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Is Windows Protected Print Mode Preventing Printing?

patrice payne 0 Reputation points
2026-05-10T17:53:53.97+00:00

Recently, for no apparent reason, my documents are sent to the printer, but they will not print. After performing the usual throuble shoot methods i.e. checking connection port, unplug/replug, restart computer, I am receiving an error message and the documents will not print. The printer (Canon MF650C Series UFR II) is practically new and this issue seems random. Any suggestions?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-10T17:54:02.65+00:00

    Windows protected print mode can remove or block printers that rely on third‑party drivers. When enabled, it:

    • Uninstalls non‑compatible printers and prevents them from being reinstalled while the mode is on.
    • Removes software/virtual printers that are not supported.

    If the Canon printer uses a third‑party driver that is not compatible, enabling Windows protected print mode could cause jobs to fail or the printer to disappear or stop working reliably.

    To check and address this:

    1. Verify whether Windows protected print mode is enabled
      • Select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & scanners.
      • Scroll down to Printer Preferences.
      • Under Windows protected print mode, check whether it is turned on.
    2. If it is enabled and the printer is not working reliably
      • In the same Printer Preferences area, select Turn Off under Windows protected print mode.
      • Confirm all prompts.
      • After it is disabled, manually reinstall the Canon printer using its official driver package.
      Note: If Windows protected print mode is enforced by Group Policy, it cannot be turned off without contacting the administrator.
    3. Reinstall the printer and driver
      • Remove the Canon printer from Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
      • Install the latest Canon driver for the MF650C series.
      • Add the printer again and test printing.

    If Windows protected print mode is not enabled, follow general printer troubleshooting:

    1. Install the latest printer driver
      • Ensure the latest driver for the Canon MF650C series is installed, as many printers require current drivers to work correctly.
    2. Clear and reset the print spooler
      • Open Services (search for services from Start).
      • Double‑click Print Spooler, select Stop, then OK.
      • In File Explorer, go to %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder.
      • Go back to Services, double‑click Print Spooler, select Start and set Startup type to Automatic, then OK.

    After these steps, send a new print job and confirm whether the error persists.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Ben4724 3,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-10T19:41:57.0666667+00:00

    Hi there!

    It appears this suggestion of AI here to reinstall printer driver is after you disable the "Windows protected print mode". Because if you enable the print mode, the following will happen.

    Upon enabling Windows protected print mode, printers that use third–party drivers are uninstalled.  

    • The print driver is deleted from the print driver store, and it can't be used while Windows protected print mode is active.  
    • When Windows protected print mode is disabled and the printer is reinstalled, the original driver is reinstalled.  

    Before reinstalling it, you can try resetting the print spooler first following the steps provided by the AI. This usually works but if an update causes this then reinstall would be the other option.

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  3. patrice payne 0 Reputation points
    2026-05-10T18:01:40.3+00:00

    How or why would I have to manually install the printer when it was working just fine all this time. What would cause the printer to suddenly get these errors?

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