Setting a default printer

Questions

  • How do I set a default printer on my Mac?
  • How do I set a default printer on Windows?
  • How do I change which printer my computer uses automatically?
  • My computer keeps printing to the wrong printer — how do I fix that?
  • How do I make Find-Me-Print my default printer?
  • How do I stop Windows from automatically changing my default printer?
  • Every time I print it asks me to pick a printer — how do I set a permanent default?
  • How do I set a default printer in macOS Sequoia or Tahoe?
  • How do I set a default printer in Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College faculty, staff, and students who have at least one printer installed on their computer and want to designate a specific printer as the default so it is pre-selected every time they print.

  • macOS: Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x)
  • Windows: Windows 11
  • Applies to: Bowdoin-issued computers and personally owned computers with Bowdoin printers installed
Note: On most Bowdoin computers, Find-Me-Print (macOS) or Find-Me-Print[Bowdoin](Mobility) (Windows) is the recommended default printer. Setting either of these as your default allows you to print from your desk and release the job at any campus printer.

Resolution

Set a Default Printer on macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings.
    On macOS Monterey (12.x) or older, this is called System Preferences.
  2. Scroll down in the sidebar and click Printers & Scanners.
  3. In the list of installed printers, click the printer you want to set as your default.
  4. At the bottom of the window, click the Default printer drop-down menu.
  5. Select your desired printer from the list.
Tip: If you select Last Printer Used from the Default printer drop-down, macOS will automatically remember whichever printer you used most recently — useful if you frequently switch between printers.

Set a Default Printer on Windows 11

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings (the gear icon), or press Windows key + I.
  2. Click Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar.
  3. Click Printers & scanners.
  4. If "Allow Windows to manage my default printer" is turned on: turn this setting off first. When this is on, Windows automatically sets your most recently used printer as the default, which can cause your default to keep changing unexpectedly.
  5. In the printer list, click the printer you want to set as your default.
  6. Click Set as default.
Printer not in the list? If the printer you want isn't installed yet, you'll need to install it first. See How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer for step-by-step instructions using Print Deploy.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request printing assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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