The Microsoft IPP Class Driver for printers is a built-in Windows printer driver that lets compatible printers work without traditional, manufacturer-specific drivers. Which is a long-winded way of saying it’s Microsoft’s solution to printer driver chaos.
IPP Class Driver can simplify your printer deployments, reduce driver-related security risks (big one) and improve compatibility across devices. But this slick, streamlined approach has its limitations, particularly for organizations that rely on advanced printing features.
Let’s see if Microsoft’s IPP Class Driver is the right fit for you.
What is the Microsoft IPP Class Driver?
Microsoft IPP Class Driver is a universal driver, available with Windows 10 and Windows 11, that communicates with compatible printers using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). IPP is a standard for sending print jobs and managing printer capabilities over a network, whether that’s local or via the cloud. It simplifies printer deployment and reduces driver-related maintenance, although some advanced printer features may require additional support.
So rather than installing a separate driver for each and every printer model, like we’re used to, Windows can use this single driver with compatible (typically Mopria-certified) printers. And, in a perfect world, the whole thing works seamlessly. In a perfect world…
What are the benefits of the Microsoft IPP Class Driver?
The big benefits are simpler deployment, fewer traditional drivers to maintain, and way less reliance on model-specific software.
- Simpler driver management: IT can now slash the number of printer drivers they need to package, deploy, update, and troubleshoot.
- Improved security: Reducing third-party driver installations can reduce exposure to driver-related vulnerabilities. See: PrintNightmare.
- Cross-device compatibility: A standardized driver can help avoid architecture-specific issues, which is handy considering Windows on ARM is looming on the horizon.
- More consistent deployment: Using a common driver across compatible printers can simplify provisioning and ongoing support.
- Alignment with Microsoft’s new approach: Microsoft is gradually phasing out support for traditional third-party print drivers. Organizations who want to keep using Microsoft need to get on board.
What are the limitations?
The Microsoft IPP Class Driver is cool and nifty, but it does prioritize standardized printing over the full feature set of every printer. In other words, you might lose some advanced manufacturer features and functionality.
Things you could lose:
- Reduced access to advanced features: Stapling, finishing options, specialist paper trays, accounting features, and other manufacturer-specific capabilities might go dark.
- Variable compatibility: Printer support depends on your device’s IPP implementation capabilities, i.e. not every printer supports every feature.
- Different printing behavior: Output, color settings, and paper handling may differ from what you got with a manufacturer’s driver.
- Separate management requirements: A universal driver doesn’t replace print management software for tracking usage, applying policies, managing access, or enabling secure print release.
- Application and workflow stuff: Specialized software and business-critical printing might depend on functionality that a generic driver simply doesn’t provide.
The practical takeaway here is to test the driver against your actual printing requirements, rather than assuming that successful installation means full, gremlin-free compatibility.
How to install the Microsoft IPP Class Driver
On a compatible Windows device, you can generally install an IPP printer through Windows Settings. But the exact options vary, depending on what Windows version you’re using.
Step 1: Check printer compatibility
First, confirm that your printer supports IPP and (ideally) is Mopria-certified. Check the manufacturer’s documentation to make sure IPP is enabled and identify any required network address or configs.
Step 2: Open Windows printer settings
On Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click Add device. Windows should (should) discover your printer automatically.
Step 3: Add the printer manually if needed
If the printer isn’t discovered (classic), use the option to add a device manually. Depending on your Windows version, select the option to add a printer using an IP address or hostname, then choose IPP Device where available.
Enter your printer’s IP address, hostname, or supported IPP URL. Follow the prompts to complete installation.
Step 4: Confirm the selected driver
Where Windows offers a driver selection, choose Microsoft IPP Class Driver. Windows might select it automatically for you.
Step 5: Test the complete workflow
Print a test page, then verify the features your users actually need. Check features like duplex printing, color, paper sizes, trays, and advanced finishing options. Test any critical business workflows before deploying the driver across your organization.
If you’re already using PaperCut NG or MF, check out our guide to installing IPPS printers.
Is the Microsoft IPP Class Driver right for me?
As usual, it depends. The ‘right’ choice depends on the complexity of your printing requirements, and how much control you want.
Environment | Recommended approach |
Standard office printing with basic requirements | Test the Microsoft IPP Class Driver |
Mixed printer fleet with varied capabilities | Pilot the driver on selected devices |
Advanced finishing or specialist workflows | Assess manufacturer drivers alongside IPP |
Managed printing with reporting, policies, and secure release | Combine suitable drivers with print management software (like PaperCut) |
Remember, your driver and your print management software serve different purposes. One unlocks communication between Windows and the printer, the other helps IT teams control and manage printing across the organization.
If you’re responsible for a managed print environment, start with PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF. They can both provide print tracking, reporting, and policy controls, alongside whatever driver strategy you settle on.
Check out PaperCut MF and PaperCut NG.
Microsoft IPP Class Driver FAQ
Is the Microsoft IPP Class Driver installed automatically?
Sometimes. Windows can automatically select the driver when it detects a compatible IPP printer. In other cases, you’ll need to do it yourself manually (see the steps above).
Is the Microsoft IPP Class Driver more secure?
By reducing your reliance on traditional print drivers, IPP does shrink your attack surface, but overall print security still depends more on stuff like network configuration, authentication, access controls, and regular patching.
Does the IPP Class Driver replace PaperCut?
Nope. They work alongside one another. The driver handles communication with the printer, while PaperCut NG and MF give you all the juicy print management capabilities. Things like print tracking, reporting and policy enforcement.
Want to know if the Microsoft IPP Class Driver is right for you? Our friendly sales team can help.
