Setting Your Default Printer in Windows

Overview

You can select or change your default printer any time.

The default printer is where your print jobs will automatically be sent when using Quick Print option in MS Office applications and others.  It is also the printer that is automatically selected in all print dialog.

Setting the default printer in Windows 7

1. Click the Start button, then click Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the printer you wish to use as your default printer and select Set as default printer.  A green check mark will appear next to the printer to indicate this status.

Setting the default printer in Windows 10

1. To choose a default printer, select the Start  button and then Settings .
2. Go to Devices > Printers & scanners > select a printer > Manage. Then select Set as default. If you have Let Windows manage my default printer selected, you'll need to deselect it before you can choose a default printer on your own.

NOTE: In Windows 10, your default can be the printer you last used. To turn on this mode, open Start  and select Settings  > Devices > Printers & scanners. Select the checkbox beside Let Windows manage my default printer.