What "default printer" means and why it matters
Your default printer is the printer your computer automatically sends documents to when you hit print, unless you choose a different one in that moment. Every computer has one set as the default — usually the printer you use most often. Changing it takes less than a minute and saves you from having to pick the right printer every single time you print.
The default printer is separate from which printers your computer knows about. You might have three printers connected to your network, but only one is the default. When you print without thinking about it, that's the one that gets the job.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer in the list, and click "Set as default".
- On Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose "Set as default printer" from the menu.
- If your printer does not appear in the list, you may need to add it first by clicking the add button and selecting it from available devices.
- Some programs like Microsoft Word let you set a different default printer just for that application, overriding your system default.
Changing the default printer on Windows 11 and Windows 10
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "settings", then click the Settings icon. Once it opens, click Devices in the left sidebar, then click Printers & Scanners.
You will see a list of all printers your computer knows about. Find the one you want to use as your default, click it once to select it, and then click the button that says Set as default. Windows will confirm the change immediately — you do not need to restart your computer.
If you do not see your printer in the list, it has not been added to your computer yet. Click the Add device button at the top of the Printers & Scanners window. Windows will search for printers on your network or connected by USB. Select your printer from the results, and Windows will install it. Once it appears in the list, follow the steps above to set it as default.
Changing the default printer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings. In the sidebar, click Printers & Scanners. You will see a list of printers your Mac knows about.
Click the printer you want to use as your default. A menu will appear below the list. Click the dropdown that says Default printer and select your printer's name from the options. The change takes effect immediately.
If your printer is not in the list, click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button (the plus sign). Your Mac will search for available printers. Select yours from the results, and it will be added. Then follow the steps above to set it as default.
When your printer is not showing up in the list
If you have added a printer but it does not appear in your default printer settings, the printer may not be turned on or may have lost its connection to your network. Check that the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
On Windows, try unplugging the printer's USB cable (if it is connected by USB) or restarting it if it is wireless. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Go back to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and click Refresh or Add device again.
On Mac, restart the printer and wait for it to fully boot up. Then go back to System Settings > Printers & Scanners and click the plus button to search again. If the printer still does not appear, check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions on connecting it to your network.
Setting a default printer for one program only
Some programs let you set a different default printer just for that application. This is useful if you use one printer for most documents but a different one for photos or special paper.
In Microsoft Word, go to File > Print, select the printer you want, then look for an option that says "Set as default" or "Always use this printer". In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Printing, and you can set a default printer for print jobs from the browser. The exact steps vary by program, so check the Help menu if you do not see these options.
Program-level defaults override your system default only when you print from that specific program. If you print from a different program, your system default printer will be used instead.
Removing a printer from your computer
If you no longer use a printer and want to remove it from your list, you can delete it. On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click the printer you want to remove, and click Remove device. On Mac, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners, click the printer, and click the minus button.
Removing a printer from your computer does not affect the physical printer itself — it just tells your computer to stop trying to communicate with it. You can add it back later if you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default printer?
No, your computer can only have one system default printer at a time. However, you can set different default printers for individual programs, and you can always choose a different printer manually when you print.
What happens if I delete my default printer?
Your computer will automatically set another printer as the new default. If you only have one printer, you will need to add a new one before you can print again.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default printer?
No. Both Windows and Mac apply the change immediately. You can print to your new default printer right away.
Why does my printer keep getting unset as default?
Some printers reset to default when they lose power or connection. If this happens often, check that your printer is staying powered on and connected to your network. You may also need to update your printer's driver software — check the manufacturer's website for the latest version.