Solved: Default printer changes automatically windows 10

Did you notice your Default printer keeps changing by itself when you have multiple printers configured on your computer? This is because of Windows 10 new feature called “Let Windows manage my default printer” that sets your most recent used printer as the default automatically. While this can be useful for some users, many others might prefer to set the default printer manually.  If you are looking for stop windows from changing default printer, You can do this from Windows settings or using Windows registry editor.

Contents

1. 1 Prevent windows 10 from changing the default printer

2. 1.1 Set your default printer in Windows 10

3. 1.2 Check your Sync settings

4. 1.3 Tweak Windows Registry to set the default printer

Prevent windows 10 from changing the default printer

When a device is changing on its own, it is usually because there is a setting On windows 10 PC that allows changing the device to the most suitable one that it deems worthy. Lets fallow steps below to Turn off Windows manage my default printer Option.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings Window.

2. Click on Devices then select Printer & Scanners.

3. This interface lets you select the printer and set it as default, or remove the device.

4. Select your printer, Click on Manage and Set as default.

5. Now Scroll down a bit till you see a setting Let Windows manage my default printer.

6. When this setting is turned On, the default printer is the last used printer.

7. Make sure this option is unchecked.

Note: This option isn’t present in the Windows 8’s Devices app, it’s new to Windows 10.

Set your default printer in Windows 10

Now go set your default printer. You will see the entire list of printers a little above this setting. Select the printer and click the Set as default button. It will show a green tick/checkmark.

1. Windows 10 will not change it again, even if you use another printer.

2. If it’s a wireless printer, make sure it is connected to your wireless network.

3. The easiest way to do this is to re-do the wireless setup.

4. If it’s wired over a USB Port, run the printer’s setup and re-add the printer. (this will automatically) install the drivers as well.

5. Open Settings, then go into Devices > Printers and Scanners Set “Let Windows manage my default printer” to Off

Check your Sync settings

If the above setting enables automatically after some time, or after a restart then checks your Sync settings. If the “Other Windows settings” option is enabled in the Sync settings page, Windows would sync your printer, mouse, keyboard and other settings.

Open Settings (WinKey + i), click Accounts, Sync your settings Disable the Other Windows settings toggle button.

Tweak Windows Registry to set the default printer

If due to some reason above solution didn’t work for you, Here windows registry tweak that helps to prevent windows to default printer keeps changing.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit and ok to open the windows registry editor.

2. Backup Registry Database, then navigate to the following path.

3. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows

4. Change the value of LegacyDefaultPrinterMode from the default 0 to 1.

5. Having done this, Once Restart windows and set your default printer again.

Did this tips help to prevent windows from changing default printer? Let us know on comments below, Also read

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