Windows Protected Print Mode Updates - Replaces Canon Printer Driver that is incompatible with MF Scan Utility

Rich IE Tyme 0 Reputation points
2026-09-17T19:36:35.4266667+00:00

Windows 10-11 Updates - Sometimes replaces Canon Printer Driver with the Microsoft Generic or Universal, "Mopria Certified" https://mopria.org/what-is-mopria driver that is incompatible with Canon MF Scan Utility Application.

This has occurred at least 3 times over the past 2 years, and I believe it occurs when Windows Update rolls out new enhanced security feature. As I don't use the MF Scan Utility Application on a daily or weekly basis.

Is there a recommended procedure in Group Policy Editor to prevent the Cannon driver from being Updated by the Protected Print Mode feature.Thanks in advance,

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | Devices and deployment | Set up, install, or upgrade
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  1. Daphne Huynh (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,385 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-18T02:09:00.9066667+00:00

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

    Thank you for providing the details of your issue.

    Based on the behavior you've described, this is expected when Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP) or Windows Ready Print is enabled.

    Microsoft's modern printing architecture is designed to replace legacy third-party printer drivers with the built-in Microsoft IPP Class Driver (Windows Ready Print) for supported Mopria-certified printers. When WPP is enabled, third-party printer drivers are removed and the printer is reinstalled using the Microsoft inbox driver. As a result, Canon-specific features that depend on the original Canon driver, including Canon MF Scan Utility, may no longer function as expected.

    Please also notes that some scanner functionality may be unavailable while Windows Protected Print Mode is enabled. Scanner compatibility depends on whether the device supports the required standards. If your scanning workflow relies on Canon-specific software and drivers, it is a recommendation using the manufacturer's driver rather than Windows Protected Print Mode.

    To restore MF Scan Utility functionality, you can try the following:

    1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and verify whether Windows Protected Print Mode is enabled.
    2. If it is enabled, disable it and restart your PC.
    3. Remove the printer and reinstall it using the latest Canon printer driver package from Canon.
    4. Reinstall Canon MF Scan Utility, if necessary.
    5. In managed environments, consider keeping Windows Protected Print Mode disabled on devices that require Canon-specific scanning features.

    At this time, there is no documented Group Policy or configuration that allows Canon's proprietary driver to remain in use while Windows Protected Print Mode is enforced. If your organization depends on Canon MF Scan Utility, the recommended approach is to continue using the Canon driver stack instead of Windows Ready Print on affected devices.

    I understand this may be disappointing if the feature stopped working after a recent update. However, this behavior is currently by design as part of Microsoft's transition to a more secure and standardized printing platform.

    If you find this information helpful, please click Accept Answer. 

    Thank you for using Microsoft Q&A.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-17T19:36:51+00:00

    No Group Policy setting in the provided documentation prevents Windows protected print mode from replacing a vendor driver while keeping Canon MF Scan Utility compatibility.

    Supported facts from the documentation:

    1. Windows protected print mode disables third-party print drivers and enforces the Windows IPP/Windows Ready Print path for Mopria certified printers.
    2. If Windows protected print mode is enabled, legacy driver-based printing scenarios are not the intended model.
    3. Windows protected print mode can be enabled by Group Policy at: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Printers > Configure Windows protected print
    4. The platform is designed so users can revert back to legacy (driver-based) printing if the printer is not compatible.

    For a Canon device that depends on the Canon driver for MF Scan Utility integration, the supported approach from the documentation is to use legacy driver-based printing instead of Windows protected print mode on those machines.

    If the Canon driver has already been replaced and scanning integration stops working, the documented recovery steps are:

    1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    2. Select the printer and choose Remove.
    3. Restart the PC.
    4. Add the printer again so Windows installs the recommended driver, or install a compatible manufacturer driver if Windows does not provide one.
    5. If the problem started after a recent driver update, open Device Manager > Printers or Print queues > printer Properties > Driver and use Roll Back Driver if available.

    If Windows protected print mode was intentionally enabled through policy, disable that policy on devices that require the Canon driver and MF Scan Utility compatibility.

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

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