Summary
Windows lets you control which default printer your device uses so you don’t have to choose a printer every time you print. You can set a specific printer as your default or turn on Let Windows manage my default printer, so Windows automatically selects the last printer you used. This article explains both options including how to change printer preferences, fix missing Set as default options, and ensure your preferred printer stays selected.
Manually set the default printer
To manually choose a default printer:
Select Start
> Settings
> Bluetooth & devices
> Printers & scanners
.Under Printer preferences, make sure Let Windows manage my default printer is turned Off.
In the list of installed printers, select the desired printer to be set as the default.
Tip
If the desired printer isn't displayed in the list of printers, see Add or install a printer in Windows to install the printer.
Next to the printer's name, select the Set as default button. The Printer status: under the printer's name changes to Default.
Note
If the Set as default button isn't visible next to the printer's name, make sure the setting Let Windows manage my default printer from one of the previous steps is switched Off.
Set the last printer used as the default printer
To set the last printer used as the default printer:
Select Start
> Settings
> Bluetooth & devices
> Printers & scanners
.Under Printer preferences, make sure Let Windows manage my default printer is turned On.
Note
For mobile Windows devices, when the option Let Windows manage my default printer is switched On and the location of the Windows device changes, the default printer might change to the last printer used at the new location.
