Is changing default printer only an OS setting?

No. While selected in the OS, printer behavior also depends on hardware firmware and installed drivers.

Is your computer sending print jobs to the wrong printer? Don’t worry — here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to change default printer settings across Windows, Mac, Word, Chrome, Tally Prime, SAP, and BUSY.

How to change default printer in Windows 11 and Mac step by step guide

⚠️ Important: Changing the default printer is not just an OS setting. While you select it inside Windows or macOS, the final behavior also depends on the printer’s hardware firmware configuration and installed drivers. If firmware is outdated, default settings may reset automatically.

🖨️ How to Change Default Printer in Windows 10 & 11

Q: How to change default printer in Windows 10 & 11?

Open Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, disable 'Let Windows manage my default printer' and select your preferred printer as default.

Q: How to change default printer on Mac?

Open System Settings, go to Printers & Scanners, and choose your preferred printer from the Default Printer dropdown.

Q: How to change default printer in Tally Prime?

In Tally Prime, press Alt + P to access print settings and configure your preferred printer.

Q: Why does my default printer keep changing?

It may change due to Windows auto-manage settings, network issues, outdated drivers, or printer firmware conflicts.

Method 1 – Quick Method (Recommended)

Press Win + I → Open Settings
Click Bluetooth & Devices
Select Printers & Scanners
Turn OFF “Let Windows manage my default printer”
Click your preferred printer
Select Set as Default

✅ Done! Your system will now use this printer automatically.

Method 2 – Control Panel (Advanced Users)

Open Control Panel
Click Devices and Printers
Right-click your printer
Choose Set as default printer

🍎 How to Change Default Printer on Mac

Click Apple Menu
Go to System Settings
Select Printers & Scanners
At the bottom, choose your preferred printer from the Default Printer dropdown

If the printer doesn’t stay selected:

Update printer firmware
Reinstall driver

Again — it’s not purely OS-based. Hardware firmware stability matters.

📄 How to Change Default Printer in Word

Open Microsoft Word
Go to File → Print
Choose desired printer
Print once

Word remembers the last used printer for that session.

⚠️ For permanent default:
Change it in Windows or Mac system settings.

🌐 How to Change Default Printer in Chrome

Open Chrome
Press Ctrl + P
Click Destination
Choose preferred printer
Click Manage → Set system default

Chrome follows system default printer settings.

🧾 How to Change Default Printer in Tally Prime

Open Tally Prime
Go to Gateway of Tally
Press Alt + P (Print)
Select printer
Set as default in print configuration

For company-level default:

Configure printer in F12 settings.

🏢 How to Change Default Printer in SAP

In SAP:

Go to System → User Profile → Own Data
Open Defaults tab
Set your default printer under Output Device
Save

SAP overrides Windows default printer.

📊 How to Change Default Printer in BUSY Accounting Software

Open BUSY
Go to Administration
Select Configuration
Choose Printer Settings
Select default printer

BUSY uses its own printer configuration system.

⚠️ Why Default Printer Keeps Changing?

Common reasons:

Windows “Let Windows manage default printer” enabled
Network printer disconnects
Printer firmware outdated
Driver conflicts
Print server overrides

👉 Always check firmware version from printer control panel or manufacturer website.

🧠 Quick 10-Line Summary

Default printer can be changed in Windows & Mac.
Turn off auto-manage option in Windows.
Word and Chrome follow system settings.
SAP and Tally use internal printer settings.
BUSY has separate configuration.
Firmware affects stability.
Network printers may override defaults.
Updating drivers helps.
No cost required ($0).
Takes less than 2 minutes.

❓ FAQ (Optimized for AI Overviews)