What a default printer is and why you might want to change it
Your default printer is the one your computer automatically sends print jobs to when you hit print, unless you pick a different printer in that moment. Most computers come set to whatever printer was connected first, or to a generic option like "Print to PDF." If you use a different printer most of the time — or if you've added a new one — changing the default saves you from selecting the right printer every single time.
The steps differ between Windows and Mac, and the exact menu names can shift between operating system versions. This guide covers the most common current setups. If your screen looks different, your version may be slightly older or newer, but the general path — Settings, Devices, Printers — stays the same.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows 10 and 11, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, find your printer in the list, and click "Set as default."
- On Mac, open System Preferences (or System Settings on newer versions) > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and choose it from the "Default printer" dropdown.
- Your printer must be turned on and connected to your computer or network before it will appear in the printer list.
- If your printer does not show up in the list, you may need to install its driver software first, which usually comes on a disc or can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
Changing your default printer on Windows 10 and 11
Open the Start menu and type "Settings" into the search box, then click the Settings app. Once it opens, click "Devices" in the left sidebar (or scroll down to find it if you do not see a sidebar). Then click "Printers & Scanners."
You will see a list of all printers your computer knows about. Find the one you want to use by default, click on it once to select it, and a button labeled "Set as default" will appear. Click that button. Windows will confirm the change immediately — you do not need to restart your computer.
If your printer is not in the list, make sure it is turned on and connected to your computer (either by USB cable or to the same Wi-Fi network). Wait a few seconds, then click the "Add a printer or scanner" button at the top of the Printers & Scanners window. Windows will search for nearby printers. If it finds yours, click it and follow the prompts to add it.
Changing your default printer on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" (on older Macs) or "System Settings" (on newer ones). Look for "Printers & Scanners" and click it. You may need to scroll down to find it if it is not visible immediately.
A list of available printers will appear on the left side of the window. Click the printer you want to set as default. On the right side, you will see a dropdown menu labeled "Default printer" or "Print jobs default to." Click that dropdown and select your printer's name from the list.
If your printer does not appear in the list, make sure it is powered on and connected to your Mac via USB or the same Wi-Fi network. Click the plus sign (+) button at the bottom of the printer list to add a new printer. Mac will search for it and display it once found.
What to do if your printer does not appear in the list
The most common reason a printer does not show up is that it is turned off or not connected. Check that your printer is powered on and, if it is a network printer, that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. USB printers should be plugged directly into your computer with a working cable.
If your printer is on and connected but still does not appear, you may need to install its driver — the software that lets your computer talk to the printer. Visit the manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson, and so on), find your printer model, and download the driver for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the driver is installed, your printer should appear in the printer list.
Some older printers may not work with the newest versions of Windows or Mac. Check the manufacturer's website to see if your printer model is supported by your current operating system version. If it is not, you may need to use a different printer or contact the manufacturer for older driver versions.
Changing your default printer for specific programs
Some programs, like Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader, let you set a default printer just for that program, separate from your computer's overall default. This is useful if you use one printer for most work but a different one for photos or special paper.
To do this, open the program and go to File > Print (or Print Settings). Look for an option that says "Set as default printer" or "Remember this printer." The exact wording and location vary by program. Check the program's help menu if you cannot find the option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one default printer?
No. Your computer can only have one default printer at a time. However, you can change which printer is default whenever you want, and some programs let you set their own separate default. When you print, you can always override the default by selecting a different printer from the print dialog.
Will changing the default printer affect my other devices?
No. Each device — your laptop, desktop, phone, tablet — has its own default printer setting. Changing it on one computer does not affect any others. If you sign into the same account on multiple computers, they still maintain separate printer defaults.
What if I want to print to PDF instead of a physical printer?
Both Windows and Mac include a "Print to PDF" option in the print dialog. You can set this as your default printer if you want most jobs to save as PDF files instead of printing. On Windows, it is called "Print to PDF." On Mac, it is called "Save as PDF" and appears in the PDF dropdown menu when you print.
Do I need to restart my computer after changing the default printer?
No. The change takes effect immediately on both Windows and Mac. Your next print job will go to the new default printer without restarting.