Microsoft Launch NEW Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP), for Mopria-Certified Printers.

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Microsoft Launch NEW Windows
Protected Print Mode (WPP), for Mopria-Certified Printers.
On October 1, 2024, Microsoft unveiled Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP), marking the most significant transformation of the Windows print stack in over two decades. This new secure printing platform aims to prevent future vulnerabilities and attacks by working exclusively with Mopria-certified printers and eliminating third-party drivers. As Microsoft phases out its legacy printer driver, support for third-party drivers will cease, with no new drivers available through Windows Update starting in 2025. While WPP is not yet the default setting in Windows, its eventual integration into Windows 11 signifies a shift toward a more secure and driverless printing experience.

The Security Challenges of Traditional Printer Drivers
For years, printer drivers have served as the vital link between computers and printers, converting print jobs into a format that printers can understand. However, securing the extensive legacy ecosystem of printer drivers has become increasingly challenging in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape. The diverse array of manufacturers and models, along with various page description languages (PDLs), complicates security efforts.

Compatibility issues also arise between legacy drivers and modern security technologies such as Control-flow Enforcement Technology (CET), Control Flow Guard (CFG), and Arbitrary Code Guard (ACG). Microsoft relies on printer manufacturers to keep these drivers updated, creating potential vulnerabilities within the printing system.

Concerns over print security are escalating, with a recent Quocirca study revealing that IT decision-makers perceive both employee-owned home printers (33%) and office printers (29%) as significant risks. Security threats extend beyond physical documents, as compromised devices can provide unauthorized access to networks. The increasing vulnerability of printer drivers and print management software further heightens these risks.

Furthermore, print driver deployment remains a major administrative challenge for organizations. Quocirca’s Print Security 2024 study indicates that 49% of respondents cite the administrative burden of driver deployment as a top concern, while 42% struggle with the complexity of managing a mixed printer fleet, and 39% worry that vendor drivers could introduce security vulnerabilities.

Historically, the Windows print system has been a frequent target for attacks, with print-related vulnerabilities contributing to incidents like Stuxnet and Print Nightmare, accounting for 9% of reported cases to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) over the last three years. WPP has already mitigated over half of these vulnerabilities.

WPP represents a comprehensive redesign of the printing subsystem, minimizing the attack surface and enhancing the user experience. It prioritizes IPP-based printing and disallows third-party drivers.

The Move Toward Driverless Printing
Recent years have seen a shift toward driverless printing, facilitated by the adoption of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and Print Support App (PSA). The Microsoft IPP Class Driver allows remote printing without the need for third-party drivers, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop PSAs that provide custom functionality. These PSAs are distributed through the Windows Store, simplifying the setup process by automatically detecting and configuring compatible printers.

IPP printing offers numerous advantages, including built-in encryption, access control, simplified code, and authentication. However, it still relies on drivers, as printer sharing may require setting up a driver or installing an IPP printer.

Modernizing the Printing Stack
WPP builds on the existing IPP stack, supporting only Mopria-certified printers and disabling third-party drivers and direct IP printing. With WPP enabled, non-IPP print drivers and TCP/IP ports are eliminated, reducing opportunities for attackers to exploit the spooler. WPP also employs transport security, alerting users when their traffic is encrypted and encouraging the use of encryption when possible. Launched on October 1, 2024, as part of the Windows 11 version 24H2 security baseline release, WPP is not yet enabled by default.

Challenges for Legacy Devices
While Mopria-certified printers are compatible, the transition to WPP may create challenges for organizations using older devices. Once WPP is activated, only the IPP driver remains, which could necessitate the deactivation of WPP to use custom drivers and ports.

Microsoft aims to provide a secure default configuration while allowing users to revert to legacy printing if necessary. However, printers lacking IPP or PSA support may not function with Windows 11, potentially requiring upgrades, especially for organizations with large fleets of older devices.

Will Windows 11 Prompt a Printer Refresh?
The transition to driverless printing is expected to be gradual. Many manufacturers are updating their models to support IPP and PSA, while Microsoft is actively working to ensure compatibility with older devices. As the advantages of driverless printing become more evident, the demand for outdated printers is likely to decrease. Organizations will need to consider replacing older devices, especially as Windows 10 approaches its end of life and companies transition to Windows 11.

This movement is already driving technology refreshes, with 79% of respondents in Quocirca’s AI study indicating plans to upgrade their PC estates to leverage AI technology. Notably, 73% also anticipate refreshing their printers and multifunction devices simultaneously. Microsoft has confirmed that Copilot+ PCs or any ARM-based devices will support printing in Windows 11, whether Mopria certified or equipped with PSAs.

Conclusion
Microsoft is redefining the future of printing through its Universal Print cloud service and the IPP platform. The transition away from traditional print drivers signifies a major evolution in the print ecosystem, addressing longstanding security and administrative challenges. Organizations must strategically plan their transition to avoid disruption, particularly those with diverse printer fleets. While the support for label printers and wide-format devices remains uncertain, Mopria has certified over 120 million printers and multifunction devices across various brands, ensuring broad compatibility.

This transformation also presents new opportunities for the print industry. Managed print service providers can position themselves as key partners, helping clients assess their fleets’ compatibility with Windows 11 WPP requirements, potentially leading to increased demand for hardware refreshes and renewed focus on recycling incompatible devices.

By moving to a more secure and efficient printing platform through WPP, which will eventually become the default in Windows 11, Microsoft is enhancing the overall user experience while reducing potential security risks. Though organizations may need to adapt to this shift, it ultimately leads to a stronger and more secure printing infrastructure, particularly in the era of AI advancements.

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November 4, 2024 at 3:30 PM