Top 5 Methods to Quickly Switch Your Default Printer in Windows and Mac
Changing your default printer can save time and improve productivity, especially if you frequently switch between multiple printers at home or in the office. Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, there are several straightforward methods to quickly set the printer you want as your default. This article explores the top five ways to do this efficiently.
Method 1: Change Default Printer via Windows Settings
On Windows 10 and later versions, you can easily change your default printer through the Settings app. Simply open ‘Settings,’ go to ‘Devices,’ then select ‘Printers & scanners.’ Here, turn off the option that lets Windows manage your default printer automatically. Next, click on the printer you wish to set as default and select ‘Manage,’ then click ‘Set as default.’ This method gives you direct control over which printer is selected for all print jobs.
Method 2: Use Control Panel on Windows
For those who prefer using the classic Control Panel interface, changing your default printer is simple. Open Control Panel and navigate to ‘Devices and Printers.’ Right-click on the desired printer icon and choose ‘Set as default printer’ from the context menu. A green checkmark will appear next to it indicating it’s now the default device for printing tasks.
Method 3: Change Default Printer Using Print Dialog Box
When printing from any application on both Windows and Mac, you can often select a different printer right before sending a job to print without permanently changing your system’s settings. In most programs, clicking ‘Print’ brings up a dialog box where you can choose another available printer from a dropdown list temporarily for that print job only.
Method 4: Set Default Printer via System Preferences on Mac
Mac users can change their default printers by opening ‘System Preferences’ followed by ‘Printers & Scanners.’ From here, simply select any installed printer from the list on the left side of the window, then use the dropdown menu labeled “Default Printer” at bottom center of this panel to pick which one will be used automatically when printing files.
Method 5: Use Command Line Tools for Advanced Users
Advanced users comfortable with command line interfaces might prefer setting their default printers with commands like PowerShell in Windows or Terminal commands in macOS. For example, in PowerShell you could use specific cmdlets designed for managing printers while macOS uses lpoptions commands. This method is perfect for scripting or automating changes across multiple devices.
Switching your default printer doesn’t have to be complicated regardless of whether you’re using Windows or Mac. By following these top five methods—from simple GUI navigation to advanced command line options—you can ensure that printing is always directed where you want it without hassle.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
