Setting a default printer means your computer sends print jobs to that printer automatically unless you choose a different one
When you print something without picking a specific printer first, your computer looks for a default printer. If you have one set, the job goes there. If you don't, your system will ask you to choose every single time. Setting a default printer saves you that step and prevents mistakes — like printing to a printer in another room or an old device you no longer use.
The process takes less than a minute and works the same way whether you have one printer or five. You can change your default printer anytime, and you can set different defaults for different types of jobs if your system supports it.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners, find your printer, and click "Set as default".
- On Mac, open System Settings > Printers and Scanners, select your printer, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown menu.
- Your default printer applies to most programs, but some applications like Adobe or Microsoft Office let you set a different default just for that program.
- If your printer doesn't appear in the list, install its driver software first — the manufacturer's website has the correct version for your operating system.
- You can change your default printer at any time; there is no limit to how often you switch.
How to set a default printer on Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Click Devices in the left sidebar, then click Printers and Scanners.
Look for your printer in the list. If it's not there, scroll down and click Add a device to install it. Once your printer appears in the list, click on it to select it, then click the Set as default button that appears above the list.
Windows will confirm the change when ready. The next time you print, that printer will be selected automatically. If you have a printer that you use only occasionally, you can leave it off this list entirely — Windows will only show printers you've actually installed.
How to set a default printer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Printers and Scanners in the sidebar.
Find your printer in the list on the left. Click it once to select it. At the top of the window, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled Default printer. Click that dropdown and select your printer's name. The change takes effect when ready.
If your printer doesn't appear, click the plus sign (+) button at the bottom of the printer list to add it. Mac will search for printers on your network and show you what's available.
What to do if your printer isn't in the list
If you don't see your printer when you open the Printers and Scanners settings, the driver software isn't installed yet. A driver is a small program that tells your operating system how to communicate with that specific printer model.
Go to the printer manufacturer's website — Canon, HP, Epson, Brother, and others all have support pages. Search for your exact printer model and your operating system (Windows 11, Mac Monterey, etc.). read the driver package and run the installer. Restart your computer when prompted.
After the restart, open Printers and Scanners again. Your printer should now appear in the list. If it still doesn't show up, make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your network or USB cable, then try adding it again.
Setting different defaults for different programs
Some applications let you set a default printer just for that program, overriding your system default. This is useful if you use one printer for everyday documents but a different one for photos or special projects.
In Microsoft Word, Excel, or Outlook, go to File > Print, click the printer dropdown, and select a printer. Some versions have a checkbox that says "Set as default printer for this process" — check that box and the choice will stick for next time you print from that program.
Adobe Reader and Photoshop work similarly: open the print dialog, choose your printer, and look for an option to set it as default for that process. Not every program offers this feature, but the major ones do. Your system default will still explore to programs that don't have their own printer settings.
Changing your default printer later
You can change your default printer as many times as you want. Follow the same steps you used to set it the first time — go back to Printers and Scanners and select a different printer. The old default will be replaced when ready.
This is helpful if you're temporarily using a different printer, if you get a new device, or if you realize you picked the wrong one. There's no penalty or waiting period — just open the settings and switch.
Troubleshooting when the default won't stick
Occasionally, Windows or Mac will reset your default printer after an update or if the printer goes offline. If you notice your printer isn't being selected automatically anymore, go back to Printers and Scanners and set it as default again. This usually fixes the problem.
If you have multiple printers and one keeps getting selected instead of the one you want, check whether that printer is set to "Use as default" in the settings. Remove any printers you no longer use from the list entirely — right-click the printer name and select Remove (Windows) or click the minus sign (Mac). Fewer printers in the list means fewer chances for confusion.
If a printer is offline or disconnected, Windows and Mac may automatically switch to a different default. Reconnect the printer and set it as default again if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default printer?
Your operating system recognizes only one default printer at a time. However, individual programs like Word or Photoshop can have their own defaults that override the system default when you print from that program. This gives you flexibility without confusion.
What happens if I delete my default printer from the list?
Windows and Mac will automatically assign the next printer in your list as the new default. If you have no other printers, you'll be asked to choose one each time you print. You can always add the printer back later by going to Printers and Scanners and clicking Add.
Does setting a default printer affect printing from my phone or tablet?
No. Your phone or tablet has its own printer settings, separate from your computer. You'll need to set a default printer on each device independently if you want that convenience on mobile devices too.
Why does my printer keep getting unset as default after Windows updates?
Windows sometimes resets printer settings during major updates. If this happens repeatedly, check the printer manufacturer's website for an updated driver. Outdated drivers can cause Windows to lose the connection. Installing the latest version usually solves the problem.