Microsoft Prioritized Windows IPP Printer Drivers

The company shifted its default driver-ranking system on July 1, 2026, to favor built-in, driverless printing technology.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of a matte printer tray and paper stack, representing Windows driverless printing technology. — Microsoft transitioned its Windows driver-ranking system on July 1, 2026, to prioritize the Windows IPP inbox class driver for driverless printing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Microsoft began transitioning its Windows driver-ranking system on July 1, 2026, to prioritize the Windows IPP inbox class driver. This change utilizes Mopria certification to enable driverless printing across potentially compatible hardware from the last 10 years.

Why it matters

Standardizing printer drivers reduces potential security attack surfaces by eliminating the need for manufacturer-maintained driver packages. This approach aims to prevent vulnerabilities like the PrintNightmare exploit, which previously allowed for remote execution of malicious code.

The system utilizes the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and Mopria certification to facilitate driverless operations. While the change was implemented on July 1, 2026, users can still disable Windows Protected Print Mode through the Bluetooth and devices settings menu.

The players

Microsoft

The technology corporation maintains the Windows operating system and oversees global software security standards.

The details

Microsoft changed its internal driver-ranking architecture to ensure the built-in IPP class driver takes precedence over legacy third-party software. Windows Ready Print now handles the connection process, effectively removing the dependency on individual manufacturer driver files.

Printers began shipping with Mopria certification in the mid-2010s.
The transition to prioritizing built-in IPP drivers began on July 1, 2026.

The Tech Race

This transition marks a departure from the legacy architecture that characterized PC peripherals for decades. By moving toward a driverless environment, Microsoft is aligning itself with mobile-first computing standards while simultaneously closing legacy security gaps.

Users will notice reduced friction when connecting printers that support Mopria standards as Windows automatically identifies the correct protocols. Those requiring legacy software can still manually disable Protected Print Mode in their device settings if hardware compatibility issues arise.

The takeaway

Adopting built-in printer protocols simplifies device management while significantly hardening system security against common remote-code threats. Users should prioritize Mopria-certified hardware when updating their peripheral devices to ensure a seamless experience with modern driverless standards.