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How to Let Windows 11 Set the Last Printer Used as the Default Printer

Enable Windows-managed printer selection to make your last-used printer the default, or disable it to assign a specific printer.
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Turn on Let Windows manage my default printer in Windows 11’s printer settings. Windows will then automatically select the last printer you used as the default.

Turn on automatic default-printer selection

  1. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Under Printer preferences, turn on Let Windows manage my default printer.

With this setting enabled, Windows automatically selects the last printer you used. See Microsoft’s instructions for setting the default printer in Windows.

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Choose between automatic and fixed defaults

Setting What happens Choose it when
Let Windows manage my default printer on Windows makes the last printer you used the default. You want the default to follow your recent printer use.
Let Windows manage my default printer off You can choose a printer and set it as the fixed default. You want one particular printer to remain the default.

Set a specific printer as the default

  1. In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.
  2. Select the printer you want from the installed-printers list.
  3. Choose Set as default.

If Set as default is missing, check that Windows-managed default selection is turned off.

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What happens when you change locations?

Microsoft notes that on mobile Windows devices, when automatic management is enabled, the default printer may switch to the last printer used at the new location. This location-related behavior is specifically noted for mobile Windows devices.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w - Monochrome Single-Function Wireless Compact Wireless Laser Printer, 1 Year Limited Warranty, 19 PPM, White - Print Only
Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w - Monochrome Single-Function Wireless Compact Wireless Laser Printer, 1 Year Limited Warranty, 19 PPM, White - Print Only
FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.; PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.; SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
$87.00
Bestseller No. 5
HP LaserJet M110w | Monochrome | Laser Printer
HP LaserJet M110w | Monochrome | Laser Printer
WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere; FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
Best Value
HP LaserJet M110w | Monochrome | Laser Printer
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
  • WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
  • FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
  • WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
  • PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
Rank #4
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
  • BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
  • COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
  • BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
  • VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
  • BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Rank #3
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing
  • BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
  • FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
  • FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
  • BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
  • CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
Rank #2
Sale
Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w - Monochrome Single-Function Wireless Compact Wireless Laser Printer, 1 Year Limited Warranty, 19 PPM, White - Print Only
  • FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
  • COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
  • WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
  • PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
  • SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
#1 Best Overall
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
  • BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
  • COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
  • BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
  • VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
  • BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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