How to Set a Default Printer in Windows (and Stop It Changing)

If Windows keeps sending your documents to the wrong printer, or you want to make sure your jobs always go to a specific one, setting a default printer takes about 30 seconds. Here’s how to do it properly — and how to stop Windows from changing it on you.

How to Set a Default Printer in Windows 11

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click the printer you want to set as default.
4. Click Set as default.

You’ll see a tick or “Default” label appear next to the printer confirming it’s been set.

How to Set a Default Printer in Windows 10

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click the printer you want.
3. Click Manage.
4. Click Set as default.

Stop Windows from Changing the Default Printer Automatically

Windows 11 and 10 have a setting called “Let Windows manage my default printer” which automatically makes whichever printer you used most recently the default. If you’ve ever noticed your default printer changing on its own, this is why.

To turn it off:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Scroll down to find Let Windows manage my default printer.
3. Toggle it Off.

Now Windows will keep your chosen default printer fixed.

Setting a Default Printer for a Specific Application

Some applications remember their own last-used printer separately from the Windows default. If a particular program always prints to the wrong printer:

• Open the Print dialog in that application (Ctrl + P).
• Select the printer you want.
• The application usually remembers this choice for next time.

How to Check Which Printer Is Currently the Default

If you’re not sure which printer is set as default:

1. Press Windows key + R, type control printers and press Enter.
2. The default printer has a green tick badge on its icon.

What If the Default Printer Option Is Greyed Out?

If the “Set as default” button is greyed out or missing, it’s usually because the “Let Windows manage my default printer” option is still turned on. Disable it first (steps above), then you’ll be able to set the default manually.

Setting a Default Printer from the Control Panel

This method works on all versions of Windows:

1. Press Windows key + R, type control printers and press Enter.
2. Right-click the printer you want as default.
3. Select Set as default printer.

A green tick will appear on the printer icon to confirm.

Related Guides

• How to Add a Printer in Windows 11
• Printer Showing Offline — How to Fix It
• How to Share a Printer on a Network