Understanding Windows Protected Print Mode: A Guide to Enabling It

Key Notes

• Windows Protected Print Mode enhances security during printing.
• Only available in Windows 11 Insider Builds and for Pro users.
• Two methods to enable: Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor.

Unlocking Enhanced Security: How to Enable Windows Protected Print Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces the innovative Protected Print Mode (WPP), a feature designed to boost printing security. With its capabilities currently available in Insider Builds, this guide outlines the importance of WPP, prerequisites, and the necessary steps to enable it for Windows 11 users.

How to Enable Protected Print Mode in Windows 11?

To enable Windows Protected Print Mode, ensure that you have Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26016 or later installed. Currently, this feature is exclusively available for Windows 11 Pro users. If you’re not using an Insider Build, you’ll need to upgrade to access this feature.

To verify your current build version and build number, open the Run console by pressing Win + R, type Winver, and press Enter.

You can enable Protected Print Mode (WPP) using two methods:

1. Enable WPP via Group Policy Editor
2. Use the Registry Editor to Enable WPP

Step 1: Enable WPP via the Group Policy Editor

Begin by launching the Run console with Win + R. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

In the Local Group Policy Editor, follow this path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers

On the right pane, double-click on Configure Windows Protected Print to access the configuration settings.

Set it to Enabled to activate Windows Protected Print Mode.

Step 2: Use the Registry Editor to Enable WPP

Before making any alterations, back up your registry settings to restore any lost configurations if needed.

Launch the Run console again with Win + R, type in regedit, and press Enter.

In the Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\WPP

On the right panel, verify if the following DWORD keys are present. Double-click each to confirm that the Value data corresponds with the settings to ensure WPP is fully enabled:

• EnabledBy with Value data 2
• WindowsProtectedPrintGroupPolicyState with Value data 1
• WindowsProtectedPrintMode with Value data 1
• WindowsProtectedPrintOobeConfigComplete with Value data 1

To disable the Windows Protected Print Mode later, simply change the Value data for each key to 0.

How to Set Up a Locked Printer in Windows?

To establish a locked print job in Windows, initiate the Run console ( Win + R ), type Control Printers, and press Enter. This will open the Devices and Printers window. Right-click on your printer, select Printing Preferences, click on Job Type, and choose Locked Print. Enter a User ID and secure numeric password to ensure only you can release and print documents from the machine.

How to Enable Secure Print in Windows?

To enable secure printing, open your desired document, select Print, right-click on your printer, and choose Printer Properties. Look for either the Security or Job Storage tab. Navigate to Secure Print or PIN Printing, set your PIN, and click OK. Your document will print once the PIN is entered at the printer.

Additional Tips

• Before making changes to system files, remember to back them up to prevent data loss.
• Ensure your printer is Mopria certified for maximum compatibility with Protected Print Mode.
• Regularly check for updates in Windows Insider Builds to get the latest features.

Summary

Windows Protected Print Mode is a vital enhancement for secure printing in Windows 11, available for Pro users in Insider Builds. Through Group Policy or Registry configuration, enabling WPP can streamline and secure your printing process significantly.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively enable Windows Protected Print Mode and enhance your printing security. Whether through Group Policy or Registry settings, taking control of your printer settings is essential in today’s security-focused environment.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)