Disable Windows protected mode for printer

Question

My printer does not work.

Where is the "Start" button for the instructionss to disable?

Answer 1

Welcome Sylvia and Larry Roberts,

I understand how frustrating it can be when you are having trouble finding the Start button and disabling Windows protected print mode, and your printer is not working. 

Before we proceed, I’d like to clarify a couple of points:  

• Could you confirm if you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11? 
• Do you see the taskbar at the bottom of your screen, or is it hidden? 

In addition to Q&A Assist's suggested steps, please try these extra checks to move forward:      

Option 1: Locate the Start button  

• Look at the bottom-left corner of your screen 
• The Start button is the Windows icon on the taskbar 
• If you do not see it, press the Windows key on your keyboard 

Option 2: Restart the printer service  

• Press Windows key + R 
• Type services.msc and press Enter 
• Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart 

I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue.  

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Answer 2

On Windows, the Start button is the Windows icon on the taskbar, usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen.

To disable Windows protected print mode using the instructions provided:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon on the taskbar).
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.

If Windows protected print mode was enabled by Group Policy, it cannot be turned off this way and the administrator must change the policy.

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References:

• Overview of Windows protected print mode
• Windows protected print mode FAQ
• Windows protected print mode for enterprises