4 Ways to Set Your Default Printer on a Windows 11 PC

Whether you’ve added a new laser printer or swapped from inkjet to wide-format, making sure Windows 11 knows which printer to use by default saves you a click every time you hit Ctrl+P. Here are four quick methods to point Windows at the right hardware.

1. Via Settings > Bluetooth & Devices

1. Press ⊞ Win+I to open Settings.
2. Click Bluetooth & devices in the left pane.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Under Your printers, click the printer you want.
5. Hit Set as default.

Tip: If you don’t see “Set as default,” make sure Let Windows manage my default printer is off (toggle found at the top of Printers & scanners).

2. Through the Classic Control Panel

1. Type Control Panel into the Taskbar search and open it.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers.
3. Right-click your desired printer icon and choose Set as default printer.
4. A green checkmark will appear, confirming it’s now the default.

3. From File Explorer’s Printers Folder

1. Open File Explorer (⊞ Win+E).
2. In the address bar, paste and go to: shell:PrintersFolder
3. You’ll see all installed printers. Right-click the one you want and select Set as default printer.

4. Using PowerShell or Command Line

When you need to script or push a printer setting across multiple PCs, a one-liner is priceless.

• PowerShell (run as Admin): Set-Printer -Name "Your Printer Name" -IsDefault $true
• Command Prompt (run as Admin): rundll32 printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /y /n "Your Printer Name"

Just swap in the exact name of your printer as it appears in Settings or Devices and Printers.

Wrapping Up

Picking the right default printer on Windows 11 can be done in just a few clicks—or keystrokes if you’re automating. Next time you hit Ctrl+P, you’ll know exactly which device wakes up.

If you run into any hiccups (printer not listed, driver woes), drop a comment below. Happy printing!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!