- Windows Ready Print uses the IPP protocol to allow the installation of printers without the need for manufacturer drivers.
- Windows Protected Print mode enhances security by completely blocking any uncertified third-party software.
- There are multiple installation methods available today, ranging from Windows Update and the manufacturer's website to the legacy Driver Assistant.
Struggling with printers is practically a national sport for anyone using Windows. From searching for that darn CD that we don't even have a place to put anymore, to navigating manufacturers' websites that seem like labyrinths, installing a printing device has historically been a headache full of errors and compatibility issues.
Fortunately, Microsoft has decided to radically change this so we don't go crazy. With the arrival of new technologies like Windows Ready Print , the idea is that connecting your computer will be as simple as plugging in a USB cable and starting to print, leaving behind that endless dependence on external drivers that have so often let us down.
What exactly is Windows Ready Print?
Simply put, it's Microsoft's new approach to standardizing printing. Instead of each brand having its own proprietary software, this system uses an integrated, class-based driver based on the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). This means that if your printer is compatible, Windows will recognize it instantly without needing to install manufacturer-specific driver packages.
This technology is already being rolled out and is expected to be the default option for all new installations starting in July 2026. If you have Windows 11, you can find the switch to enable this feature in the Bluetooth & devices menu , under Printers and Scanners. Enabling it will ensure the system always prioritizes this clean, direct installation.
Windows Protected Print mode: Armored security
If Ready Print is about convenience, Protected Print mode is about pure, unadulterated security. Microsoft has discovered that third-party drivers are often the weak point through which serious vulnerabilities enter the system (as happened with the infamous PrintNightmare). To prevent this, Protected Print mode completely blocks third-party software and only allows the modern, IPP-based path.
Be careful here: in this mode, there is no "plan B." If a printer isn't Mopria certified or doesn't support IPP, it will simply stop working because the system prohibits any other driver. It's a secure environment that eliminates software conflicts, but it requires your entire printing infrastructure to be updated to the new standards.
Complete guide to installing printers on Windows
Even if the future is driverless, many people still need to configure computers today. Depending on your situation, you have several options to get paper feeding:
- Via Windows Update: This is the most recommended option. The system automatically searches for the most compatible and up-to-date software so you don't have to do anything manually.
- Manufacturer website: If Windows Update fails, the best solution is to go to the official website, find your exact machine model, and download the driver. Always remember run the installer as administrator to avoid permissions issues.
- Direct USB connection: Sometimes, simply connecting the cable and turning on the printer is enough. Windows will attempt to complete the process. automatic installationIf it doesn't happen, you can force it by going to "Printers and scanners" and selecting "Add a printer or scanner".
- Device administrator: A more technical option where you can update the driver by right-clicking on the detected device.
- Legacy Assistant: For those very old printers that look like museum pieces, there's the Add Printer Driver Wizard, accessible from the print server properties. It's the last ratio when nothing else works.
If you notice that the printer still doesn't respond even after installing everything, a trick that never fails is to reinstall the device from scratch : remove it completely from the system and add it back in to force a clean download of the drivers.
Special cases and compatibility
Things aren't always so simple on some devices. For example, on devices like the Surface Pro X, some users have reported difficulty finding specific scanner drivers , demonstrating the need for a universal standard. With Macs, the process is smoother since they usually detect the hardware automatically, although on recent models you'll likely need a USB port adapter.
For those using enterprise solutions like ThinPrint or ezeep, the good news is that these tools are already adapting. While some rely on OEM drivers, others were designed with a driverless architecture , making them fully compatible with Microsoft's protected mode.
The shift to an IPP-based system will allow any compatible device to be installed instantly, eliminating the need to search for external software and protecting the system against security vulnerabilities. Whether through automated Windows Update or the implementation of Windows Ready Print, the goal is for users to stop worrying about software and focus solely on printing their documents without technical complications.