To make print jobs use the same printer by default, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer and select your preferred installed printer in Settings. The steps differ slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Set a fixed default printer in Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Under Printer preferences, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.
- Select the printer you want to use.
- Select Set as default. Check that its status changes to Default.
Set a fixed default printer in Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
- Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.
- Select your preferred printer, then choose Manage.
- Under Printer status, select Set as default. Confirm that the status reads Default.
These are the manual-selection steps in Microsoft Support’s Windows default-printer instructions.
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Choose between a fixed printer and automatic selection
| Setting | What Windows does | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Let Windows manage my default printer off | Keeps the printer you select as the default until you change it. | You want print jobs to go to one preferred printer without selecting it each time. |
| Let Windows manage my default printer on | Sets the last printer you used as the default. | You usually print to whichever printer you used most recently. On a mobile Windows device, the default may change to the last printer used at a new location. |
To let Windows choose automatically, turn on Let Windows manage my default printer in Printers & scanners settings. Microsoft describes the automatic choice as the last printer used; on mobile devices, it may follow the last printer used at the device’s new location. Microsoft’s instructions cover this option for Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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If the printer or default option is missing
“Set as default” is not available
Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, then return to the selected printer’s settings. When Windows manages the default automatically, the manual control may not appear. Microsoft’s printer troubleshooting guidance also identifies this setting as a possible reason the control is missing.
#1 Best Overall
- PERFECT FOR BASIC PRINTING NEEDS – Print everyday color documents like to-do lists, letters, financial documents and recipes
- KEY FEATURES – Color print, copy, scan, and a 60-sheet input tray, plus mobile and wireless printing
- OPTIMIZE PRINT FORMATTING WITH HP AI – Print web pages and emails with precision—no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want
- ICON LCD – Print your basic documents with ease from the intuitive control panel
- PRINT SPEED – Up to 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
Your preferred printer is not listed
Add or install the printer before trying to make it the default. For a wireless printer, make sure it is on the same network as your Windows device. If Windows does not find it automatically, use the option to add a device manually. See Microsoft’s instructions for adding or installing a printer.
The printer is listed but will not print
Changing the default only selects which installed printer Windows uses by default. It does not resolve a connection, queue, or hardware problem. For those issues, follow Microsoft’s printer troubleshooting steps.
Rank #2
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10; Microsoft says PCs running it will continue to work. See Microsoft’s default-printer guidance for the support notice and printer-setting steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Bluetooth Printer: Portable thermal printer compatible with iPhone, Android phones, iPad and tablet computers via Bluetooth. For smartphones, please download the "Nada Print" App. You can also connect to laptops and computers for printing using a USB-C cable. (Note: Laptops and computers can only be connected via USB and require the installation of a driver first. Bluetooth connection is not supported.)
- No-ink printing: Only supports US Letter and A4 size thermal paper.(Doesn't support regular paper) The no-ink portable thermal printer uses direct thermal technology, requiring no ink, toner or ribbons, making it environmentally friendly, cost-effective and time-saving. The thermal printer package comes with a roll of US Letter thermal printing paper. Note: When installing the paper, remember to switch the paper size switch on APP
- Clear Print: NDYIN N80 portable thermal printer adopts high-definition printing technology, with a 203DPI resolution to provide you with clear printing results. This mobile printer is compatible with roll paper, folded paper and tattoo transfer paper, supporting printing from your mobile phone PDF, Word, pictures and web pages anytime and anywhere. It is recommended to use our NDYIN thermal paper to achieve good printing quality
- Portable wireless printer for travel: The thermal printer is equipped with a built-in 1500mAh rechargeable battery, which can print 160 sheets of 8.5" x 11" thermal paper after being fully charged. It weighs only 1.5 pounds and is compact in size. This ink-free portable printer can be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase! It is perfect for business travel, cars, small offices, construction sites, schools and homes. You can print documents, contracts, invoices and boarding passes anytime and anywhere
- The N80 thermal printer has a wide range of uses. The package includes the N80 printer, a roll of US Letter paper(7m/roll), a user manual, a guide card, a type-C soft cable and a type C adapter. Note: The charging adapter is not included. Special thermal paper is required for use; ordinary paper cannot be used. This ink-free portable thermal printer is suitable for various scenarios such as home, school, travel, office, and outdoor, meeting the printing needs of different groups of people. This tattoo template printer is also compatible with tattoo transfer paper, making it an ideal choice for tattoo art
Rank #4
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Rank #3
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
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