This article will help you fix the Default Printer Keeps Changing problem, which occurs on Windows 10/7
Our team has been receiving a number of reports from readers, who’ve encountered a rather peculiar issue with their Windows 10 OS. Basically, the default printers keeps changing without asking the user for permission . This can be quite irritating, especially if you need to use your printer on a regular basis and are each time forced to reset the default printing device in your system.
Generally speaking, there are two possible causes for this issue. The first possible reason may be due to some error that your computer isn’t informing you about. This in turn could be true, because the machine itself doesn’t recognize the error as something critical, because it has a fallback option, which it switches to (other printing device), thus removing the issue. The other possible cause for Windows 10 to be automatically changing the default printer could be the result of a setting on your computer that explicitly allows it to do so. Windows 10 actually comes with a feature that lets it manage the printing devices it is connected to, as it sees fit. And if this feature is enabled, your computer will be in control of your printers.
Whichever the reason, we have provided instructions in the guide below that are sure to have this problem solved. Simply follow the steps as described and don’t hesitate to drop us a line in the comment section at the bottom of this article, if you happen to encounter any difficulties.
Default Printer Keeps Changing Fix (Windows 10/7)
- Important! It is always a good idea to set up a Restore Point before making multiple adjustments to your Windows OS. Should any unexpected problem occur, you can always roll your system back to where you started.
Let’s start from the end. If you’re experiencing the above issue because of the respective setting being enabled, you will need to disable it. To do that:
- Press and hold the Windows + A key combination on your keyboard to summon Action Center.
- Click on All Settings.
- Select Devices and then go to Printers and Scanners.
- To your left, you will see the words Let Windows Manage My Default Printer. Below them is a switch – turn it off.
If this is not the issue, then you will need to check the status of your printer, as well as whether it is turned on or not and if it’s even connected.
- Go to Start and type in Devices and Printers. Open the first search result.
- Under Printers, check whether your printing device is Set as Default. If it isn’t, right-click on it and select Set as Default. A green checkmark should mark your device after this.
- Click on your printer and check below to see its Status. It shouldn’t show Offline.
- If it does show Offline, you will need to check the connectivity. If your printer is a wireless one, re-do the wireless setup, to ensure that it is connected to the wireless network.
- If your computer is connected with a USB cable, you will most likely need to run the printer’s setup. If you’re unsure how to do this, check the manufacturer’s official website for more info.