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Microsoft is retiring traditional print drivers in favour of a secure, cloud-native architecture called the Modern Print Platform.¹ At the heart of this shift is Windows Protected Print mode, that disables legacy drivers and enforces the use of secure, class-based alternatives.
This change is already underway in Windows 11 and will soon become the default across all Windows environments. If your business still relies on legacy V3 drivers, your print queues could stop working overnight.
According to a report by IDC commissioned by Canon, 63% of ANZ organisations are prioritising cloud-based print and document management to support hybrid work and reduce IT complexity. And with 78% reporting print-related security breaches in the past 24 months, the need to modernise has never been more urgent.²
With Canon’s readiness tools, software solutions, and expert support, you can avoid rushed purchases and ensure your print investments align with long-term digital transformation goals.

¹ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/modern-print-platform-4f59fa38-3419-41c7-a6a7-8ca4e21f70bc
² IDC Asia Pacific, Transforming Print and Document Management in Australia and New Zealand.
Microsoft is retiring legacy print drivers

If your organisation still uses V3 drivers, your print queues could stop working when Windows Protected Print mode (WPP) is enforced . Now is the time to assess your environment and plan your transition.

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Microsoft Modern Print Tile 1
Windows Protected Print enables greater print security

WPP blocks outdated drivers and only allows secure, class-based alternatives. It strengthens print security by reducing vulnerabilities related to legacy drivers and enforcing modern driver standards.

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Microsoft Modern Print Tile 2
Canon’s uniFLOW Online is built for this shift

By eliminating print servers and driver sprawl, you simplify management, reduce support tickets, and lower infrastructure costs.

More about uniFLOW Online

Microsoft Modern Print Tile 3
The change reduces IT burden
and cost

Promote a security-conscious culture while reducing the risk of mistakes. Canon’s pre-configured security settings simplify set-up and help prevent misconfigurations that could lead to data breaches. By encouraging secure print and scan behaviours—such as PIN-based release and policy compliance—you can build awareness across your organisation and embed security into everyday workflows.

Microsoft Modern Print Tile 4
Canon’s solution to MMP: uniFLOW Online

uniFLOW Online is a robust, scalable SaaS solution, developed with zero-trust principles in mind to manage your entire print and scan environment. It enables secure printing, advanced scanning, and automated filing from any location and from multiple devices—including smartphones, tablets, and BYOD.

Built on Microsoft Azure’s cloud environment, uniFLOW Online is fully compatible with Microsoft’s Modern Print Platform (MPP), including support for Internal Printing Protocol (IPP) class drivers, Universal Print, and the Microsoft Virtual Print Class driver with the uniFLOW Online Virtual Printer App. With easy driver deployment and multiple job submission pathways from one platform, it helps organisations transition smoothly to Windows Protected Print while meeting the needs of hybrid workforces and modern IT environments.

Microsoft Modern Print Tile 5
 
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uniFLOW Online for Microsoft Modern Print

FAQs
  • What is Microsoft Modern Print?

    Microsoft Modern Print, or MMP, refers to a new, cloud-first approach to printing that replaces traditional print drivers with secure, class-based alternatives. It includes technologies like IPP class drivers, Universal Print, and Virtual Print PSA—designed to simplify print management, improve security, and support hybrid work environments.
  • How are MMP and WPP related?

    Think of Microsoft Modern Print as new print architecture—and Windows Protected Print as the enforcement switch. MPP defines the future of printing in Windows, while WPP encourages organisations to adopt it by disabling outdated drivers. Together, they drive the shift to a more secure, cloud-ready print environment.
  • What is Windows Professional Print?

    Windows Protected Print, or WPP, is a security mode in Windows that can be set to enforce the use of modern print drivers. Microsoft intends to enable it by default at a future date. When enabled, it blocks all legacy (V3) drivers, ensuring that only trusted, compliant drivers are used. This helps organisations align with Zero Trust security principles and reduce print-related vulnerabilities.
  • What devices and printers will be affected by the change?

    Most organisations will be affected—especially if they rely on older print drivers or devices.

    ARM-based Windows devices (like those using Snapdragon processors)
    These devices do not support legacy V3 print drivers at all. They require modern, class-based drivers that are part of Microsoft’s Modern Print Platform. If your users are adopting ARM-based and CoPilot laptops or tablets, including Snapdragon Elite X devices, your print environment must be MPP-ready.

    x86-based Windows devices (most desktops and laptops)
    These devices can still use legacy drivers—unless Windows protected print mode is enabled. WPP blocks all non-compliant drivers, enforcing the use of secure, class-based alternatives. Microsoft is already rolling this out in Windows 11.

    Printers
    Any printer that depends on a legacy V3 driver may stop working when WPP is enabled. This includes many older models and specialised devices like wide-format or label printers. Only printers that support IPP class drivers, Universal Print, or manufacturer-certified alternatives will be compatible.
  • Can I turn off Windows Protected Print once it’s enabled?

    Yes, but it’s not recommended. WPP is part of Microsoft’s long-term print security strategy. Disabling it may reintroduce vulnerabilities and require manual reinstallation of previously removed printers.
  • Will my printers stop working when Windows Protected Print is enabled?

    If your printers rely on legacy V3 drivers, they may stop working when Windows protected print (WPP) is turned on. Only printers that support Microsoft’s IPP class drivers, Universal Print, or certified Print Support Apps (PSAs) will continue to function. Canon’s uniFLOW Online supports these standards to ensure compatibility.
  • How do I know if my printers are compatible?

    Start by auditing your fleet. Canon offers a Modern Print Readiness Checklist to help you identify which devices are compliant and where upgrades or configuration changes may be needed.
  • Can I still print from mobile or BYOD devices?

    Absolutely. Canon’s uniFLOW Online supports secure printing from smartphones, tablets, and personal laptops, making it ideal for hybrid and remote workforces.
  • How can Canon help?

    Canon’s uniFLOW Online is purpose-built for Microsoft’s Modern Print Platform. It supports IPP class drivers, Universal Print, and Virtual Print PSA. Canon also offers tools like the Modern Print Readiness Checklist and expert support to help you audit your environment, plan your migration, and modernise with confidence.
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