ARCHIVED: In Windows, how do I set the default printer?

This content has been archived, and is no longer maintained by Indiana University. Information here may no longer be accurate, and links may no longer be available or reliable.

In Windows, to set the default printer, follow these steps:

  1. If you are using Windows XP with the default XP Start menu, click Start, and then select Printers and Faxes. If you are using XP with the classic Start menu, click Start, then select Settings, and then Printers and Faxes. If you are using Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, or 2000, from the Start menu, select Settings, and then Printers.
  2. A window will open with an icon for each printer that you have installed on your system. Right-click the icon for the printer that you want to use as the default printer.
  3. On the contextual menu that pops up, look at the selection Set As Default or Set as Default Printer. If it is checked, that printer is already set as your default printer. If there is no checkmark, click that selection once.

The printer you select will be the default printer for all applications that you use in Windows.

Related documents

Share a folder, drive, or printer on the network in Windows

This is document adhb in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 10:34:01.