As Windows 10 reaches its shelf life, Microsoft will be issuing an optional Windows 11 update as of October 8, 2024. This optional/BETA update will have a feature called Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP). The feature will remove all third-party print drivers, print queues, and print spoolers, and replace them with a “new” default Windows driver. What will this mean for your print services? An estimated 30% of all print devices will not function with MPP enabled. Of the remaining devices it is projected that up to 70% will no longer have all features (finisher, stapler, etc.) and/or operate at a reduced capability (40 pages per minute will go down to 20 pages per minute). The printer makes and models that could be impacted by this are unknown at this time.
The good news is you can avoid this frustration since the Microsoft 11 update is options. It is our recommendation to not enable WPP at this time and allow others to test this new Microsoft functionality.
Of course, if you decide to upgrade to Microsoft 11 and run into printer issues as outlined above, fixing the Microsoft 11 MPP issue will require a new network configuration for your printer as well as work on individual devices. A&B can assist in resolving this matter at our standard rate.
For more information on this Microsoft Update and how it may affect your office printer click here.
If you would like to discuss how this Microsoft update will affect your business, please email A&B at ABWPP@abbusiness.com or call us at (800) 477-2425.