Setting a printer as the default in Windows 10 can save you time and hassle when printing documents. By setting a default printer, you won’t have to manually select the printer every time you want to print something. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to set a printer as the default in Windows 10.
Accessing Printer Settings
The first step to setting a printer as the default is to access the printer settings. To do this, click on the “Start” button and type “printer” in the search bar. Select “Printers & scanners” from the results.
Selecting the Default Printer
In the “Printers & scanners” menu, you will see a list of all the printers connected to your computer. Find the printer you want to set as the default and click on it. Then, click on the “Manage” button and select “Set as default” from the drop-down menu.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter an error message that says “Printtool is trying to modify the printer settings” or “Printer settings could not be saved,” there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Check Printer Connection
The first thing to check is if your printer is properly connected to your computer. Make sure the printer is turned on and connected to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi. If the printer is not connected, Windows will not be able to save the printer settings.
Restart Print Spooler Service
The print spooler service is responsible for managing print jobs and printer settings. If this service is not running properly, it can cause issues with setting a printer as the default. To restart the print spooler service, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- In the Services window, find the “Print Spooler” service and right-click on it.
- Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also cause issues with setting a printer as the default. To update your printer drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
- In the Device Manager window, expand the “Print queues” category.
- Right-click on your printer and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the prompts to update the driver.
Conclusion
Setting a printer as the default in Windows 10 is a simple process that can save you time and hassle in the long run. By following these steps and troubleshooting any issues, you can easily set your preferred printer as the default. Do you have any other tips for managing printer settings in Windows 10? Let us know in the comments.
