How to set a printer as default printer in Windows® 7

The need to set a printer as default printer arise when your Windows 7 powered computer system is connected to many networked printers or if you have just connected a new printer to your system.

Steps to install new printer on Windows 7-based PC

If you are installing a new printer on your Windows 7-based PC, then you have to just follow the instructions that pop-up on inserting the printer installation CD in the disk drive. The displayed Add Printer Wizard will give you the option to install your new printer as the default printer. You have check mark the ‘Yes’ box and click ‘Next’, and ‘Continue’ to follow the instructions. If you wish to know how to connect your laptop to a printer, then click here.

Steps to set one printer as default printer from many networked printers

If your PC that is running on Windows 7 operating system is connected to many networked printers, then to set any particular printer as the default printer you have to follow the below given steps:

1. Click ‘Start’, and then click ‘Devices and Printers’.
2. Right-click on the printer that you wish to use as your default printer and select ‘Set as default printer.’
3. Right-click on the printer icon again to verify that the correct printer is now set as the default printer. When the menu opens, a check mark should appear next to ‘Set as Default.’
4. Double click on the printer icon to display the Print Queue, if a right-click menu doesn’t display the ‘Set as default printer’ option. Click on the desired printer and select ‘Set as default printer’ from the menu. If a check mark is displayed next to the menu item or printer icon it means that the printer is now set as the default printer. You can also change and reset the settings of default printer at any time as per your need and preferences.

Click here to know about the tips to follow while setting a printer as default printer on your Windows 7 powered computer system.