How to Set a Default Printer in Windows 10

Want to know how to set a default printer in Windows 10? Did you meet the situation that your default printer changes once in a while? This post will help you solve these two questions.

If you want to learn how to set a default printer in Windows 10, please try Method 1,2,3. Either way will let you set a default printer successfully.
If you’ve set a default printer but it changes frequently, you can try Method 1 & 5 to fix it.

Try these methods:

You don’t have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Use the Windows Settings to set a default printer
2. Use Control Panel to set up a default printer
3. Use Command Prompt to set a default printer
4. Fix with Registry editor
5. Install Reimage

Method 1: Use the Windows Settings to set a default printer

1. Press the Windows logo key + I together and click Devices.
2. Choose the Printers & scanners tab and click the printer you want to set as default. Click Manage.
3. Click Set as default.
4. Back to the Printers & scanners tab and make sure you did NOT check Let Windows manage my default printer.

Method 2: Use Control Panel to set up a default printer

1. Press the Windows logo key + R together to open the Run box.
2. Type “control panel” and press Enter.
3. Set the Control Panel view by Category and then click View devices and printers.
4. Right-click on the printer you want and click Set as default printer.

Method 3: Use Command Prompt to set a default printer

1. Press the Windows logo key + R together to open the Run box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter.
   
3. Type the command below into the command prompt and press Enter.
   wmic printer where name=”your printer name” call setdefaultprinter
   For example:
   wmic printer where name=”HP Color LaserJet MFP M477fdw (403E71)-0″ call setdefaultprinter
4. Type wmic printer get name,default. The default printer will be listed in the column with TRUE showing in the left.

Method 4: Fix with Registry editor

1. Press the Windows logo key + R together to open the Run box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
   
3. Navigate to “Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows”.
   Note: You can copy and paste the text into the Registry Editor address bar and press Enter to jump directly.
4. Double-click LegacyDefaultPrinterMode file and change the Value data into 1. Then click OK.

Method 5: Install Reimage

Many printer issues could be related to corrupted system files. Reimage is a powerful tool to repair and rebuild Windows. It can diagnose problems on your computer and fix them immediately. Reimage is tailored to your specific system and is working in a private and automatic way.

It will firstly check hardware-related issues to identify problems, and then security issues and detect programs that are crashing or missing system files. Once complete, it will find a solution to your specific problem.

Here’s how to use it:

1) Download and install Reimage.

2) Open Reimage and run a free scan. This might take 3~5 minutes to fully analyze your PC. Once complete, you will be able to review the detailed scan report.

3) You’ll see the summary of detected issues on your PC. Click START REPAIR and all the issues will be fixed automatically. (You’ll need to purchase the full version. It comes with a 60-day Money-Back Guarantee so you can refund anytime if Reimage doesn’t fix your problem).

Hope this article meets your needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading.

By Iris Zheng

I have worked as a content writer for years and have found great joy and meaning in this profession. As a member of a company's writing team, I have benefited from continuous training and learning opportunities. These experiences have not only improved my research skills and learning abilities but have also enabled me to quickly find valuable and accurate information in the vast sea of data.My previous work in banking instilled meticulous work habits in me. I carefully inspect and verify information I collect with the aim of providing readers with authentic and reliable content. My skills and cautious nature not only allow me to offer robust support to readers in my professional life but also position me as a source of information and advice for my family and friends in my personal life.I derive immense enjoyment and a profound sense of accomplishment from assisting others. If my articles are able to assist you in any way, it would be both an honor and a personal achievement. This motivation will continue to inspire me to pursue constant improvement and produce more valuable content.

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