How to turn off window protected print mode

Namet Sudi 0 Reputation points
2026-10-01T12:30:50.86+00:00

I cannot use my printer to print documents because it has been filtered by the window protected print mode. I want to turn that setting off, how do i do that

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-01T12:31:04.9333333+00:00

    To turn off Windows protected print mode:

    1. Select Start.
    2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
    3. Scroll to Printer Preferences.
    4. Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn Off.
    5. Select Yes to confirm.

    After it is disabled:

    • Non-compatible printers can be installed again.
    • Any non-compatible printers that were removed must be manually reinstalled.

    If the option to turn it off is unavailable and Windows says it is managed by policy, it was enabled through Group Policy or device policy and must be changed by the administrator.

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

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  2. DaveM121 936.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-01T13:06:49.23+00:00

    1

    Open the Settings App.

    Go to Bluetooth and Devices - Printers and Scanners.

    In there, you should see the 'Windows protected print mode' section.

    Remove your printer from the Protected Mode section.

    Then, disable 'Windows protected print mode'.

    Restart your PC to apply the change and test if you are able to use your printer.

    2

    If you are still unable to use your printer, completely uninstall it, then go to the support page for your printer on the manufacturers website to download the printer drivers, firmware and associated software they provide for your printer model.

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  3. Kapil Arya 38,496 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-10-02T07:42:07.3066667+00:00

    Try these steps:

    Open Registry Editor.

    Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\WPP.

    Double click and set the WindowsProtectedPrintMode to 0.

    P.S. If you are new to registry, it is highly recommended that you create a System Restore point before these steps.

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