Microsoft Shifted Windows Printing to IPP Drivers

The OS now prioritizes native printer drivers to reduce the security risks posed by legacy manufacturer software.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular geometric structure with a central hub, representing standardized Windows printing architecture. — Microsoft has transitioned Windows to prioritize native IPP printer drivers, replacing legacy software packages to mitigate security vulnerabilities like PrintNightmare. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust Microsoft to restrict older hardware to improve your computer's security?

Beginning July 1, 2026, Microsoft moved to prioritize its built-in IPP inbox class driver over legacy printer drivers in Windows. This architectural shift aims to replace manufacturer-maintained packages with a standardized, driverless printing model.

Why it matters

The change narrows the attack surface of the Windows operating system by removing the reliance on external driver packages. This move follows historical security incidents like the PrintNightmare vulnerability, which enabled remote code execution through legacy printing protocols.

Microsoft is transitioning systems to use the IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) inbox class driver and the Mopria standard for driverless printing. This system supports a 10-year range of printers while deprecating the requirement for specialized, third-party software bundles.

The players

Microsoft

A global technology company that develops the Windows operating system and manages the software infrastructure for enterprise and consumer printing.

The details

The update changes the Windows driver-ranking system, which determines the priority of software used to communicate with peripheral hardware. By favoring the IPP inbox class driver—a pre-installed component that uses standardized network protocols to manage print jobs—the system bypasses the need for manufacturer-provided installer packages. This reduces the risk of malicious code injection inherent in legacy printer driver architectures.

Mid-2010s: Printers began shipping with Mopria certification.
July 1, 2026: The transition to prioritizing built-in IPP inbox class drivers commenced.

The Tech Race

This transition addresses the security legacy of the PrintNightmare vulnerability by phasing out third-party driver stacks. It aligns Windows 11 with a modernized, containerized security posture that prioritizes kernel-level safety over hardware-specific software compatibility.

Users can currently manage these settings by navigating to the Bluetooth and devices menu in Windows 11. While the system now favors driverless printing, users retain the ability to manually disable Windows Protected Print Mode if specific legacy hardware requirements persist.

The takeaway

The move to native IPP drivers standardizes printing across a decade of hardware while systematically hardening the OS against remote code execution risks. Users should monitor Windows Update settings to determine when Protected Print Mode moves from an opt-in status to a mandatory system configuration.