The default printer is the device automatically selected when you open the print dialog. If the wrong printer, Microsoft Print to PDF, OneNote, or a fax driver keeps appearing first, the default setting needs to be changed.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you have more than one printer or virtual printer installed and you keep having to manually switch to the correct one before every print job.
Set the default printer on Windows 11
Windows 11 can either choose automatically or let you lock in one printer.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer if you want a fixed default.
- Click the printer you want.
- Choose Set as default.
- Print from any app to confirm it appears first.
Set the default printer on Windows 10
The path is slightly different, but the setting works the same way.
- Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer if it is enabled.
- Click the printer you want and choose Manage.
- Click Set as default.
Set the default printer on Mac
macOS uses a dropdown in printer settings.
- Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
- Find the Default printer dropdown near the printer list.
- Choose a specific printer for a fixed default.
- Choose Last Printer Used if you prefer automatic switching.
More control
Windows may keep changing it on purpose
If Let Windows manage my default printer is enabled, Windows changes the default to the printer you used most recently. Turn it off when you want one permanent choice.
Per-network defaults can be confusing
Some Windows setups remember different defaults on different networks. Check printer settings if the default changes only when you move between home and office Wi-Fi.
Virtual printers count too
Print to PDF, OneNote, fax, and similar entries behave like printers and can accidentally become the default.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Change Your Default Printer in Windows (2025)
- Apple Support – Change the Default Printer on Mac (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Manage Printers and Scanners in Windows (2025)