoft is set to revolutionize the way organizations print. With the upcoming launch of Windows Protected Print (WPP), businesses everywhere should begin preparing for one of the most significant changes to enterprise printing (and the printing experience) in years. If you're managing print infrastructure—or relying on it—you'll want to understand what WPP is, why it matters, and how to prepare for the transition. Let’s explore what this means for your print environment and your customers.

What is Windows Protected Print?

WPP is Microsoft’s new, more secure printing system. Why the change? According to Microsoft, 9% of Windows security issues reported to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) were caused by print stack-related issues.  With WPP, Microsoft is:

• Removing third-party drivers
• Moving to a driverless print system for every print job
• Shifting towards cloud-based printing

This reduces risks and simplifies printing for IT teams. 

When is It Coming?

• Testing now: WPP is available in preview for early adopters.
• Full rollout in 2025: Microsoft expects wide use by mid-2025.
• By late 2025–2026, older print systems may no longer be supported.

Now is the time to prepare.

Say Goodbye to Print Servers.

WPP doesn’t use traditional print servers. Instead, it relies on IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)—a modern, direct way for your computer to talk to printers.  What you’ll use instead:

• IPP printers that work over your network
• Universal Print (Microsoft’s cloud printing platform)
• Intune or PowerShell scripts to set up printers without needing servers

This means easier management and fewer problems.

Stronger Security.

With WPP, Microsoft is putting security front and center. Traditional print drivers—especially third-party ones—have been a major source of vulnerabilities, accounting for nearly 9% of Windows security incidents. WPP solves this by:

• Eliminating third-party drivers that can be exploited or outdated
• Using a secure, IPP-based communication protocol that supports encryption/authentication
• Reducing the attack surface by removing the need for print servers Supporting Microsoft’s Zero
• Trust model, ensuring only verified users and devices can print
• Locking down print paths so data isn’t exposed while in transit or sitting in queues

This means fewer patches, fewer risks, and a printing environment that’s much harder for attackers to compromise. For organizations handling sensitive or regulated data, WPP is a major step forward in compliance and peace of mind.

What About Stapling and Hole Punching?

One challenge: WPP’s driverless setup doesn’t support advanced print features like stapling or hole punching out of the box. The fix? ... Print Support Apps (PSAs) that will:

• Bring back finishing options
• Are made by printer vendors (like HP or Canon)
• Can be installed from the Microsoft Store or managed through Intune

Check with your printer brand to see if they offer a PSA.

How to Get Ready?

If you’re in IT, here’s how to prepare:

• Check your current printers—Are they WPP or IPP compatible?
• Replace old printer drivers with Microsoft’s built-in IPP driver
• Use scripts or Intune to set up printers across your network
• Install PSAs for users who need advanced printing options
• Test your new setup before rolling it out to everyone

However, careful planning is critical to avoid disruption. Early assessments, staff training, and coordination with OEM partners are key to a smooth transition.

For those engaging with either PaperCut or uniFLOW Online Print Management engagements, please refer to these helpful links below:

• https://www.papercut.com/discover/the-complete-guide-to-windows-protected-print-wpp/
• https://www.uniflowonline.com/en/technology-integrations/windows-protected-print/

Why this Matters for You.

Microsoft’s Windows Protected Print is ushering in a new standard for enterprise printing. With WPP it is expected that you will get: a) improved endpoint security, b) fewer IT headaches, and c) modern, cloud-ready printing platform.  While the transition may seem complex, the benefits — security, simplicity, and future readiness — are well worth evaluating.

At Datamax, we’re ready to help our clients get ahead of this change and navigate the WPP era—securely and confidently.