Windows Ready Print

Microsoft Windows Ready Print, Windows Protected Print (WPP) and Canon Devices

Microsoft's Windows Ready Print represents a significant shift towards a more secure, standardised, and driverless printing ecosystem built around the IPP Class Driver and Windows Protected Print (WPP). While these technologies bring security, management, and compatibility benefits particularly for ARM-based devices, they can also reduce access to advanced Canon printer features, device monitoring capabilities, print quality optimisations, and application integrations. Organisations should begin testing and evaluating their printing environments now to ensure a smooth transition while Canon-specific drivers remain available and supported.

  • Microsoft is transforming the Windows printing experience through the introduction of Windows Ready Print (formally Modern Print Platform) and Windows Protected Print (WPP). These changes are designed to improve security, simplify printer management, and reduce dependency on manufacturer-specific printer drivers. 

    As part of this transition, Windows increasingly uses its built-in Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) Class Driver rather than printer-specific drivers supplied by manufacturers such as Canon. 

    For organisations that rely on Canon devices, understanding these changes is essential to ensure continued access to key printing features and workflows.

  • Windows Protected Print (WPP) is Microsoft's next-generation printing architecture designed to provide a more secure and standardised printing experience.

    When WPP is enabled:

    • Only Microsoft's built-in IPP Class Driver can be used
    • Third-party printer drivers are automatically removed
    • Installation of third-party printer drivers is blocked
    • Printing security is enhanced by reducing the attack surface associated with traditional print drivers

    WPP works alongside Windows Ready Print, Microsoft's preferred method of communicating with printers using:

    • Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) drivers
    • eSCL scanning (a Mopria® scanning standard)
    • Universal Print (Microsoft's cloud-based printing service)

    The long-term objective is to move away from device-specific print drivers and towards a standardised, driverless printing model.

  • The IPP Class Driver is Microsoft's generic printer driver that supports IPP-enabled printers.

    Benefits

    • Built directly into Windows
    • Compatible with Windows Ready Print
    • Fully supported by Windows Protected Print
    • Supports ARM-based Windows devices
    • Works with Mopria® certified printers

    Limitations

    As a generic driver, the IPP Class Driver does not provide access to all manufacturer-specific functionality.

    Compared to Canon's dedicated drivers, users may experience:

    • Fewer print settings and configuration options
    • Reduced print-quality optimisation controls
    • Limited device status and monitoring information
    • Reduced access to maintenance and management features

  • When Windows installs the Microsoft IPP Class Driver instead of a Canon-specific driver, some features may become unavailable.

    Printing Features

    You may notice:

    • Fewer paper type selections
    • Reduced paper size options
    • Missing advanced layout and finishing features
    • Limited print customisation settings

    Device Monitoring

    The following information may no longer be available:

    • Ink or toner level reporting
    • Maintenance cartridge status (if applicable)
    • Device warnings and error notifications
    • Detailed printer health information

    Canon Software Compatibility

    Some Canon applications rely on Canon-specific driver functionality and may not operate correctly when the IPP Class Driver is being used.

    Examples include:

    • Easy-PhotoPrint Editor
    • PosterArtist

  • Canon advises that print output quality may vary when using the Microsoft IPP Class Driver instead of Canon's dedicated print drivers. 

    Organisations with high-quality or specialized printing requirements should thoroughly test output quality before fully adopting an IPP-only environment.

  • The adoption of ARM-powered Windows devices, including systems based on Snapdragon® processors, continues to grow.

    This introduces an additional consideration for Canon printing environments.

    Key Points

    Traditional Canon print drivers were designed primarily for Intel and AMD processor architectures and are generally not available for Windows ARM devices.

    As a result:

    • ARM-based Windows PCs rely on the Microsoft IPP Class Driver
    • Printing is supported when Canon devices offer Mopria® compatibility
    • Organisations planning ARM deployments should validate printing requirements in advance

  • Most modern Canon printers support Mopria® printing standards, helping ensure compatibility with:

    • Windows Ready Print
    • The Microsoft IPP Class Driver
    • Windows Protected Print

    To confirm compatibility, consult the official Mopria® Certified Products List.

  • To help address functionality gaps when using the Microsoft IPP Class Driver, Canon provides the Canon Print Assistant App, available through the Microsoft Store.

    Benefits

    The application can provide:

    • Enhanced printing functionality
    • Canon-specific settings and controls
    • Improved integration within Windows Ready Print environments

    In many cases, Windows downloads and installs the application automatically when a supported Canon device is detected.

    For more information regarding the Canon Print Assistant App, please click here.

  • To determine whether Windows is using the Microsoft IPP Class Driver:

    Windows 11

    1. Open Settings

    2. Select Bluetooth & devices

    3. Choose Printers & scanners

    4. Select your printer

    5. Open Printer Properties

    6. Select the Advanced tab

    7. Check the Driver field

    If the driver displayed is Microsoft IPP Class Driver, Windows is using Microsoft's generic driver rather than a Canon-specific driver.

    For example:

  • Starting in July 2026, new printer installations will default to Windows Ready Print where supported.

    When enabled:

    • Windows prioritises the Microsoft IPP Class Driver
    • Canon-specific drivers may not be installed automatically
    • New printer installations typically use Microsoft's preferred printing framework

  • If your environment requires Canon-specific functionality, administrators can disable Windows Ready Print preference.

    Steps

    1. Sign in with an administrator account

    2. Open Settings

    3. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

    4. Locate Default install printers using Windows Ready Print



    5. Change the setting from On to Off

    6. Remove and reinstall the printer if required

    7. Restart the computer

    This allows Windows to install and use supported Canon-specific drivers where available.

    To disable this feature via Group Policy, go to:

    1. Launch Group Policy Editor

    2. Navigate to Local Computer Policy → Administrative Templates → Printers

    3. Find and select Configure Windows Ready Print driver ranking, then double-click to open it

    4. Select Disabled (to disable Windows Ready Print driver selection)

    5. Select Apply

    6. Select OK

  • Short-Term

    Yes.

    Windows Protected Print is currently disabled by default, allowing organisations to continue using Canon drivers where supported.

    Long-Term

    Microsoft's direction of travel is clear: Windows printing is moving towards IPP-based, driverless printing through Windows Ready Print.

    While Microsoft has not announced a final mandatory transition date, organisations should begin assessing the impact and planning for future adoption.

  • To prepare for Microsoft's evolving print ecosystem, organisations should:

    1. Audit Existing Printer Infrastructure

    Identify:

    • Canon devices in use
    • Driver dependencies
    • Critical print workflows

    2. Test IPP Printing

    Verify that key business processes operate correctly using the Microsoft IPP Class Driver.

    3. Assess Print Quality Requirements

    Pay particular attention to departments requiring advanced finishing or high-quality output.

    4. Review ARM Device Strategies

    If ARM-based Windows devices are being introduced, ensure printer compatibility has been validated.

    5. Deploy Canon Print Assistant

    Where additional functionality is required, consider deploying Canon's companion application.

    6. Evaluate WPP Adoption

    Determine whether WPP should be enabled based on security requirements and operational impacts.

    7. Create a Migration Roadmap

    Develop a structured plan before Microsoft's Windows Ready Print becomes the default standard across enterprise environments.

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