How to set the printer as the default printer in Windows

Updated: 07/06/2021 by Reckoner Promise

Computer inkjet printer

While trying to print a document, you might receive a warning message that the printer is not set as the default printer. You lot may also discover that Windows is attempting to print to another device. To configure Windows to employ your printer as the default printing device, select your version of Windows below and follow the steps.

Windows 8 and Windows 10

  1. In Windows eight, type printer on the Starting time screen.
    In Windows ten, click in the Windows search box and type printer.
  2. In the search results, click Printers & scanners.
  3. In the Printers & scanners window, click the printer you want to set as the default printer and click the Manage button.
  4. Nether Manage your device, click the Set as default button.

Set default printer in Windows 10

The printer should take the word "Default" below it on the main Printers & scanners window. Besides, once the printer is set every bit the default printer, it should announced as the selected printer.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

  1. Click Start.
  2. In the search box, type printer.
  3. In the search results, click Devices and Printers.
  4. In Devices and Printers, correct-click the printer you desire to set every bit the default printer and cull Set as default printer.

Set as default printer option.

The printer should have a check mark next to it, every bit shown in the moving picture above. Also, in one case the printer is set up as the default printer, information technology should appear as the selected printer.

Windows XP and earlier

  1. Click Start.
  2. In the Get-go carte, depending on the version of Windows you are using, click Printers and Faxes or click Settings, then Printers. You lot can also find Printers in the Windows Control Panel.
  3. Locate the printer you lot want to use as the default printer and highlight the icon by clicking information technology once with the mouse. If your printer is not listed in the Printers window, make sure you've installed the printer.
  • How to set up and install a computer printer.
  1. Once highlighted, correct-click the icon, which should give yous a menu similar to the example picture below.

Menu after right-clicking the printer icon

  1. Brand certain there is a check next to Set as Default. If that option is non checked, select information technology to make it checked.

Can you take more than than one default printer?

No. Only ane printer can be the default printer. Nonetheless, when you print, yous tin can change the printer to any other installed printer you desire to use. The default is used beginning unless changed.