Why your default printer matters

Your default printer is the one your computer automatically sends print jobs to when you hit print — without asking you to choose first. If you have more than one printer connected, or if you share a network printer with others in your home or office, setting a default prevents you from accidentally printing to the wrong device. It also stops you from having to pick a printer every single time you print something.

On both Windows and Mac, changing your default printer takes less than a minute and lives in your system settings, not in individual programs. Once you set it, it stays set until you change it again — even after you restart your computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default printer is the one your computer automatically sends print jobs to without asking you to choose.
  • On Windows, you change your default printer in Settings under Devices, then Printers & Scanners.
  • On Mac, you change your default printer in System Settings under Printers & Scanners by opening the dropdown menu next to "Default printer".
  • If your printer does not appear in the list, it may not be installed or connected — check that it is powered on and connected to the same network as your computer.
  • You can have different default printers for different types of documents, though most people use one default for everything.

Setting a default printer on Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings app. On the left side, click Devices, then click Printers & scanners. You will see a list of all printers your computer knows about.

Find the printer you want to use as your default and click on it once to select it. A menu will appear with options — click Set as default. Windows will show a checkmark next to that printer's name, and it is now your default. Close Settings and you are done.

If the printer you want does not appear in the list, it is not yet installed on your computer. Power on the printer, make sure it is connected to your network or plugged into your computer with a USB cable, then go back to Printers & scanners and click Add device. Windows will search for nearby printers and show you what it finds.

Setting a default printer on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Settings. Click Printers & Scanners in the left sidebar. You will see a list of all printers your Mac knows about.

Look for the dropdown menu that says Default printer — it is usually near the top of the window. Click the dropdown and select the printer you want to use. Your Mac will remember this choice from now on.

If your printer is not in the list, click the + button at the bottom of the printer list and select Add Printer or Scanner. Your Mac will search for nearby printers. Select the one you want and click Add. Once it appears in the list, you can set it as default using the dropdown menu.

What to do if your printer does not show up

The most common reason a printer does not appear is that it is powered off or not connected to your network. Check that the printer is turned on and that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer — many printers have a network settings menu on their screen or control panel where you can see which network they are on.

If the printer is on and connected, restart your computer. Sometimes Windows or Mac does not detect a newly added printer until you restart. After restarting, go back to Printers & scanners and look again.

If the printer still does not appear, you may need to install printer drivers — software that tells your computer how to talk to that specific printer. Visit the printer manufacturer's website, find the support or downloads section, and search for your printer model. read the driver for your operating system and follow the installer. After installation, restart your computer and check Printers & scanners again.

Changing your default printer later

You can change your default printer anytime by going back to the same place you set it. On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Printers & scanners, click a different printer, and click Set as default. On Mac, open System Settings, click Printers & Scanners, and use the Default printer dropdown to pick a new one.

Some programs, like Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader, also let you choose a printer right before you print — if you click print and then select a different printer from the dialog box, that one-time choice overrides your default for just that job. Your system default stays the same.

Setting different defaults for different document types

Both Windows and Mac allow you to set different default printers for different types of documents. On Windows, this option appears in Printers & scanners under Printing preferences for each printer — you can tell Windows to use one printer for color documents and another for black-and-white, for example. On Mac, this option is less common and depends on your printer model, but some printers offer it in their own settings app.

For most people, one default printer for everything is simpler and works fine. You only need multiple defaults if you regularly print to different devices and want to avoid picking one each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a default printer on my phone or tablet?

Yes, but the process is different from a computer. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, scroll down to find the app you want to print from (like Mail or Photos), and look for a print or printer option. On Android, open Settings, search for "printing", and select your printer app. The steps vary by device and printer, so check your printer's manual for phone-specific instructions.

What happens if I unplug my default printer?

Your computer will remember it as your default, but when you try to print, you will get an error or a dialog asking you to choose a different printer. If you unplug a printer permanently, set a new default so you do not have to pick one every time you print.

Why does my printer keep getting unset as default?

This sometimes happens after Windows updates or if your printer loses connection to the network. Check that your printer is still powered on and connected, then set it as default again. If it keeps happening, restart your computer and your printer, then set the default once more.

Can I have no default printer?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended — you will have to pick a printer every single time you print. It is easier to set one default and change it only when you need to.