How to Enable Secure Print on a Network Printer
Question details
The user needs to enable the Secure Print feature on a network printer, but the option might be missing or hard to locate due to driver issues or printer settings.
- Product
- Network Printer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a confidential document over a network using the Secure Print feature to hold the job until a PIN is entered at the printer.
- Observed behavior
- The Secure Print option may be unavailable, hidden under specific job settings, or entirely missing due to generic or outdated printer drivers.
Verify that your printer model physically supports the Secure Print feature and ensure your computer is properly connected to the same network as the printer.
Configure Secure Print via Printer Properties
Use this method to locate and activate the Secure Print feature within the standard print dialog, provided the correct driver is already installed.
Secure Print is usually located within the advanced properties of your print dialog. The exact naming may vary slightly depending on your printer manufacturer (e.g., Job Type, Output Method, or Job Retention).
Open the document you want to print, go to the 'File' menu, and select 'Print'.
Select your network printer from the printer list and click on the 'Printer Properties' or 'Preferences' button.
Look for a tab named 'Output Method', 'Job Type', or 'Basic'. From the drop-down menu in this section, select 'Secure Print' or 'Locked Print'.
A prompt will appear asking for a User ID and PIN. Enter a memorable numeric PIN, confirm the settings, and click 'Print' to send the job to the printer queue securely.
Update to the Manufacturer's Printer Driver
Apply this solution if the Secure Print option is completely missing from your printer properties.
Reinstall the Printer in System Settings
Use this method if the driver is up to date but network connectivity or configuration glitches are preventing the Secure Print option from functioning.
Print Confidential Documents Securely with WPS Office
WPS Office seamlessly integrates with your system's native print drivers, allowing you to easily access your network printer's Secure Print features directly from your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open the confidential document you need to print.
- 2. Open the Print Menu: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Print', or simply press Ctrl+P on your keyboard.
- 3. Open Printer Properties: Select your designated network printer from the Name drop-down list and click the 'Properties' button.
- 4. Configure Secure Print: Locate the 'Output Method' or 'Job Type' tab within the properties window, select 'Secure Print', and assign your personal PIN.
- 5. Print and Release: Click 'OK' to save the settings, then click 'Print' to securely send the document to the network printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Secure Print option missing from my printer properties?
This usually happens if your computer is using a generic, system-provided print driver instead of the manufacturer's specific driver. You need to download and install the official, updated driver from the printer manufacturer's website to access advanced features.
How do I release a Secure Print job at the physical printer?
Walk up to the network printer and access the 'Secure Print' or 'Job Status' menu on its control panel display. Select your username or document name from the list, and enter the PIN you created on your computer to start printing.
Can I set a default PIN for all my secure print jobs?
Yes, in many manufacturer drivers, you can configure this by going to your system's 'Printers & scanners' settings. Right-click your printer, select 'Printing Preferences', set your Secure Print PIN, and apply the changes. This will make it the default behavior for future print jobs.
Does WPS Office support secure printing?
Yes, WPS Office uses your system's native printer drivers. As long as your network printer and installed driver support Secure Print, you can easily access these settings by clicking 'Properties' within the WPS Print dialog.
