How To Set Default Printer Windows 11 May 2026

Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) .

Optional: If you want a printer to be available but never used as default, click on it and select “Stop printing” to hide it from the main list. The old Control Panel still works and gives a different visual overview. how to set default printer windows 11

This guide covers to set your default printer in Windows 11, along with troubleshooting tips for common issues. Before You Begin: Understanding Windows 11’s Default Printer Behavior By default, Windows 11 enables “Let Windows manage my default printer.” When active, this feature automatically sets your default printer to the last printer you used in the current location (e.g., work vs. home). If you want a fixed, unchanging default printer, you must disable this setting first. Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Easiest & Recommended) This is the standard method for most users. Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows" -Name "LegacyDefaultPrinterMode" -Value 1 If Windows 11 keeps changing your default printer back, check these common culprits: This guide covers to set your default printer

Click the Set as default button. You will see a “Default” label appear next to the printer name.

Open Settings (press Windows + I on your keyboard).

Set-Printer -Name "Your Printer Name Here" -DefaultPrinter $true To disable Windows’ automatic management (if needed) via PowerShell: