MS has put "Windows Protected Mode" on my printer/scanner - I can't use my printer/scanner - I DON'T WANT MS WINDOWS PROTECTED MODE - I CAN'T DELETE IT - MS MUST DISABLE IT IMMEDIATELY!!!

Nancy Watkins 0 Reputation points
2026-05-18T16:59:22.85+00:00

MS put "Windows Protected Mode" on my printer/scanner without asking me if I wanted it. I have tried to turn it off, following EVERY instruction given to turn it off, but your instructions don't fit with my computer's settings.

I DIDN'T ASK MS TO PU THEIR WINDOWS PROTECTED MODE ON MY PRINTER/SCANNER!!

I DON'T WANT IT. I CAN'T TURN IT OFF. I'VE FOLLOWED EVERY INSTRUCTION MS PROVIDES TO TURN IT OFF BUT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS DON'T FIT MY COMPUTER'S SETTINGS. I'VE CALLED ALL OF THE TEL #S MS PROVIDES AND CAN'T GET A REAL PERSON WHO CAN HELP ME.

MY LOCAL STAPLES' TECHS CAN'T HELP ME.

MS MUST IMMEDIATELT TYRN OF THEIR WINDOWS PROTECTED MODE ON MY COMPUTER. IF YOU HAVE TO SHARE MY SCREEN THEN CALL ME AT REDACTED NOW AND TURN OFF THIS MODE NOW!!!

I HAVE DRITICAL DOCUMENTS TO PRINT OUT AND SCAN, AND I NEED ACCESS TO MY PRINTER/SCANNER NOW!!!!!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-18T16:59:34.27+00:00

    Windows protected print mode can be turned off from Windows Settings, unless it has been enforced by an administrator via Group Policy.

    To disable Windows protected print mode:

    1. Select Start.
    2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    3. Scroll down to Printer preferences.
    4. Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn off.
    5. When prompted, select Yes to confirm.

    After Windows protected print mode is disabled, printers and scanners that use third‑party drivers can be installed and used again. If the printer or scanner was removed when protected print mode was enabled, reinstall it using the manufacturer’s installer or Add device in Printers & scanners.

    If Windows protected print mode has been enabled through Group Policy by an organization, it cannot be turned off from Settings. In that case, contact the system administrator to have the policy changed.

    If XPS or Fax functionality is also needed after disabling protected print mode, reinstall them:

    • XPS
      1. Open Start.
      2. Search for Windows Features and open it.
      3. Select Microsoft XPS Document Writer.
      4. Click OK.
    • Fax
      1. Open Settings > System > Optional features.
      2. Find Windows Fax and Scan and enable/install it.

    Note that non‑compatible printers are uninstalled when Windows protected print mode is enabled and are not automatically restored when it is disabled; they must be reinstalled manually.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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