Why you need a default printer
A default printer is the printer your computer automatically sends jobs to when you hit print. Without one set, your computer will ask you to choose a printer every single time, or it will pick one at random. Setting a default saves you clicks and prevents the frustration of a document printing to the wrong device across the house.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you use Windows, Mac, or Chromebook, but the concept is the same: you tell your operating system which printer to use unless you say otherwise. Once set, you can still override it for individual print jobs — the default is just what happens when you do not specify.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Printers & Scanners, and click the printer you want, then "Set as default".
- On Mac, open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown at the bottom.
- On Chromebook, open Settings, go to Advanced, then Printing, and select your printer from the "Default printer" list.
- Your printer must be installed and connected to your network before you can set it as default — if you do not see it in the list, restart both the printer and your computer.
- You can change your default printer at any time; there is no limit to how many times you switch.
Setting a default printer on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. Once Settings opens, click on "Devices" in the left sidebar.
In the Devices menu, click "Printers & Scanners" — you will see a list of all printers your computer knows about. Find the printer you want to use as default and click on it once to select it. A menu will appear with options; click "Set as default". Windows will confirm the change when ready, and that printer is now your default.
If you do not see your printer in the list, it has not been installed yet. Restart your printer, wait 30 seconds, then restart your computer. Windows will often find and install the printer automatically. If it still does not appear, check that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Setting a default printer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older Macs). In the sidebar, scroll down and click "Printers & Scanners".
You will see a list of available printers on the left side. Click the printer you want to set as default. At the bottom of the window, you will see a dropdown menu labeled "Default printer" — click it and select your printer from the list. The change takes effect when ready.
If your printer does not appear in the list, make sure it is powered on and connected to your Wi-Fi network. On your Mac, go back to Printers & Scanners and click the plus button to add a printer manually. Select your printer from the list that appears and click "Add".
Setting a default printer on Chromebook
Click the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then click the Settings gear icon. In the Settings window, click "Advanced" in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click "Printing".
Under the Printing section, you will see "Default printer" with a dropdown menu. Click the dropdown and select the printer you want to use. Chromebooks will remember this choice and use it for all future print jobs unless you change it again.
Chromebooks handle printers differently than Windows or Mac — they connect to printers through Google Cloud Print or your network. If your printer does not appear in the dropdown, restart your Chromebook and make sure your printer is on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
What to do if your printer does not appear in the list
The most common reason a printer does not show up is that it is not connected to your network. Check your printer's display panel or settings menu to confirm it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Many printers have a network settings button or menu option — consult your printer's manual if you are unsure how to check.
Power off your printer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. At the same time, restart your computer. This clears temporary connection problems and gives both devices a fresh start. Once both are back online, check the printer list again.
If the printer still does not appear, you may need to install the printer driver — software that lets your computer talk to the printer. Visit the manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, etc.), search for your printer model, and read the driver for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the prompts. After installation, restart your computer and the printer should appear in your printer list.
Changing your default printer later
You can change your default printer as many times as you want. straightforward follow the same steps for your operating system and select a different printer. There is no penalty or limit — you might switch defaults seasonally if you have a color printer for photos and a black-and-white printer for everyday documents.
You can also override the default for a single print job without changing the system default. When you print, look for a "Printer" dropdown in the print dialog and select a different printer just for that one job. Your system default remains unchanged.
Troubleshooting printer connection problems
If your printer was working as default but suddenly stops printing, the connection has likely dropped. Check that your printer is still powered on and still connected to Wi-Fi. On your printer, look for a network or Wi-Fi icon on its display panel — if it shows no signal, move the printer closer to your router or restart both devices.
If multiple computers share the same printer, make sure only one is set as the default. If two computers both try to send jobs to the same printer at the same time, one job may fail. Set the default on each computer individually so each knows where to send its jobs.
Some printers go to sleep after a period of inactivity. If your printer is not responding, press a button on the printer itself to wake it up, then try printing again. Check your printer's settings menu to see if sleep mode is enabled and adjust the timeout if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default printer?
No, your computer can only have one default printer at a time. However, you can change which one is default whenever you want, and you can override the default for individual print jobs by selecting a different printer in the print dialog.
Will changing my default printer affect other people using the same computer?
On Windows and Mac, the default printer is set for the entire computer, so all users will see the same default. On Chromebook, each Google account can have its own default printer. If you share a computer with others, discuss which printer makes sense as the default for everyone.
What happens if I delete my default printer from the list?
If you remove your default printer, your computer will automatically choose the next printer on the list as the new default. You can then set a different printer as default if you prefer. The printer itself is not deleted — you can add it back later.
Do I need to set a default printer if I only have one printer?
Not strictly, but it is still worth doing. Even with one printer, setting it as default prevents your computer from asking which printer to use every time you print. It takes 30 seconds and removes friction from the printing process.
Can I set a default printer for specific programs only?
Most programs use your system default printer, but some applications (like photo editing software) let you set a preferred printer within their own settings. Check the preferences or settings menu of the program you use most often to see if this option exists.