How to change your default printer

Your default printer is the printer your computer automatically sends documents to when you hit print, unless you pick a different one in the print dialog. On Windows, you change it in Settings under Devices. On Mac, you change it in System Settings under Printers & Scanners. Both take about 30 seconds once you know where to look.

The reason to set a default is simple: if you print often to the same machine, you skip the step of choosing it every time. If you have multiple printers — a color inkjet at home and a black-and-white laser at work, for example — setting the right default for each location saves clicks.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 11, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer, click it, and select "Set as default".
  • On Windows 10, the same path works, but the button may say "Manage" instead of showing the option directly.
  • On Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your printer from the list, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown at the bottom.
  • If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to add it first by clicking the plus button or "Add Printer" option.
  • You can change your default printer as often as you want — there is no limit to how many times you switch.

Changing the default printer on Windows 11

Open the Start menu and type "Settings", then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click "Devices" in the left sidebar, then "Printers & Scanners" from the list on the right.

Scroll down to find your printer in the list. Click on it once to select it. A menu will appear with options including "Set as default". Click that button. Windows will confirm the change immediately — you will see a checkmark or "Default" label next to the printer name.

If you do not see your printer in the list, it may not be installed yet. Click the plus icon labeled "Add device" or "Add a printer or scanner" at the top of the Printers & Scanners section. Windows will search for printers on your network or connected by USB. Once found and installed, return to the list and set it as default using the same steps.

Changing the default printer on Windows 10

The path is almost identical to Windows 11. Open Settings, click "Devices", then "Printers & Scanners". Find your printer in the list and click on it.

In Windows 10, the button layout is slightly different. After clicking your printer, look for a "Manage" button. Click it, and a new window will open. Inside, you will see a "Set as default" button. Click that, and the change takes effect.

If the printer is not listed, click "Add a printer or scanner" at the top of the Printers & Scanners page. Windows will search for available printers. Once your printer appears and is installed, go back and use the "Manage" button to set it as default.

Changing the default printer on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older macOS versions). In the sidebar, scroll down and click "Printers & Scanners".

You will see a list of all printers your Mac knows about. 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 is immediate.

If your printer is not in the list, click the plus button at the bottom left of the window to add it. Mac will search for printers on your network or connected by USB. Once found, return to the Printers & Scanners list and set it as default using the dropdown menu.

What to do if your printer does not appear in the list

If you have installed a printer but it is not showing up in your default printer list, the printer driver may not be fully installed. A driver is software that lets your computer talk to the printer. Without it, the computer cannot see the printer at all.

On Windows, go back to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and click "Add a printer or scanner". Let Windows search for 30 seconds. If nothing appears, your printer may need a manual driver download. Visit the printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, Xerox, etc.), find your printer model, and download the driver for your Windows version. Run the installer and restart your computer.

On Mac, the same "Add a printer or scanner" button in System Settings usually finds most printers automatically. If it does not, visit the printer maker's website and download the Mac driver for your model. Run the installer, restart, and try adding the printer again.

If your printer is connected by USB and still does not appear, try unplugging the USB cable, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in. Then repeat the add printer step.

Switching between multiple printers

If you have more than one printer, you can change your default as often as you want. Many people set one default for everyday use and switch to a different one when they need a specific feature — color printing, double-sided printing, or a printer in a different room.

You do not have to set a default at all. Every time you print, you can open the print dialog and pick a different printer from the dropdown menu. This is useful if you rarely print or if your printer choice changes day to day. The default just saves you a step when you have a printer you use most of the time.

Some programs also let you set a printer preference within the program itself, separate from your system default. For example, you might set your default printer to a color inkjet, but tell Microsoft Word to always print to a black-and-white laser. Check the preferences or settings menu of any program where you print often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a different default printer for different programs?

Your system has one default printer that applies to all programs unless you override it. However, many programs like Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader, and web browsers let you set a printer preference in their own settings. This preference overrides the system default only within that program. Check the program's preferences or settings menu under Print or Printer options.

What happens if I delete a printer that is set as default?

If you remove a printer from your computer and it was set as default, your system will automatically pick another printer as the new default. If you have only one printer and you delete it, you will need to add a new printer and set it as default before you can print again.

Why does my printer keep disappearing from the list?

Network printers sometimes drop off the list if they lose connection to your Wi-Fi or if the printer is turned off. Restart both your printer and your computer. If the printer is on your network, make sure it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. USB printers may disconnect if the cable is loose — try unplugging and reconnecting it.

Can I set a default printer for a specific user account?

Yes. On both Windows and Mac, each user account can have its own default printer. When you log into a different account, the default printer for that account takes over. This is useful if multiple people share a computer and prefer different printers.