Setting a default printer on your computer is a simple yet crucial task that can streamline your printing experience. Whether you’re using Windows or macOS, having a default printer ensures that your print jobs are sent to the right device without the hassle of selecting it each time.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps for how to set a printer as default for both Windows and macOS.
What is a default printer?
A default printer is the printer that your computer automatically selects when you send a print job. It’s the primary printer that your computer uses unless you specify a different printer for a particular print job. Setting a default printer allows you to print quickly and efficiently, without needing to select a printer every time.
Why set default printer?
Setting a default printer has many advantages. By having a designated printer as your default, you can have all your print jobs automatically sent to the same device without any extra effort on your part. This not only saves you time but also makes sure that all of your documents are printed efficiently and correctly.
Additionally, setting a default printer ensures that you never have to worry about accidentally printing something to the wrong device. With a default printer in place, you can rest assured that your print jobs are being sent to the right place, every time.
How to set printer as default on Windows 10
The steps for how to set a printer as default in Windows 10 are straightforward and simple:
- First, click on the “Start” menu and open “Settings”
- Click on “Devices”, then “Printers & scanners”
- Select the printer you wish to make the default, then click “Manage”
- Here you can select the “Set as default printer” option.
Helpful hint: if this option is not available, you may have selected the “Let Windows manage my default printer” option. In this case, first clear that selection before choosing your default printer.
How to set printer as default on Windows 11
Here’s how to set a printer as a default for Windows 11:
- Click on the “Start” menu and open “Settings”
- Select “Bluetooth & devices” then “Printers & scanners”
- Choose the printer then click on “Set as default”
Helpful hint: if this option is not available, you may have selected the “Let Windows manage my default printer” option. Here you’ll need to first clear the selection before being able to manually choose your default printer.
How to set printer as default on macOS
Setting a printer as the default for macOS is also an easy process:
- Select the Apple menu and go to “System Settings”
- Here, select “Printers & Scanners” located in the sidebar
- Click on “Default printer” and select the options that best suits your requirements
Please note: Those that wish for their chosen printer to always be the default will need to select the designated printer. If you’d like to quickly set the last printer used for printing as the default, choose the “Last Printer Used” option. Just keep in mind that your Mac will be going off your current network location to make this selection.
How do I know if my printer is default on Windows?
To work out which printer is the current default on your Windows device, go to “Start” > “Settings” > “Devices” > “Printers & scanners”. Here you’ll be able to see the printer currently assigned as the default.
How do I know if my printer is default on macOS?
Want to know which printer is currently the default on your macOS device? Click on the Apple menu, then select “System Settings” > “Printers & Scanners” and select “Default printer”. Here you’ll be able to see which printer is the default device.
Can more than one printer be set as default at once?
No, on both Windows and macOS devices, only one printer can be set as default at a time.
Can you still print from other printers if you have one set as default?
Yes, even if you have a default printer set, you can still send print jobs to other printers. Simply select the desired printer when sending your print job.
What happens if I don’t set a default printer?
It’s possible to never set a default printer for your PC or Mac. If you don’t set a default printer, your computer will prompt you to choose a printer every time you want to print something. This can be less efficient, and impractical, especially if you regularly use a specific printer.
Why does my default printer sometimes change on its own?
There are a number of reasons why your default printer might change, seemingly on its own. Default printer settings may change due to system updates, printer driver updates, or changes made by other users on a shared computer. It’s a good practice to periodically check and ensure your preferred printer is still set as the default.
Can I set a default printer for specific applications only?
Unfortunately, most operating systems do not provide a built-in feature to set default printers for specific applications. The default printer applies globally to all applications. This means if you want to use different printers for different programs, you’ll need to manually select the printer each time.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering a few questions regarding how to set a printer as default. Setting a default printer on your computer is a quick and easy process, for both Windows and macOS. Having a default printer simplifies your printing tasks, ensuring that documents are sent to the right printer without manual selection each time. This also makes it easier to avoid accidentally sending print jobs to the wrong printer. Follow the steps outlined in this article to streamline your printing experience and increase efficiency.