To turn off the downloading of print drivers over HTTP, you need to configure a specific Group Policy setting within your system's administrative templates.
The primary method to achieve this, based on the provided information, is by enabling the "Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP" policy.
Understanding the Policy
This policy setting controls whether the system can download printer drivers from an HTTP server when adding a printer. By default, Windows might attempt to download drivers from Windows Update or other specified locations over HTTP. Disabling this functionality enhances security by preventing potential vulnerabilities associated with downloading executable content over an unencrypted or less secure protocol like HTTP.
Steps to Turn Off HTTP Driver Downloads
The process involves navigating through the Group Policy Editor and enabling the relevant setting.
- Access Group Policy Editor: Open the Group Policy Editor. This is typically done by typing
gpedit.mscinto the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and pressing Enter. - Navigate to the Policy Location: Browse through the policy structure using the navigation pane on the left.
- Expand Computer Configuration.
- Expand Administrative Templates.
- Expand System.
- Expand Internet Communication Management.
- Click on Internet Communication settings.
- Locate the Policy: In the right-hand pane, find the policy setting named "Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP".
- Configure the Policy: Double-click the policy setting to open its properties.
- Select the "Enabled" option. This is the crucial step to turn off the HTTP download capability, despite the wording of the policy name. Enabling this policy disables the feature it describes (downloading over HTTP).
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Update Group Policy: To ensure the policy takes effect immediately, open a Command Prompt as administrator and run the command
gpupdate /force.
Once this policy is enabled, your system will no longer attempt to download print drivers over HTTP connections.
Policy Configuration Summary
| Policy Name | Location | Recommended Setting | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP | Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Internet Communication Management > Internet Communication settings | Enabled | Prevents print driver downloads over HTTP. |
| Disabled or Not Configured | Same | Not Recommended | Allows print driver downloads over HTTP (default). |
As referenced: You must configure the policy value for Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - System - Internet Communication Management - Internet Communication settings - "Turn off downloading of print drivers over HTTP" to "Enabled".
By enabling this policy, you effectively disable the ability for your system to download print drivers using the HTTP protocol, thereby enhancing security.
