How do I get out of protected mode?

Kristen Jackman 0 Reputation points
2026-09-09T22:09:48.62+00:00

I seem to be missing my printer that has been connected to my computer all along. Unfortunately, it does not give me that printer option because it is saying it is in Protected Mode. How do I get out of protected mode?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Ivan B 122.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-09T22:54:15.78+00:00

    Hi,

    Regarding this, even after removing the protection—by going to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners and unchecking "Windows protected print mode," "Default Install Printers Using Windows Ready print," and "Let Windows manage my default printer".

    If the printer still doesn't appear when you try to add it, what is the printer model?

    Thanks.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-09T22:10:02.43+00:00

    If this is Windows protected print mode, turn it off here:

    1. Select Start.
    2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & scanners.
    3. Scroll to Printer Preferences.
    4. Under Windows protected print mode, select Turn Off.
    5. Select Yes.

    After it is turned off, non-compatible printers can be installed again. If that printer was removed when protected print mode was enabled, reinstall it manually.

    Important details:

    • When Windows protected print mode is enabled, printers that use third-party drivers are uninstalled and cannot be used while the mode is active.
    • If the printer was originally installed with a third-party driver, disabling the mode and reinstalling the printer restores the original driver.
    • If Windows protected print mode was enabled by Group Policy, it cannot be turned off without an administrator.

    If the issue is actually an Office file in Protected View instead of printer protected print mode:

    • On the yellow message bar, select Enable Editing.
    • If there is a red message bar, select File > Edit Anyway.
    • If Protected View cannot be exited, an administrator may have enforced it.

    References:

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

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