FIX: Default Printer Keeps Changing on Windows 10
When a device is changing on its own, it is usually due to one of two reasons. The first is that you have a setting on your computer that allows the computer to change the device to the most suitable one that it deems worthy. There is a settings in Windows 10 which allows Windows to manage printers.
The second is due to some unforeseen error that the computer is not telling you about and that’s because it’s not really an error that will cause a massive problem in the computer due to the fact that it has a device that it can change to in order to remove the problem.
In either case, the two methods below will help you sort this issue out.
Method 1: Disable “Let Windows Manage My Default Printer”
In the newest Windows 10, it is given permission to defaultly control your printer. If your printer is wireless, then it will chose the closest printer towards the location of the devices that the Windows 10 Operating System has been installed on.
Hold the Windows Key and Press A. Choose All Settings and then choose Devices. Select “Printers and Scanners” from the left pane and turn off “Let Windows Manage My Default Printer”
Method 2: Troubleshoot Printer Status
If your printer is running into issues, or if the driver is corrupt or outdated then Windows may default to another printer because it detects that the existing printer is either offline, or isn’t detected. To check if it’s not running into any issues, look for the Printer Status and make sure it is Set as Default, Connected and Powered On.
Click Start and type Devices and Printers. Click Devices and Printers from the list of results displayed. Once it opens up, take a look at the printer’s listed and make sure your’s is Set as Default, if not then Right Click on it and choose Set as Default. Once it is Set as Default it will show a green tick/checkmark. Then, click the printer once, to see it’s status, look at the bottom to ensure that it shows “Ready” – If it doesn’t shows Ready, it shouldn’t show Offline either.
If it shows as Offline or if it Greyed out, then check the connectivity.
If it’s a wireless printer, make sure it is connected to your wireless network. Easiest way to do this is to re-do the wireless setup. If it’s wired over a USB Port, run the printer’s setup and re-add the printer. (this will automatically) install the drivers as well.
If you don’t have access to the setup, then Google your printer’s model number and get the setup from the Manufacturer’s site.
