Why your default printer matters and when to change it
Your default printer is the one your computer sends print jobs to unless you pick a different one. If you have more than one printer at home — say, a color inkjet for photos and a laser for documents — changing the default saves you from having to select the right printer every single time you print. It also prevents mistakes like sending a 50-page document to the photo printer by accident.
The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and the location has moved around in recent Windows versions. This guide covers both operating systems and the most common setups.
Key Takeaways
- In Windows 11, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer, and click "Set as default".
- In Windows 10, the same path works, but you may also find the option in Control Panel under Devices and Printers.
- On Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown.
- If your printer does not appear in the list, install its driver software first — the manufacturer's website has the correct version for your operating system.
- You can set different default printers for different types of documents, though most people use one default for everything.
Changing the default printer in 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".
Scroll down to see all your connected printers. Click the printer you want to use as default. A menu will appear with several options. Click "Set as default". Windows will show a checkmark next to that printer's name, and it is now your default.
If you do not see your printer listed, it may not be connected or its driver may not be installed. Plug it in with a USB cable or connect it to your Wi-Fi network, then wait 30 seconds. If it still does not appear, go to the printer manufacturer's website, read the driver for your specific printer model and your version of Windows, and run the installer.
Changing the default printer in Windows 10
The Settings path is the same: Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Find your printer in the list, click it, and look for "Manage". Click that button, then click "Set as default".
If you are more comfortable with the older Control Panel, you can also go there: press the Windows key, type "control panel", and open it. Click "Devices and Printers". Right-click the printer you want as default and select "Set as default printer". This method works the same way and produces the same result.
Changing the default printer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions). Click "Printers & Scanners" in the sidebar.
You will see a list of available printers. Click the one you want to use as default. Below the list, you will see a dropdown menu labeled "Default printer". Click it and select your printer's name. The change takes effect when ready.
If your printer does not appear, click the "+" button at the bottom of the printer list and select "Add Printer or Scanner". Your Mac will search for nearby printers. If it finds yours, click it and then click "Add". Once it is added, follow the steps above to set it as default.
What to do if your printer is not showing up
The most common reason a printer does not appear is that the driver software is not installed. A driver is a small program that tells your computer how to talk to the printer. Every printer model needs its own driver.
Go to the manufacturer's website — Canon, HP, Brother, Epson, and others all have support pages. Find your exact printer model (check the label on the back or bottom of the printer), select your operating system, and read the driver. Run the installer and restart your computer. The printer should now appear in your settings.
If the printer is connected by Wi-Fi, make sure it is on the same network as your computer. Restart both the printer and your computer. If it still does not show up, try connecting it with a USB cable temporarily to install the driver, then switch back to Wi-Fi.
Setting different defaults for different tasks
Some people want to use one printer for everyday documents and another for photos or special projects. You can do this by changing the default each time you print, but you cannot set permanent defaults for specific document types in Windows or Mac.
The easier approach is to keep one printer as your default and manually select a different one when you need it. When you print, look for a "Printer" dropdown in the print dialog and choose the one you want. This takes two seconds and prevents you from forgetting to switch back.
Troubleshooting when the default does not stick
Occasionally a printer will be set as default, but your computer reverts to a different one. This usually happens if the default printer loses connection — for example, if a Wi-Fi printer goes offline, Windows may automatically switch to a USB printer instead.
To fix this, make sure your default printer is powered on and connected before you print. If it is a Wi-Fi printer, check that it is on the same network. Then go back to Settings and set it as default again. If the problem keeps happening, restart your computer and the printer, then set the default once more.
If you have a printer that is rarely used, consider removing it from your computer's printer list so it cannot become the default by accident. In Windows, right-click the printer in Printers & Scanners and select "Remove device". On Mac, click the printer in Printers & Scanners and click the "-" button at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple default printers?
No. Your computer can only have one default printer at a time. If you have multiple printers, you can change which one is default whenever you want, but only one can be the default. When you print without choosing a specific printer, it always goes to the one marked as default.
What happens if I unplug my default printer?
If your default printer is unplugged or offline, your computer may automatically switch the default to another printer. When you plug the original printer back in, it should become the default again. If it does not, go back to your printer settings and set it as default manually.
Do I need to change the default printer on my phone or tablet?
Phones and tablets handle printing differently than computers. Most use an app called AirPrint (on Apple devices) or Google Cloud Print (on Android). You usually select the printer each time you print from your phone, rather than setting a default. Check your printer's manual to see if it supports mobile printing.
Will changing the default printer affect my documents or files?
No. Changing the default printer only changes where new print jobs go. It does not change any documents you have already created or printed. Your files remain exactly the same.
What if I share my computer with other people?
The default printer setting is the same for all users on the computer. If you share a computer and want different defaults, you would need to change it each time you switch users. There is no way to set a different default for each person on the same computer.