How To: Enable Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP)

What is Windows Protected Print Mode? 🛡️

Windows Protected Print Mode is Microsoft's enhanced security feature that provides extra protection for your print jobs. It uses Windows' modern print stack with Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and Microsoft's own IPP Class Print Driver, giving you enterprise-grade print security.

Think of it as putting your print jobs in a secure armored vehicle instead of a regular delivery truck! 🚚➡️🚛

Why Should You Enable It? 🎯

Enhanced Security Benefits:

  • 🔒 Leverages Windows' most secure printing technology

  • 🛡️ Uses Microsoft's trusted IPP Class Print Driver

  • 📋 Standardized printing protocol (IPP) for better security

  • 🏢 Perfect for organizations with strict security requirements

How to Enable WPP Mode ⚙️

Step 1: Follow Microsoft's Guide 📚

The official setup process is handled through Microsoft's documentation. You'll typically enable this via Group Policy in your Windows environment.

📖 For detailed technical steps: Windows Protected Print Mode Documentation

Step 2: Important Things to Know ⚠️

  • Existing print queues will be deleted when you enable WPP mode

  • This is Windows-only

  • SAFEQ Cloud Client will automatically recreate all queues after enabling

Step 3: SAFEQ Cloud Client Handles the Rest 🤖

Good news! Once WPP mode is enabled, you don't need to do anything special:

  • SAFEQ Cloud Client automatically detects the change

  • Print queues get recreated during the next synchronization

  • Sync happens when the service starts, every hour, or manually via the tray menu

Rolling Out to Your Organization 🏢

Start Small and Test:

  1. Pilot Group - Enable WPP mode for a few test users first

  2. Check Compatibility - Make sure your printers work with Microsoft's PDF output

  3. Gradual Rollout - Expand to larger groups once you're confident

Printer Compatibility Notes:

  • ✅ Mopria certified printers work great out of the box

  • ⚠️ Older printers might need document conversion

  • 📄 All printers must support PDF from Microsoft IPP Class driver

What Print Features Are Supported? 🖨️

Here's what works with WPP mode compared to other printing methods:

Finishing Option

WPP

Universal Print Driver

IPP with vendor driver

Color modes

✅

✅

✅

Duplex modes

✅

✅

✅

Number of copies

✅

✅

✅

Page sizes

✅

✅

?

Page range

✅

✅

✅

Input tray

✅

✅

?

Output bin

✅

✅

?

Stapling

✅

✅

?

Punching

✅

✅

?

Watermark

❌

✅

?

Booklet

❌

✅

?

Media type

❌

✅

?

Pro Tips for Success 💡

Before You Enable:

  • Test with a small group first

  • Verify your printers support Microsoft's PDF output

  • Have a rollback plan if needed

After Enabling:

  • Monitor the first few users for any issues

  • Check that all expected finishing options work as needed

  • Users might need to refresh their print queues

Troubleshooting 🛠️

Print queues disappeared?

  • This is normal! They'll be recreated automatically

Printer not working?

  • Check if it supports PDF from Microsoft IPP Class driver

  • Consider document conversion for older printers

Missing finishing options?

  • Review the compatibility table above

  • Some advanced features aren't available in WPP mode

Need More Technical Details? 📖

For the full technical documentation, including detailed setup instructions and advanced configuration options, check out: Windows Protected Print Mode Technical Documentation

Note: ?  The availability of these finishing options depends on the capabilities of each vendor driver. They are not recorded by our server, may not be editable on the terminal, and will only function with the vendor's printers.

Ready to boost your print security? Start with a test group and gradually roll out to your entire organization! 🚀