Microsoft has just published the latest build of Windows 11 for 2023 available to Insider members on the Canary Channel. This version 26016 of the OS notably includes new features on the printing side, with the integration of “Windows Protected Printing” mode. We’ll explain what it’s all about.
As we slowly but surely approach the end of 2023, Microsoft has just deployed the latest build of Windows 11 accessible to Insider members on the Canary Channel.
This version 26016 of the Redmond firm’s OS does not offer a large number of new features and is content to provide a single new functionality. Nevertheless, it deserves attention. Indeed, with this build, Microsoft is launching “protected print mode” Or “Protected Print Mode” (PPM) in the language of Shakespeare.
Microsoft launches Protected Print Mode on Windows 11
To summarize, this mode was designed to make the printing process easier on Windows 11, while strengthening its security. First of all, PPM finally allows you to use a printer without the need to download specific drivers to your device. Be careful though, for this you will need to be in possession of a MOPRIA certified printer. If so, you will no longer need to install additional software or drivers to take advantage of the full functionality of your printer on Windows 11.
Furthermore, the adoption of the PPM makes it possible to significantly strengthen the security of the Windows printing system. Indeed, PPM is based on a protocol: IPP for Internet Printing Protocol. Based on HTTP, this protocol supports many authentication methods and above all, it offers built-in encryption, similar to that used on HTTPS web pages. Another key point is that PPM supports a limited number of printing languages (only those based on public standards like PWG Raster and PDF).
In this way, PPM limits the risk of vulnerabilities. Because, Today third-party drivers implement more than 40 different printing languageswhich can lead to the appearance of security vulnerabilities.
How to enable Protected Print Mode
To activate “protected printing mode” on the Canary Channel, here is the procedure to follow:
- Click on the menu To start up
- Open Local Group Policy Editor
- Go to Configuration Templates > Computer Management > Printers
- Right-click “Configure Windows Protected Print Mode” and click To modify
- Select the radio button “Enabled“
- Click on “Apply“, Then “OK“
As a reminder, several printer-related bugs have hit Windows 11 users recently. Microsoft recently admitted its responsibility for these malfunctions.
Source: XDA Developers