- The IPP protocol standardizes communication between the PC and the printer, eliminating dependence on proprietary drivers.
- Windows 11 prioritizes the use of the Microsoft IPP Class Driver to improve security and reduce system failures.
- Mopria certification is the fundamental requirement to ensure that a printer is fully compatible with this standard.
You've probably noticed that installing a printer these days no longer involves struggling with installation discs or searching for complicated drivers on the manufacturer's website. This is because Windows 11 has made a radical shift towards the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) , a standard that aims to make printing as easy as browsing a website, without any technical complications.
Basically, we're moving from a model where the PC had to "learn" what the printer could do using external software, to a system where the printer itself presents itself and tells the computer exactly what its capabilities are. It's a paradigm shift that promises to put an end to the infamous spooler crashes and incompatibilities after every system update.
What exactly is the IPP protocol and how does it work?
IPP is a standardized language, managed by the IETF, that uses the HTTP protocol to move documents from the client to the printer. What makes it special is that it allows the printer to check the device's status , manage print queues, and efficiently cancel jobs. Unlike older methods, IPP integrates TLS encryption and authentication from the start , preventing your confidential documents from traveling "unencrypted" across the network.
In the traditional approach, we needed a driver to act as a translator. With the Microsoft IPP Class Driver , that translator is already integrated into Windows. When you connect a printer, the system asks it, "What can you do?", and the printer responds by specifying whether it has duplex printing, what paper sizes it supports, or if it prints in color. This way, Windows creates the print queue based on real, up-to-date hardware data, not on a potentially outdated software file.
Advantages of adopting IPP-based printing
Switching to this model isn't a whim of Microsoft's, but a measure to clean up the system. First, security is significantly improved by eliminating third-party drivers, which are often the gateway to vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it puts an end to the crashes and memory leaks that poorly optimized proprietary drivers used to cause.
For system administrators, this is a relief because it simplifies management; there's no longer a need to search for the exact driver version for each processor architecture or Windows version. It's simply a future-proof solution , as Microsoft plans to discontinue support for the classic v3 and v4 drivers through the regular update channels.
Requirements and steps for manual installation
For everything to work smoothly, simply connecting the cable isn't enough. It's essential that the printer is Mopria certified and that the IPP protocol is enabled in its internal configuration. Additionally, it's strongly recommended to assign a static IP address to the device to prevent the connection from being lost when the router restarts.
If you want to manually add a printer in Windows 11, the steps are fairly straightforward: go to Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and then Printers & scanners. When you choose "Add a device" and opt for manual installation using IP address , you must specifically select "IPP Device ." Once you enter the IP address, the system will do the rest. If you notice a manufacturer's interface instead of the Windows interface, there may be a printer support application (PSA) interfering, which you should uninstall to use the official Microsoft driver.
The path to Protected Print mode
Microsoft has outlined an ambitious timeline. Starting in July 2026, the system will prioritize the built-in IPP driver over all others. Later, in 2027, traditional driver updates through Windows Update will be limited to security patches only . The ultimate goal is Windows Protected Print Mode , an environment where external drivers are completely blocked for security reasons.
This is where problems can arise with older USB printers . If a device doesn't support IPP over USB or isn't Mopria certified, it could become unusable if protected mode is activated. It's vital to check the hardware specifications to confirm Mopria compatibility and avoid unpleasant surprises in the near future.
Common possible problems and solutions
Not everything is perfect. Some users have reported that when using the IPP class driver on devices with ARM processors (such as the Surface Pro 11), printouts may be reduced in size or rotated if the manufacturer hasn't optimized communication. In these cases, the solution usually involves trying to reinstall the printer or, in extreme cases, sharing the printer from a Windows 10 PC that has the original driver installed and working.
If the installation fails, check that you can ping the printer's IP address . Sometimes, the printer doesn't use the default path, and you need to enter the full URL, following the format ipp://[IP address]:631/ipp/print . Keep in mind that if options like stapling or special trays are missing, it's because these advanced features are sometimes only available in OEM drivers.
Comparison with older protocols
To understand this leap, we need to look back. Previously, we used LPR (Line Printer Remote) or RAW printing via port 9100. These methods were extremely rudimentary; they essentially sent data to the port and hoped the printer knew what to do with it, without authentication or encryption . IPP inherits all the power of HTTP, allowing a print job to travel over HTTPS , ensuring that no one intercepts the information on the local network.
While the old model relied on the manufacturer writing perfect code for each version of Windows, the IPP model shifts the intelligence to the device. This means the knowledge resides in the printer , where it has always been most accurate, eliminating the need for constant software updates on the PC.
The transition to the IPP standard and Mopria certification marks the end of an era of heavyweight and problematic controllers, betting on a lighter, more secure and universal infrastructure that simplifies the life of the end user while strengthening the security of the operating system.