Overview
Setting a default printer ensures your documents print to the right device automatically. This guide shows three ways to set it and how to stop Windows from switching your default to the last-used printer.
Setting the default printer in Windows.
Key Takeaways
- Set the default via Settings, Control Panel, or command line.
- Windows may auto-set the last-used printer as default.
- Turn that behaviour off to keep a fixed default.
- Check the current default before changing it.
Stop Windows Managing the Default
1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Turn off "Let Windows manage my default printer".
3. Now your chosen default stays fixed.
Method 1: Settings App
1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click the printer you want as default.
3. Click "Set as default".
Method 2: Control Panel (Devices and Printers)
1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers (or run control printers).
2. Right-click the desired printer.
3. Choose "Set as default printer" (a green tick appears).
Method 3: Command Prompt
1. List printers: wmic printer get name,default
2. Set default: RUNDLL32 PRINTUI.DLL,PrintUIEntry /y /n "Printer Name"
3. Confirm the default changed.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Default keeps changing.
Solution: Turn off "Let Windows manage my default printer" in Printers & scanners.
Problem: "Set as default" is greyed out.
Solution: The printer may be offline — bring it online/reconnect it first.
Problem: Printer not listed.
Solution: Re-add it via "Add device"; ensure drivers are installed and the printer is powered on/networked.
Problem: Command doesn’t change default.
Solution: Match the exact printer name from wmic; run the prompt as your user (per-user default).
Conclusion
You can set the default printer through Settings, Control Panel, or a quick command. To keep it from changing, disable "Let Windows manage my default printer" — then your selected printer stays the default every time.
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