Setting up your computer to cater to your printing needs is essential, especially if you work with multiple printers. While Windows 11 automatically assigns the most recently used printer as your default, it may not always be the best choice. Imagine printing a confidential document intended for an office printer, but it gets routed to a public one! With the advent of Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced an array of features, some of which come as a boon, while others can pose challenges for users familiar with previous versions. The drastic shift in settings and configurations can indeed be overwhelming but fret not. Although the new system takes a fresh approach, the centralized ‘System Settings’ pane is designed to be your one-stop-shop for most tweaks and changes, from user management to updates. This comprehensive risewindows guide is curated to walk you through the steps of setting a default printer on both Windows 11 and 10, ensuring a hassle-free printing experience.
How to Set the Default Printer on Windows 11?
To set the default printer on Windows 11, do the following steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys on the keyboard.
Step 2. Now, click Bluetooth & devices in Settings’s left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click Printers & scanners to view all installed printers on the right pane.
Step 4. After that, scroll down the “Printers & scanners” page to find the “Printer preferences” section. Here, please turn off the toggle switch beside Let Windows manage my default printer.
Step 5. Then, scroll up and select the printer you want to set as the default.
Step 6. At last, click the Set as default button at the top of the printer’s page.
That’s it. Your selected printer is now the default printer on your computer. It will print on your default printer whenever you print any document on your PC without selecting a printer.
How to Set the Default Printer on Windows 10?
To set your preferred printer as default on Windows 10, use the following recommended steps:-
Step 1. Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys on the keyboard.
Step 2. When Windows Settings opens, click on the Devices category.
Step 3. On the “Devices” settings page, from the left sidebar, select Printers & scanners.
Step 4. Next, scroll down on the “Printers & Scanners” page and uncheck the Allow Windows to manage my default Printer option.
Step 5. Then, click the printer you want to make the default.
Step 6. Here, click the Manage button in the menu that appears.
Step 7. Finally, click the Set as default button on the opened printer page.
After completing the above steps, next to “Printer Status,” you will see a “Default” message. It indicates your selected printer is now the default printer on your PC.
Conclusion
Setting a default printer on your Windows operating system ensures seamless and mistake-free printing, whether you’re on Windows 10 or 11. As operating systems update, procedures can change, but the provided guide simplifies the process for both versions. By following the steps, you can eliminate potential errors, such as sending documents to the wrong printer, and enhance your overall printing experience.
