How to Set Google Chrome to Use System Default Printer
Google Chrome can be set to always use your computer’s default printer, instead of the last printer you selected.
Chrome normally remembers the last printer you used. This feature, called “print destination persistence,” can be annoying if you switch between printers, like a main office printer and a smaller home one.
By turning off Chrome’s printer memory, you make the browser use whatever printer your Windows system is set to. This saves you from picking your printer every time you print, which is helpful on computers like those running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Edit the Windows Registry to force Chrome to use your system default printer. Navigate to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesGoogleChrome, create a new DWORD value named PrintPreviewUseSystemDefaultPrinter, and set its data to 1. This ensures Chrome always selects your primary printer.
How to change the default printer in Windows
To change your default printer in Windows, open Settings and navigate to ‘Printers & scanners.’ Then, select the printer you prefer and click the ‘Set as default’ button.
Force Chrome to use the system default printer
Setting Google Chrome to always use your computer's default printer is achievable by modifying a setting within the Windows Registry. This registry change, located in `🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome`, forces Google Chrome to use the system default printer, eliminating the need to select it manually each time you print. Note that administrator rights are required to make this registry modification.
First, back up your registry. Open the Registry Editor and go to:
To force Google Chrome to use the computer's default printer, create a new registry key (a specific entry within the Windows Registry, which is a database for system settings). In the Chrome folder, right-click and select "New" then "DWORD (32-bit) Value." Name this new value PrintPreviewUseSystemDefaultPrinter. Change the value of this setting to 1.
Troubleshooting ‘Save as PDF’ persistence
If Chrome continues to default to ‘Save as PDF’ rather than your selected printer, the ‘PrintPreviewUseSystemDefaultPrinter’ registry setting may be the cause.
Enterprise and Domain-joined environments
Office IT departments often manage Chrome printer settings through Group Policy. This centralized control can prevent individual users from changing which printer Chrome selects. Your IT team has the ability to adjust these Chrome printer settings for all company computers using specialized templates when necessary.
Summary
Chrome often picks the last printer you used, not your system’s default.
Is there a way to disable ‘Save as PDF’ in Chrome?
Chrome doesn’t offer a built-in option to remove ‘Save as PDF’ entirely from the print menu. However, by setting the PrintPreviewUseSystemDefaultPrinter policy to 1, you ensure that your physical printer is always the primary selection, effectively pushing the PDF option to the background.
Does Chrome sync printer settings across devices?
No, Chrome does not sync your specific printer selection or print destination history across different computers. Printer settings are managed locally by the Windows operating system and the specific Chrome installation on that device. You must configure the registry settings on each computer individually to maintain consistent behavior.
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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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