If you have multiple printers, including PDF printers, you might have one that you use often. To save time, it's a good idea to set a default printer for Windows 10 so you only have to change it when you want to use something different. Occasionally, Windows likes to take over and change the default printer for you. Fortunately, there's also a way to work around this to ensure the default you set is the one that stays in place. Here's how to set a default printer on Windows 10.
Disable printer management in Windows
Much of Windows 10 focuses on automating things for the end user, including choosing the default Windows 10 printer. Windows may automatically assume that the new printer you just installed should be the default printer, rather than the original printer you plan to continue using most often.
Before manually selecting the default setting, you must disable this setting. Go to Start and type “Printers and Scanners“. Select the Settings option that appears.
Scroll until you see the option “Let Windows manage my default printer“. Uncheck this box if it is checked.
Set the default printer for Windows 10
Now that Windows isn't managing your printer for you, you can set the default setting of your choice. Open the Printer and Scanner Settings once again.
You will see a list of all currently installed printers. You can also add a new printer using the “Add a printer or scanner” at the top of the list. You'll need to add a new printer before you can set it as your default printer. If you're having trouble with Add a Wi-Fi printer , you may need to physically connect it the first time.
Locate the printer which you want to set as the default printer. Click Administration.
Click "set as defaultTo change the printer status to default.
Once finished, click the back arrow button to return to the Printers & Scanners screen. You will see the word "hypothetical" Listed below your default printer.
You can change your default at any time. Also, you're free to choose any other printer you want when printing. You'll just need to manually select the printer in the application you're using, as opposed to simply clicking Print or using the keyboard shortcut to print. These options won't change your default settings.
Windows 10 default printer changes by itself
If you suddenly discover that your default printer in Windows 10 has changed, there are several reasons. The most common is a new Windows update. A variety of issues always arise when new updates are released, including changes to Windows settings.
Check to see if “ is selected.Let Windows manage my default printer“If so, uncheck it and reset the default printer.
It is also possible that Windows update changes the driver This may cause the printer to not work properly. This may cause your default printer to change when installing an updated driver from the printer manufacturer or using the management within Printers & Scanners. Select “Hardware Features -> Operating system -> Driver Update. "
One final problem can occur when installing a new printer. New printers want to be the default. The installation process, especially when using the software, may change the default setting for you. If you're using the printer software to install, there may be an option to set the printer as the default. Select it if you want the printer to be the default printer for Windows 10, and deselect it if you don't.
Aside from the issues mentioned above, your default printer should remain set. Now, when you press the Print button, your documents should be sent directly to your selected printer. If you are stuck on “Print queue"So here you go How to clear the queue. If you have a network printer and are having trouble finding its IP address, we have a solution here.
