How to Set a Default Printer in Windows 10

This article walks you through two easy ways to set your default printer on Windows 10 and let Windows manage it for you. Use whichever method is quickest or easiest for you.

Set the Default Printer in Settings

You can go right to the Settings on Windows 10 and pick the printer you want to use by default. This makes printing with a click faster with your preferred printer.

1. Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen and select Settings.

2. Choose Devices at the top of the window that pops open.

3. Pick Printers & Scanners on the left and select the printer you want to use on the right.

4. Below your printer’s name, click Manage.

5. On the final screen in the process, click Set as default.

Set the Default Printer in Control Panel

Some Windows 10 users still like to use the Control Panel for managing settings and devices. If you fall into this group, follow these steps to set your default printer in Control Panel.

1. Open Control Panel as you usually would. You can also use the Search box to locate it quickly if you have it in your Taskbar. Just enter “Control Panel” into the Search box and then select it from the results.

2. Under Hardware and Sound, choose View devices and printers. If, for some reason, you don’t see this option, click Hardware and Sound and then pick Devices and Printers.

3. Scroll down to Printers, right-click the printer you want to use, and pick Set as default printer.

Set the Default Printer as the Last One Used

One other handy option on Windows 10 is to set your default printer as the last one you used at that location. So if you travel between your home and physical office, for instance, you can have the default printer set as the one you used most recently at that spot.

1. Click the Windows icon on the bottom left of your screen and select Settings.

2. Choose Devices at the top.

3. Pick Printers & Scanners on the left. Below the list of printers on the right, check the box for Let Windows manage my default printer.

Take Control of Your Printer on Windows 10

Rather than selecting the printer you want to use each time, set your default printer instead. Then you can print much faster with fewer steps.