Why ARM PCs and Windows Protected Print Reject Printing & How to Fix It

In Short:

The Problem with ARM PC & Printing

Many organizations are upgrading to new ARM-based PCs or enabling Windows Protected Print (WPP) and soon after, they notice that they are having printing issues.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This issue is becoming very common as newer devices are deployed.

What Is an ARM PC?

ARM PCs are a newer type of computer designed to be:

• Faster
• More energy-efficient
• Better for battery life

Why you can’t Print on your ARM PCs

• Printers need drivers (software that tells them what to do)
• Most printer drivers (like Canon’s) are built for older computers
• ARM computers use a different type of processor

Because of this:

• The new ARM computers cannot use traditional printer drivers

Even though ARM PCs can run many older apps, printer drivers can’t work with the ARM PCs, so printers must be rebuilt specifically for ARM.

What Happens Instead?

When the driver doesn’t work, Windows switches to a basic print system called IPP. This keeps printing working, but in a very limited way.

Some users may not be able to print at all on these ARM PC’s, while others can print but lose important features like stapling, hole punching, and other finishing options.

Why Canon Printers Are Affected

Canon printers are heavily impacted because:

• Most Canon drivers are still built for Intel/AMD systems
• Many older printers will never get ARM-compatible drivers
• Devices fall back to basic IPP printing on ARM systems

The result:

• Printing works, but advanced features are lost

How to Fix the ARM PC Printing Problems

Option 1: Canon Print Assistant (Free)

Canon offers a free app called Canon Print Assistant, available in the Microsoft Store.

What Canon Print Assistant does:

• Works on ARM devices
• Adds extra options on top of basic printing

It was designed for environments where full drivers aren’t available. While it’s a free solution and can help restore some basic functionality, it is limited. It may work as a temporary fix, but a more robust solution is recommended for a complete, long-term fix.

Option 2: Print Management like uniFLOW or PaperCut

For organizations that don’t want to buy all new printers, print management platforms like uniFLOW or PaperCut are the best option for not buying new printers or computers.

How These Solutions Work

Canon print assistant give you basic printing functions, solutions like uniFLOW or PaperCut bring back full functionality.

Instead of relying on the missing driver, they:

• Rebuild the print experience
• Restore advanced features
• Provide a better user interface

uniFLOW (Great for Canon Environments)

• Designed for Canon devices
• Supports ARM PCs and modern Windows printing
• Adds back finishing, secure printing, and full controls

Best for:

• Organizations with Canon fleets

PaperCut

• Works with mixed printer environments
• Can automatically give users the right driver
• Includes a universal driver that works on ARM and traditional PCs

Where Windows Protected Print (WPP) Fits In

WPP was created to fix security risks with traditional printer drivers, which have been used in cyberattacks. By removing those drivers, Microsoft is making printing safer, but it also changes how printers work.

When WPP is turned on, Windows stops using traditional printer drivers and switches to a simpler, built-in system.

The Problem with WPP & Old Printers

This creates a similar situation to ARM PCs. ARM computers can’t use old drivers, and WPP blocks those same drivers, so they both lead to basic printing.

• Some printers may stop working if they rely on old drivers
• Advanced features like stapling and finishing may be missing
• Users may only get basic printing unless something is added on top

How Document Management Solves WPP Printing Problems

Solutions like uniFLOW and PaperCut build on top of WPP by adding:

• User management
• Secure print release
• Reporting and tracking
• Full finishing capabilities

What This Means for IT Teams

Both Arm PC’s and WPP aren’t temporary issues, they are major shifts in printing technology.

• Windows printing is moving toward driverless, IPP-based models like ARM devices
• WPP improves security by reducing dependency on third-party print drivers
• Mopria compatibility should become part of printer lifecycle planning
• Advanced finishing and secure print workflows may still require print management software
• IT should test WPP before broad ARM or Windows 11 deployments

That’s why many organizations now treat this as a long-term print strategy issue, not just a quick fix. As Microsoft continues to shift toward driverless printing and ARM devices become more common, planning ahead is key.

If you’re buying new printers, it’s important to choose models that are compatible with ARM and Windows Protected Print to help future‑proof your environment. If you’re keeping your current devices, solutions like uniFLOW or PaperCut can bridge the gap and restore full functionality while you transition.

Taking this approach helps ensure your print environment stays reliable, secure, and ready for what’s coming next.

Usherwood offers document management solutions that help restore full printing functionality without having to replace your entire printer fleet. Whether you’re using Canon devices or a mixed environment, solutions like uniFLOW and PaperCut can bridge the gap and keep your workflows running smoothly. Fill out a form evaluation to start future proofing today.