Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection

The way we print on Windows is changing. 

As printing technologies advance, both customers and partners are looking for solutions that are dependable, secure, and simple to manage on today’s devices. To embrace this evolution and clarify the benefits of our platform, we’re introducing our updated Modern Print Platform under a fresh name: Windows Ready Print. 

Windows Ready Print focuses on what truly matters: a fast, reliable printing experience tailored for modern Windows systems. This represents our promise to make printing easier, adhere to contemporary standards, and provide consistent, forward-thinking experiences for users, IT managers, and partners.    

Central to Windows Ready Print is a shift away from outdated, third-party driver-based workflows and towards modern, standard printing via IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) using the built-in IPP printer driver in Windows. 

Beginning in July 2026, new printers will automatically set up to use Windows Ready Print where it’s supported, making for a smoother and more reliable installation experience. This update will lessen the burden of traditional driver management and will create a more scalable and predictable printing environment. 

We understand that not every environment will transition to Windows Ready Print immediately. To ensure a flexible and easy transition, we’re allowing users to set up Windows to install their printers using either Windows Ready Print (if compatible) or the manufacturer’s printer driver during the setup process. 

This option can be found in Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Default install printer using Windows Ready Print. 

Driver selection configuration in Settings

With this feature, users and IT admins gain control over the driver selection process when installing printers: 

• If “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print” is switched on, Windows Ready Print will be the preferred installation method 

• If “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print” is turned off, the standard driver selection will apply 

This configuration only impacts new printer setups and won’t change any existing devices. 

To toggle this feature using group policy, follow these steps: 

1. Open Group Policy Editor
2. Go to Local Computer Policy -> Administrative Templates -> Printers
3. Locate and select ‘Configure Windows Ready Print driver ranking’ -> double-click to open it
4. Choose ‘Enabled’ (to allow Windows Ready Print driver selection) or ‘Disabled’ (to turn off Windows Ready Print driver selection). 
5. Hit Apply
6. Then select OK 

Activating “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print” means that new printers will default to using the built-in IPP printer driver when available.  

When you activate Windows protected print mode, printers will exclusively use Windows Ready Print for installation. Unfortunately, devices that aren’t compatible with Windows Ready Print cannot be added.  

Important: Once you’ve enabled Windows protected print mode, you won’t be able to turn off “Default install printers using Windows Ready Print.”.