Setting a default printer depends on your operating system

Your default printer is the one your computer sends print jobs to unless you pick a different printer in the print dialog. On Windows, you change it in Settings. On Mac, it lives in System Preferences under Printers & Scanners. On Linux, the method varies by desktop environment, but most use CUPS (the print system underneath) through a web interface or system settings.

The process takes less than a minute once you know where to look. You need the printer already connected to your computer — either plugged in via USB, connected over your network, or installed from a driver disc or download.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer, and click "Set as default".
  • On Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown at the bottom of the window.
  • On Linux, the steps depend on your desktop environment, but CUPS web interface (localhost:631) works on most distributions.
  • Your computer remembers the default printer until you change it again, even after restart.
  • If your printer does not appear in the list, install its driver first or check that it is powered on and connected to the network.

Setting a default printer on Windows 10 and 11

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then click the Settings app. Go to Devices in the left sidebar, then click Printers & Scanners. You will see a list of all printers your computer knows about.

Find the printer you want to set as default and click on it. A "Set as default" button will appear. Click it. Windows will show a checkmark next to that printer's name, confirming it is now the default. Any program that prints will now send jobs to this printer unless you manually choose a different one in the print dialog.

If you do not see your printer in the list, click "Add a printer or scanner" at the top and wait for Windows to search your network. If it still does not appear, you may need to install the printer's driver from the manufacturer's website.

Setting a default printer on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Preferences (or System Settings on newer macOS versions). Search for "Printers" or scroll down and click Printers & Scanners.

The left panel shows all available printers. Click the one you want to set as default. At the bottom of the window, you will see a dropdown labeled "Default printer" — click it and select your printer's name. The setting takes effect immediately.

If your printer does not appear, click the plus sign (+) button at the bottom of the printer list and select "Add Printer or Scanner" to search for it on your network or via USB.

Setting a default printer on Linux

Linux distributions vary in how they handle printers, but most use CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) underneath. The easiest method is to open your web browser and go to localhost:631. This opens the CUPS web interface, which works on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and most other distributions.

Click "Administration" at the top, then "Set As Server Default" next to the printer you want. You may be asked to enter your password. The printer is now the default for your system.

If the CUPS web interface does not work, try opening your system settings and looking for Printers or Printing. Ubuntu and some other distributions include a graphical printer manager. Right-click the printer you want and look for an option to set it as default. If you cannot find it, your distribution may require you to use the command line — search for your specific distribution name plus "set default printer" to find the exact command.

What happens if your printer is not in the list

If the printer you want does not appear in your system's printer list, it is not yet installed. Check that the printer is powered on and, if it is a network printer, that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

For USB printers, plug it in and wait 10 to 15 seconds for your computer to detect it. If it still does not show up, visit the printer manufacturer's website, download the latest driver for your model and operating system, and run the installer. Restart your computer after installation, then try adding the printer again.

For network printers, you may need to know the printer's IP address. Check the printer's display panel or print a network configuration page (usually done by holding a button on the printer for a few seconds). Then go to your printer settings and choose "Add printer manually" or "Add network printer", and enter the IP address.

Changing your default printer later

You can change your default printer at any time using the same steps. Your computer remembers the setting even after you shut down and restart. If you want to print to a different printer just once, you do not need to change the default — open the print dialog (usually Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) and select a different printer from the dropdown before clicking Print.

Some programs also let you set a default printer just for that program. In Microsoft Word, for example, you can go to File > Print and choose a printer, then click "Set as default printer for this document" or similar. This overrides your system default only when you use that program.

Troubleshooting when the default printer does not work

If you set a printer as default but it does not receive your print jobs, first check that the printer is powered on and connected. Then open your printer settings and confirm the printer still shows as default — sometimes a system update or restart can change this.

If the printer appears offline, restart both the printer and your computer. On Windows, you can also go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click your printer, and click "Open queue" to see if any jobs are stuck. Delete any stuck jobs and try printing again.

On Mac, open System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, right-click your printer, and select "Reset printing system" if nothing else works. This clears all printer settings and lets you add them again from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one default printer?

No, your system can only have one default printer at a time. However, you can quickly switch which one is default by going back to your printer settings and choosing a different one. Some programs let you set a default printer just for that program, which overrides the system default only when you use it.

Does setting a default printer affect other people who use my computer?

On Windows and Mac, the default printer is set for your user account only. Other users on the same computer can set their own default printer. On Linux, the default printer is usually system-wide, so all users will see the same default unless they change it themselves.

What if I remove the default printer from my computer?

If you delete or uninstall your default printer, your computer will automatically switch the default to another printer on your system. If no other printers are available, you will need to add a new printer and set it as default before you can print again.

Why does my printer disappear from the list after I restart?

Network printers sometimes drop off the list if they lose connection to your Wi-Fi. Restart the printer and make sure it is on the same network as your computer. USB printers should stay in the list unless you unplug them. If a USB printer keeps disappearing, the driver may be unstable — try reinstalling it from the manufacturer's website.

Can I set a default printer for just one program?

Yes, most programs have their own print settings. Open the print dialog in the program (usually Ctrl+P or Cmd+P), select a printer, and look for an option like "Set as default for this program" or "Remember this selection". Not all programs offer this feature, but Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and most other major applications do.