hp computer running windows 11 cannot print to epson printer due to windows protected print mode

Jim Santagata 0 Reputation points
2026-11-04T23:29:37.04+00:00

how to disable either print with windows protected print mode or disable windows protected print mode

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Hendrix-V 20,785 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-11-05T06:45:08.2566667+00:00

    Hi Jim Santagata,

    One useful point to verify before doing anything further: if the protected print mode setting shows Set up, the feature is already disabled.

    If that is what you see, please let us know the exact Epson model, connection type (USB/Wi-Fi/network), and any error shown when printing. With those details, we can focus on the actual printing failure.

    I hope this helps move the troubleshooting forward.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. AI answer

    2026-11-04T23:30:32.1566667+00:00

    Disable Windows protected print mode in Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Windows protected print mode → Turn Off, then reinstall the Epson printer and its Windows 11 driver.

    Security note: Turning this feature off applies to the entire PC and removes protected mode’s restrictions on third-party print drivers. Install only the driver for your exact printer model from Epson’s official support site.

    Disable protected print mode

    1. Select Start → Settings.
    2. Open Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
    3. Scroll down to Printer preferences.
    4. Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn Off.
    5. Select Yes.

    Windows protected print mode is then disabled, allowing printers that require manufacturer-supplied drivers to be installed. Printers removed when protected mode was enabled are not restored automatically.^1^

    Reinstall the Epson printer

    1. In Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, select any existing entry for the affected Epson printer.
    2. Select Remove, and then confirm Yes.
    3. Install the model-specific Windows 11 software and driver obtained from Epson’s official support site.
    4. Return to Printers & scanners and select Add device.
    5. Select the Epson printer when it appears. If it is not detected, select Add manually and follow the appropriate USB or network-printer option.
    6. Open the installed printer and print a test page.

    Microsoft confirms that third-party drivers are removed while protected mode is active. After disabling it, the printer must be reinstalled before its original driver can be used again.^2^

    If the setting shows “Set up” instead of “Turn Off”

    Set up means Windows protected print mode is already disabled; there is nothing to turn off.^3^

    In that case, proceed directly with removing and reinstalling the Epson printer. If it remains unavailable, Windows 11 also provides an automated printer troubleshooter through the Get Help app, followed by manual installation under Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device → Add manually.^4^

    If “Turn Off” is unavailable or blocked

    The PC may have protected printing enforced by organizational policy. When enabled through Group Policy or device management, it cannot be disabled from Settings; contact the organization’s administrator.^1^

    This policy applies to supported managed editions—Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise on version 24H2 or later.^5^

    Safer alternative

    To retain protected mode, check whether the Epson model is Mopria certified and whether it displays the protected-print-compatible shield in Printers & scanners. Compatible printers can be reinstalled using Windows Ready Print without the legacy Epson driver. If the device is not compatible, disabling protected mode and reinstalling it is required.^1^

    References

    1. Overview of Windows protected print mode
    2. Windows protected print mode FAQ
    3. Windows protected print mode - Microsoft Q&A
    4. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows)
    5. Policy CSP - Printers
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.