Why your default printer matters
Your default printer is the one your computer automatically sends jobs to when you hit print. If you do not set one, your computer will either ask you each time (which gets old fast) or pick one at random. Setting a default printer takes two minutes and saves you from printing to the wrong device — especially important if you have a work printer, a home printer, and a mobile printer all on the same network.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows or Mac, and whether your printer is connected by USB cable or over WiFi. Both are straightforward once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Your default printer is the device your computer automatically sends print jobs to unless you choose a different one at print time.
- On Windows, you set a default printer in Settings under Devices, then Printers & Scanners.
- On Mac, you set a default printer in System Settings under Printers & Scanners by clicking the dropdown next to "Default printer".
- If your printer does not appear in the list, install its driver software first — most manufacturers provide this on their website or in the box.
- You can change your default printer anytime, and you can still print to a different printer by selecting it at print time.
Setting a default printer on Windows
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Devices in the left menu, then click Printers & Scanners. You will see a list of all printers your computer knows about.
Find the printer you want to use by default and click it once to select it. A menu will appear with options. Click Manage, then look for a button that says Set as default. Click that button. Windows will show a checkmark next to that printer's name, confirming it is now your default.
If your printer does not appear in the list, it is not yet connected to your computer. Plug in the USB cable or connect it to your WiFi network (check your printer's manual for how to do this), then wait 30 seconds. If it still does not show up, read the driver software from the printer manufacturer's website and install it, then try again.
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). Click Printers & Scanners in the left sidebar. You will see a list of available printers.
Look for the dropdown menu that says Default printer near the bottom of the window. Click it and select the printer you want to use. That printer is now your default. The change takes effect when ready.
If your printer is not in the list, click the + button at the bottom left to add it. Your Mac will search for printers on your network. If it finds yours, click it and then click Add. If it does not find it, you may need to install the printer's driver software from the manufacturer's website first.
What to do if your printer is not showing up
A printer that does not appear in your printer list usually needs its driver installed. A driver is software that tells your computer how to talk to that specific printer model. Most printers come with a driver CD or USB stick, or you can read it from the manufacturer's website.
Go to the printer maker's support page (search for "[Printer Brand] drivers" plus your printer model number), read the driver for your operating system, and run the installer. Restart your computer after installation. Then go back to your printer settings — your printer should now appear in the list.
If you have a network printer and it still will not show up, make sure your printer and computer are on the same WiFi network. Check your printer's display panel or settings menu to see which network it is connected to. If it is on a different network than your computer, reconnect the printer to your main home network.
Changing your default printer later
You can change your default printer anytime using the same steps above. This is useful if you get a new printer, if one breaks, or if you want to switch between a fast color printer for photos and a basic black-and-white printer for everyday documents.
You do not have to use your default printer every time. When you print something, most programs show a print dialog with a dropdown menu where you can pick a different printer for that one job. Your default printer stays the same — it is just what gets used when you do not pick anything else.
Printer not printing after you set it as default
If you set a printer as default but nothing prints, first check that the printer is turned on and has paper and ink. Then try printing a test page. On Windows, go to Printers & Scanners, click your printer, click Manage, and look for Print a test page. On Mac, go to Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and click Print Test Page.
If the test page prints, your default printer is working. If it does not, restart both your computer and your printer, wait 30 seconds, and try again. If you still have trouble, check the printer manufacturer's support site for your specific model — some printers need a firmware update or have known issues with certain operating systems.
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 always pick a different printer when you print something.
Will changing my default printer affect other people using this computer?
On Windows, the default printer setting applies to whoever is logged in. Each user account can have its own default printer. On Mac, the default printer is shared across all users on that computer, so changing it affects everyone.
What if I delete a printer from my computer after setting it as default?
Your computer will automatically pick a different printer as the new default. If you only have one printer left, it becomes the default. If you have none, your computer will ask you to pick one the next time you print.
Do I need to set a default printer if I only have one printer?
Not strictly — if you only have one printer, your computer will send print jobs to it anyway. But setting it as default makes the print dialog cleaner and faster, since your computer will not need to ask which printer you want.
Why does my printer keep disappearing from the list?
Network printers sometimes disconnect if they lose WiFi connection or go to sleep. Restart your printer and make sure it is on the same WiFi network as your computer. If it keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your router or check if your router needs a restart.