window protected mode #windowprotectedmode

Question

how to turn off window protected mode? because i have a problem with my printer and scanner , i couldn't open it.

#windowprotectedmode

Answer 1

Hi Aemee Bascuña,

Just a quick follow-up to see if you managed to get your printer and scanner working again.

Were you able to turn off Windows Protected Print Mode through the standard Settings, or did you have to force it off using the Group Policy method? Also, did the devices connect properly after you reinstalled their drivers?

If you are still unable to print or scan, just drop a comment and we can look into it further. I'm always happy to help!

Answer 2

Hi Aemee Bascuña,

Windows Protected Print Mode (WPPM) is a new security feature that intentionally blocks older, third-party printer and scanner drivers from running. Here is the exact, step-by-step way to disable it so your devices can work again:

Method 1: The Standard Settings

1.Open Settings (press Windows key + I).

2.Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

3.Scroll down to the Printer preferences section.

4.Next to Windows protected print mode, click Turn Off and select Yes to confirm.

Method 2: If the toggle is missing or greyed out (Group Policy)

1.If Windows doesn't let you click "Turn Off", the setting is locked by a system policy. You can force it off:

2.Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

3.Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers.

4.Find the policy named Configure Windows protected print on the right.

5.Double-click it, set it to Disabled, click Apply, and reboot your PC.

Once WPPM is disabled, you will likely need to manually reinstall the drivers for your printer and scanner, as Windows removes non-compatible devices when the mode is active.

I hope this gets your devices back online quickly! If this answers your question, please click "Accept Answer".

Tracy Le.

Answer 3

To turn off Windows protected print mode so printers and scanners that use third‑party drivers can work again:

1. Select Start.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Scroll down to Printer Preferences.
4. Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn Off.
5. When prompted, select Yes to confirm.

After Windows protected print mode is disabled, reinstall any printers or scanners that were removed while it was enabled. Non‑compatible devices are not restored automatically and must be added back manually.

Note: If Windows protected print mode has been enabled by Group Policy in an organization, it cannot be turned off from Settings. In that case, contact the system administrator to change the policy.

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References:

• Overview of Windows protected print mode
• Windows protected print mode FAQ
• Policy CSP - Printers
• Discover the Modern print platform