How to: Fix Default Printer Keeps Changing in Windows 10

Here we can see, “How to: Fix Default Printer Keeps Changing in Windows 10”

It is quite unpleasant when you have multiple printers, and the default printer frequently changes. To avoid using the wrong printer, you must always check which is the currently accessible printer before pressing the print button.

Here is how users of Windows 10 explain this problem:

My default printer keeps changing to my last used printer and not the one that I set as my default.Does any one have any ideas of how to sort this issue?

You can use one of the workarounds suggested below to stop the default printer from changing.

Default printer keeps changing on Windows 10, how to fix it?

If your computer’s default printer frequently changes, it can be a little but irksome problem. Here are some concerns customers have mentioned with printers:

• • Default printer keeps changing Windows 7, 8.1, 10 – However, even if you don’t use Windows 10, you should be able to use most of our remedies because this problem can occur on any version of Windows.
  • Windows 7 default printer keeps changing to Adobe PDF – If this occurs on your computer, all you have to do to fix it is change your default printer.
  • Default printer keeps changing randomly, after reboot, log off – according to users. Of course, your drivers can be to blame, so make sure to update them.
  • Default printer keeps switching, reverting back – This problem may occasionally be brought on by specific system problems. Installing the most recent updates should allow you to resolve it, though.

Solution 1 – Turn off the option Let Windows manage your default printer

Your default printer is automatically managed by Windows 10 by default. However, you might wish to stop Windows from controlling your default printer if it keeps changing. Simply adhere to the following instructions to do that:

1. 1. Click the Devices icon under Settings.
   2. Turn it off by clicking on Printers & Scanners on the left side. Windows should control my default printer.

Microsoft is receiving a lot of flak for including this feature in Windows 10. A drop-down menu, they claimed, would have been much more practical because it would have made it simple for them to choose the printer of their choice.

Solution 2 – Change the printer settings from the Registry Editor

Your registry may be at blame if your default printer keeps switching. However, you may easily resolve the issue by making a few modifications in Registry Editor. Simply adhere to the following instructions to do that:

1. 1. Type regedit by pressing the Windows key and R.
   2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindows.
   3. Choose LegacyDefaultPrinterMode and enter 1.

Solution 3 – Uninstall the printer software for all printers

Uninstall the printer drivers and reinstall the most recent driver versions if the first two suggestions don’t work. In addition, you must do the following actions to uninstall the printer driver:

1. 1. To access the Win + X menu, press Windows Key + X. Select Device Manager from the list of results at this point.
   2. Locate your printer driver, perform a right-click selection, and select Uninstall device. Make sure to expose any hidden devices if you can’t find your printer.
   3. Select Delete driver software for this device in the confirmation popup that displays, and then click Uninstall.

The default driver will then be installed once more when you restart your computer. Therefore, installing the most recent printer driver should be your next step if the default driver is inoperable.

To do it, you simply need to find the most recent drivers for your printer model on the manufacturer’s website. Then, check to see whether the issue is fixed after downloading and installing the most recent driver.

You may always utilize specialized programs to automatically download the missing drivers if you’re having difficulties finding the right driver.

Solution 4 – Remove old printer connections from your registry

Some outdated entries may be still there in your registry if you’ve used more than one printer with your PC. The outdated entries in your registry could cause your default printer to change frequently. However, you may easily resolve the issue by deleting the faulty registry entries.

You only need to take the following actions to solve the issue:

1. 1. Launch the Registry Editor.
   2. Go to the HKEY_USERSUSERS_SID_HEREPrintersConnectionskey in the left pane. Be sure to select your own user SID. Usually, your SID is the one that’s the longest, so be sure to select it.
   3. Some outdated printer connections ought to be visible. Take them all out.
   4. Now go to HKEY_USERSUSERS_SID_HEREPrintersSettings key and delete the old printer settings from there.

Check to see whether the issue with your default printer is fixed after removing them.

Solution 5 – Check your USB and power cable

Rarely, issues with wires may be the cause of problems with the default printer. Make sure to verify that your wires are in good functioning order if the default printer on your PC keeps switching. Also, your power or USB cord may occasionally be damaged, which can cause issues like these and many others.

Ensure your printer is always connected to your PC by carefully inspecting the cords. Windows will automatically switch to a different default printer if you even briefly lose connectivity. If your cables are broken, replace them to see if it resolves the issue.

Solution 6 – Set the default printer manually

Users claim that by manually configuring the default printer, you may be able to resolve the issue if it keeps changing. You merely need to perform the following to do that:

1. 1. To access the control panel, use Windows Key + S. From the results list, select Control Panel.
   2. Go to Printers and Devices.
   3. Right-click on the printer you wish to set as the default, then select Set as default printer from the menu.

Solution 7 – Install the latest updates

Your computer’s faults may cause the problem if the default printer keeps switching. Installing the most recent Windows updates is the best solution for this issue. If you’re experiencing printer issues, we strongly suggest you update your system as Microsoft continually releases new updates and corrects flaws.

Windows 10 typically installs the uninstalled updates automatically by default, but occasionally you might overlook one or two. However, you can manually check for updates by carrying out the following actions:

1. 1. First, to launch the Settings app, press Windows Key + I.
   2. Visit the Update & Security section right away.
   3. On the Updates button, click.

Windows will automatically download updates in the background if any are available. Simply restart your computer to install the updates when they have been downloaded.

Check to see whether the default printer issue is still present after updating your system.

Solution 8 – Create a new user account

By setting up a new user account, you might be able to resolve any printer-related troubles you’re experiencing. You merely need to perform the following to do that:

1. 1. But first, go to the Accounts area of the Settings app by opening it.
   2. Select Add Someone to this PC under the Family & Other People heading.
   3. Select I don’t have the sign-in details for this person.
   4. Pick Add a user without a Microsoft account from the menu now.
   5. Click Next after entering the preferred username.

Switch to the newly created user account to see if the issue is still there. You must transfer your personal files there and begin using the new account in place of the old one if the problem does not manifest.

Solution 9 – Perform a System Restore

Your system may have recently undergone an upgrade or change if the default printer on your PC keeps changing. But you can resolve the issue by doing a System Restore. Follow these steps to do that:

1. 1. Enter system restore by pressing Windows Key + S. Select the menu item labelled “Create a restore point.”
   2. Press the System Restore button now.
   3. Click Next when the System Restore window appears.
   4. Select the desired restore point, check the Show more restore points box, and then click Next.
   5. To finish the restoration process, adhere to the on-screen directions.

Check to see whether the issue is still present once your system has been restored.

Conclusion

I hope you found this guide useful. If you’ve got any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the shape below.

User Questions

1. Why do the default settings on my printer constantly change?

Because Windows presumes that the printer you just used is now your favourite, the default printer is always changing. Therefore, Windows sets the default printer to the last printer you used when you go from one printer to another. Your default printer changing for other reasons besides this is possible.

2. Why don’t my printer’s settings save?

Please ensure that the printing application is closed before going to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > right-clicking on the printer driver > Printing Preferences to setup the printer settings appropriately. Then, finally, press Apply to save your changes after making the necessary printer configuration adjustments.

3. What does the term “default printer” mean?

When using the Quick Print feature in Microsoft Office applications and other software, your print jobs will be delivered immediately to the default printer. In every print dialog, the printer is also chosen by default.

4. Default printer keeps changing : r/sysadmin – Reddit

Default printer keeps changing from sysadmin

5. Stop Windows 10 from changing Default Printer? : r/techsupport

Stop Windows 10 from changing Default Printer? from techsupport