How to Set the Default Printer in Windows 10

Here’s how to change your default printer in Windows 10, and prevent Windows from changing it automatically.

Setting the default printer in Windows 10 is smart, especially if you have multiple printers. You don’t want to send a document to the wrong printer without thinking, potentially wasting ink and paper.

Let’s look at how to set and change the default printer in Windows 10.

How to Set the Default Printer in Windows 10

To manage printer options, open the Settings app using the Win + I shortcut or the icon on the Start Menu. Once there, click Devices and choose Printer & scanners from the left side.

This will list all current printers under the Printers & scanners header. In addition to physical printers, you may see some software print services, such as OneNote or Microsoft Print to PDF.

Related: The Best Tools to Print to PDF

Prevent Windows From Changing Your Default Printer

To set your default printer, you need to first scroll to the bottom of your printers list and make sure Let Windows manage my default printer is unchecked.

If you have this enabled, Windows will change your default to what it thinks is best (based on your usage), which can be confusing. Having this enabled also prevents you from setting your own default printer.

Setting Your Default Windows 10 Printer

Now, if you don’t see your printer listed, click the Add a printer or scanner button at the top of the page. If your printer doesn’t show up, you’ll need to click The printer that I want isn’t listed.

Follow our guide to connecting your printer to Wi-Fi if you need more help.

Once you’ve added the printer you want to set as the default, click it in the list. Of the buttons that appear, click Manage to open a page with more options.

On the new page, you should see a button that says Set as default. Click this and Windows will set your printer as the default for future jobs. If it worked properly, you should see Printer status: Default and a Default tag on the printer’s name back on the main page.

Now, whenever you use the Print command in a program, it will have the printer you’ve set as default already selected. You can always pick a different one when needed.

Changing Your Printer Defaults in Windows

It’s easy to set your default printer in Windows 10. And as long as you uncheck the option mentioned above, it should stay until you change it again.

And in case you have trouble with a printer appearing offline, there are thankfully ways to fix this.

Image Credit: sirtravelalot/Shutterstock

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