CANON SECURITY INSIGHTS: 4 HIDDEN RISKS YOU MIGHT BE MISSING

Make sure your business is reviewing print infrastructure ahead of major Microsoft changes

Are You Prepared for Windows Protected Print Mode?

Windows Protected Print Mode represents a major step forward in Microsoft’s efforts to modernise and secure the printing environment, and there are clear benefits to this change, including improved security, reduced reliance on legacy drivers, and a more streamlined, cloud-ready infrastructure.

However, enabling this feature is not without risk. Once activated, it removes support for traditional print drivers, which can have a significant impact on existing print setups if they have not been properly assessed and prepared. For many organisations, this transition cannot be treated as a simple toggle; it requires careful planning, compatibility checks, and a clear migration strategy. This is why working with a knowledgeable print partner is essential. Contact the team at iNREACH to help ensure your environment is ready before any changes are made. We can help you implement uniflow to avoid unnecessary disruption and support a smooth transition.

Why The Change to Windows Protected Print Mode?

The Microsoft Modern Print Platform, now built into Windows 11 and next-generation Copilot+ PCs, introduces a driverless printing model based on industry standards such as IPP and Mopria. This approach is designed to deliver a more secure, streamlined, and cloud-ready experience, while also supporting modern devices including ARM-based systems such as Surface Pro devices.

The platform is further extended through Print Support Apps (PSAs), enabling manufacturers and partners to deliver enhanced functionality without relying on traditional driver installations.

Windows Protected Print: A Significant Shift

Microsoft’s Windows Protected Print represents a major milestone in this transition. When enabled, it removes support for legacy printer drivers and ports, moving organisations toward a fully modern print environment.

While this change improves security and standardisation, it also requires careful planning. Organisations that enable this feature without preparation risk disruption to existing print infrastructure if compatible solutions are not already in place.

This is where iNREACH step in. We work with you to assess your current printing infrastructure and ensure you’re ready before making the switch.

Working with iNREACH to Protect Your Business Printing Solutions

We are encouraging businesses to take a structured approach before adopting Windows Protected Print, including:

• Auditing current print environments
• Identifying dependencies on legacy drivers
• Planning migration pathways
• Ensuring compatibility with modern print solutions

Solutions such as uniflow from Canon assist in maintaining continuity throughout this transition.

uniFLOW Online: Secure, Reliable,

uniFLOW Online is the perfect solution to support your organisation through this shift. Designed for compatibility with Microsoft’s modern print architecture, uniFLOW Online provides a cloud-based, driverless printing environment that integrates with Microsoft Universal Print and modern Windows printing standards.

Key capabilities include:

• Driverless cloud printing via a cloud-based application model
• Integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Google Workspace
• Centralised print monitoring, reporting, and cost control
• Real-time dashboards for device and printer status
• User management via Microsoft Azure Active Directory
• Ongoing updates to maintain compatibility with evolving print standards

For more information on preparing for Microsoft’s modern print ecosystem and implementing uniflow to support a smooth transition, contact iNREACH.

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