What’s New for Printers in Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update)

Even though Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2) is focused on AI features, the feature update also includes non-AI improvements, such as changes to the printing experience.

As part of the 24H2 release, Microsoft is introducing a new Windows Protected Print (WPP) mode that ditches third-party drivers in favor of a new Universal Printing Platform that provides additional security improvements. Additionally, this feature update introduces a new “Additional Printer Settings” section with options to rename and pause print jobs.

In this guide, I will show you the changes that have been made in Windows 11 version 24H2 when it comes to printing.

Important: Windows 11 2024 Update became partially available on June 18, 2024 for Copilot+ computers, but it will not include all intended features, including Windows Recall, as it has been postponed until further notice. The feature update will become more widely available to existing devices in September or October. As a result, some new features and changes may not be available to everyone from day one. Additionally, some features (especially AI features) may require new hardware to be available.

Windows 11 2024 Update – New Printer Changes

As part of the 2024 Update, Microsoft is rolling out significant changes to printers, including a new Windows Protected Printing mode and new options to rename your printer and pause print jobs right from the Settings app.

Windows Protected Printing Mode

Windows Protected Print (WPP) is a new driverless mode in the operating system that introduces a new universal printing stack that allows you to configure your printer without having to install third-party drivers and applications.

In other words, once this feature is enabled, you will be able to connect your printer without any additional installation or configuration.

As hackers continue to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks on the Windows printing system (for example, Stuxnet and Print Nightmare), the new Windows Protected Printing Mode also focuses on improving security by implementing the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) for printing, eliminating the need for third-party drivers that may be vulnerable (especially old drivers).

It also limits the functionality available to the print spooler, enforces more stringent controls on code that can be loaded during the printing process, and allows XPS rendering to occur under a user account rather than the system account.

The only caveat is that the new driverless universal printing feature only works with Mopria printers, including the Brother PJ-773, Canon DR-S130, Dell B3460dn, Epson AM-C400, HP DesignJet Smart Tank T858, and many others. For a list of compatible printers, visit mopria.org.

If you want to enable this feature, please open Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scannersand click “Organize something” “Windows Protected Printing Mode” setting button.

Windows Protected Printing Mode

(Image Source: Windows Protected Printing Mode)

As part of the setup process, the new feature will remove third-party drivers from your computer. If you have a printer that is not compatible, you will not be able to use it until you disable this feature.

Starting with version 24H2, you need to configure this mode manually, but Microsoft plans to enable it by default in future versions of the operating system.

Pause print jobs from Settings

After upgrading to Windows 11 2024 Update, you will notice that the printer properties page has been updated and now includes a new option to pause print jobs directly from the Settings app, without having to open the Print Queue app or use other methods.

If you ever need to interrupt the printing process, open Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scannersopen printer properties, click on “Additional printer settings” and click “Pause” button.

Pause print jobs

(Photo source: Mauro Huculak)

You can always click “Restore” button to resume printing from the computer.

Change the printer name in Settings

Previously, if you needed to change the printer name, you had to do this configuration in the older Control Panel, but since version 24H2, Microsoft is moving this functionality to the Settings app.

If you need to change the printer name, open Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scannersopen printer properties, click on “Additional printer settings” and click “Rename” button in the settings “Rename printer”. Confirm the name and click “Save” button.

Change printer name

(Photo source: Mauro Huculak)

If you have a Copilot+ or other ARM-based device, Microsoft has confirmed that printers should work on those computers. The company even recommends Mopria-enabled printers when available.

More resources

For more helpful articles, resources, and answers to frequently asked questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: