Windows default printer · Settings guide
How to set a default printer in Windows
Sources checked · how we check
Windows can either keep one printer as the default or switch the default to whichever printer you used last. If your default keeps changing, that second option is on.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Add the printer to Windows first; the Windows printer guide has the steps.
- The setting that controls this is Let Windows manage my default printer.
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Windows 11
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → printer → Set as default
- Select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- Under Printer preferences, turn Let Windows manage my default printer Off.
- Select the printer in the list, then select Set as default next to its name.
Windows 10
Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners → printer → Manage → Set as default
- Select Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
- Make sure Let Windows manage my default printer isn't selected.
- Select the printer, select Manage, then under Printer status select Set as default.
Let Windows pick the last printer used
Turn on Let Windows manage my default printer
- In Printers & scanners, turn on Let Windows manage my default printer.
- Windows then uses the printer you printed to most recently as the default.
If the setting doesn't change
If the default printer keeps changing on its own, Let Windows manage my default printer is on: Windows switches the default to the last printer you used. Turn it off, then set your printer as the default again.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my default printer keep changing?
Let Windows manage my default printer is turned on, so Windows uses the most recent printer. Turn it off in Printers & scanners.
Where is Set as default in Windows 10?
Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners, select the printer, select Manage, then Set as default under Printer status.