How to set the default printer via command line in Windows

Command Line

1. Click on the Start button and type cmd. Right click on Command Prompt and click run as administrator.

2. Type RUNDLL32 PRINTUI.DLL,PrintUIEntry /y /n “HP Officejet Pro 8610”

The /y sets the printer as default

/n is the name of the printer

More info can be found here from Microsoft.

Powershell

1. Click on the Start button and type powershell. Right click on powershell and click run as administrator.

2. Type:

$wsObject = New-Object -COM WScript.Network
$wsObject.SetDefaultPrinter(“Printer”)

Change “Printer” to your printer name.

This is just one of those tips I keep coming back to and forgetting the command line switches. It works on Win 7,8 and 10.

I experienced a problem where the printers are installed however they are not listed under “devices and printers”.

Extra Info:

I have written a couple of articles which explain how to:

Did our article help you? Here are some ways you can help us.

Have a look at our IT Tech Tool Kit List, need ideas on what to buy? I have listed my top 30 tools here.

No votes yet.

Please wait...

4 Comments