How to Turn On or Off Let Windows Manage Default Printer in Windows 11
You can control whether Windows 11 automatically selects your default printer or if you prefer to choose it yourself. This setting is called “Let Windows manage my default printer.”
When this feature is on, Windows automatically sets your default printer to the last one you used. If you turn it off, you get to manually pick your go-to printer for every print job. This is super helpful if you often switch between, say, a printer at home and one at work, letting you lock in your preferred choice whenever you need it.
You’ll find this option in the Windows 11 Settings app, under the “Bluetooth & devices” section, then click on “Printers & scanners.”
Disable “Let Windows manage my default printer” in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners to manually select your default. Enable it for Windows to automatically choose the last printer you used.
Option One
Turn On or Off Let Windows Manage Default Printer in Settings
- Open Settings (⊞ Win+I).
- Click on Bluetooth & devices on the left side. Then click on Printers & scanners on the right side.
You can easily turn the Windows 11 default printer management feature on or off right from the Settings app.
- Turn On (default) or Off the Let Windows manage my default printer option. Choose what you want.
- You can now close Settings if you like.
Option Two
Turn On or Off Let Windows Manage Default Printer Using Registry
Changing how Windows 11 manages your default printer using the Registry Editor requires administrator access, but it’s a powerful way to control the setting.
Turn On Let Windows Manage Default Printer
This is the default setting.
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows" /v LegacyDefaultPrinterMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Turn Off Let Windows Manage Default Printer
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows" /v LegacyDefaultPrinterMode /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Summary
You’ve now learned how to manage the “Let Windows manage my default printer” setting in Windows 11. You can do this through the Settings app or by editing the Registry. For most people, using the Settings app will be the clearest route.
Should I let 🪟 Windows 11 manage my default printer?
Click on Settings. From the left pane, click on “Bluetooth & devices,” and on the right side, click on “Printers & scanners.”
How do I let Windows decide my default printer?
Open Settings by searching for it or pressing ⊞ Win+I. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices, then select Printers & scanners. Scroll down and toggle the “Let Windows manage my default printer” option.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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