KYOCERA Document Solutions
Microsoft Universal Print (Universal Print) and Windows Protected Print (WPP) are the latest print technologies from Microsoft. Designed to provide a more secure and efficient printing environment for Windows users, they simplify fleet management, reduce the risk of data breaches, and create a more unified way of monitoring devices. Kyocera actively supports the Microsoft Universal Print and WPP platforms with current and legacy MFP and Print devices.
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud-based service that makes printing easier and more efficient, designed to handle printing tasks with seamless integration through OneDrive, SharePoint, and other Microsoft suites.
Windows Protected Print is for secure internal network printing and enhances security by eliminating the need for third-party drivers that require periodic updates that could introduce vulnerabilities.
Changes in the Windows Print Environment
Microsoft is updating the way Windows handles printing to make it safer and more reliable. With these updates, Windows will increasingly prioritize newer, built-in drivers over externally-loaded third-party OEM drivers. This transition is gradual, so OEM drivers won’t disappear overnight, but it’s important to understand the timeline and what it means for your print environment.
Key Changes
- Microsoft will only support built-in drivers: Windows currently supports many printers through built-in operating system (OS) and network operating system (NOS) drivers. While these native Windows drivers provide access to many of the same printing features, their interface is typically limited to basic menus and dropdown lists. As a result, they lack the advanced graphical user interface (GUI) traditionally offered by original equipment manufacturer (OEM) print drivers, which can provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for configuring and accessing advanced printing features.
- OEM drivers won’t be certified by Microsoft: End users can currently utilize Kyocera print drivers, but they will no longer be signed or WHQL certified by Microsoft, they will be signed and certified by Kyocera. New versions will be available from Kyocera directly, but they will no longer be available through Windows Updates. (If WPP is enabled, only Windows Print System drivers can be installed.)
- WPP will impact all print connections: If Windows Protected Print Mode is enabled, only Windows Print Systems drivers will be able to be configured for the print devices.
- Advanced functionalities for cloud printing: Kyocera Print Center, available through the Microsoft Store, helps address usability limitations that users may encounter with the Windows Protected Print (WPP) and Microsoft Universal Print. The application automatically integrates with the printer driver's settings and provides an intuitive graphical user interface for accessing advanced print features. These features include options such as booklet printing, finishing settings, and output previews, complete with illustrations that show how the final document will be produced by the device before printing. By making advanced settings easier to understand and configure, the application can help reduce printing errors and save time and resources.
How Kyocera is Responding
Kyocera Print Center
Kyocera is proactively aligning with Microsoft’s modern print direction by developing the Kyocera Print Center application, which is available to download from the Microsoft Store. This application already delivers many of the advanced features found in Kyocera drivers, but it is being further developed to be the new driver replacement over time, ensuring continued support for advanced printing needs.
Kyocera Print Center Features
- Advanced Print Configuration
- Cloud Scanning Capabilities
- Driver Library Management
- Discovery and Monitor Devices
- Printing Templates
Print Center works seamlessly in the background, automatically enhancing the Windows driver with advanced functionality, reducing support burdens and ensuring a consistent, reliable experience throughout the transition. It also includes built-in scanning and workflow tools to support any future Windows changes.
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Description: For a comprehensive look at how Microsoft’s latest print innovations benefit end-users and how Kyocera’s solutions work with them, download our free eBook!
Exploring the Benefits of Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan and Universal Print
End users may be curious about how Universal Print compares to Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan (KCPS). Both are cloud-based services that simplify and enhance printing efficiency. The key difference: Universal Print handles printing tasks only, while KCPS offers a more comprehensive solution that includes copying, faxing, and scanning capabilities.
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FAQ
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- Questions and Answers
Microsoft is phasing out third-party OEM drivers. Starting in July 2026, the Windows environment will give preference to built-in drivers. Kyocera is offering the Kyocera Print Center to respond to these changes and maintain support for Kyocera customers. This application works seamlessly in the background, ensuring a consistent user experience throughout the transition.
From January 2026, OEM drivers are no longer being added to Windows Updates. By July 2026, Windows will prioritize its own built-in drivers instead, and in July 2027, traditional print drivers will stop being supported altogether.
Yes. Kyocera Print Center is already available on the Microsoft Store, which is being developed to replace OEM drivers over time. Advanced print functionality and security will be maintained throughout the transition.
Kyocera Print Center runs in the background alongside Windows' built-in drivers. It restores advanced features that would otherwise be lost, such as finishing options, device monitoring, scanning, and print quality settings. No dependency on OEM drivers is required when using the Kyocera Print Center app.
WPP blocks traditional Kyocera OEM drivers entirely, and it may automatically remove printers that are still using older drivers. Kyocera Print Center is the forward-compatible replacement, so vendors should introduce it proactively before the WPP changes cause any disruptions.
We’re here to help!
If you are unsure about how to adapt your Kyocera print environment to these Microsoft print solutions, or want to know more about how to utilize the Kyocera Print Center, reach out to us!