How to Set a Default Printer in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to set a default printer in Windows 11 and stop Windows from auto-assigning your printers.

Windows 11 has a feature that automatically sets the printer you used most recently as your default printer.

While this might work when a single printer is installed, the wrong printer can sometimes be set as your default printer when multiple printers are used.

For some users who are used to working with Windows 10, some changes with Windows 11 might take some time to learn.

When using Windows 11 and you don’t want your default printer being automatically assigned, use the steps below to make that happen.

To get started with setting default printers in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to choose your default printer in Windows 11

Windows will assign the most recent printer as your default printer by default. In a printer environment, this can be annoying and lead to you printing to the wrong printer. To prevent this, manually set your Windows computer’s default printer.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, and select Printers & scanners on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

On the Printers & scanners settings pane, under Printer preferences, toggle the button to the Off position for ‘Let Windows manage my default printer.

When you turn it off, Windows will stop selecting your default printers.

Now that this feature is disabled, select the printer on the list you want to set as your default printer so that your print jobs can always be sent there.

On your selected printer, click the button from the printer properties pane that reads ‘Set as default‘ as highlighted below.

Exit, and you’re done.

Conclusion:

• Setting a default printer in Windows 11 is essential to avoid confusion and printing errors when using multiple printers.
• Disabling the automatic management feature allows you to have complete control over your default printer selection.
• Following the outlined steps ensures a smoother printing experience tailored to your preferences.
• Familiarizing yourself with the Windows 11 settings can enhance your productivity and reduce frustration related to printing tasks.