Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11 Experimental build 26300.8553, delivering a slew of refinements that range from Start‑menu customization to enhanced search capabilities and a sleeker taskbar, alongside a host of subtle UI polish.
Among the more consequential updates buried within the changelog is a revamp of the Windows printing framework. The company has renamed its Modern Print Platform to Windows Ready Print, signaling a strategic pivot toward a more modern, secure, and streamlined printing experience across Windows devices.
Key upgrades under Windows Ready Print are already rolling out to select customers and partners. Notably, Microsoft is phasing out support for legacy third‑party printer drivers distributed via Windows Update, instead championing the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and the native Windows IPP printer driver.
Starting in July 2026, new printer installations on compatible devices will automatically default to Windows Ready Print. Recognizing that some environments may not be ready for an immediate transition, Microsoft will still permit users to opt for the traditional OEM installation path. This choice can be toggled in Settings under Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners → Printer preferences.
Microsoft’s latest update targets the way new printers are installed, offering a streamlined process that can also be fine‑tuned through Group Policy.
When you enable Windows Protected Print Mode on Windows 11, the system automatically switches to Windows Ready Print as the default, eliminating the need for OEM‑specific driver setups.
These enhancements aim to phase out the cumbersome, vendor‑centric driver installation procedures that have long plagued users, and Microsoft anticipates revealing further tangible benefits in the months ahead.
News Source: Neowin
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