How to change your default printer in Windows XP

In Windows, you can have a printer set as the default printer -- the printer that Windows will automatically choose when you print, unless you specify something different.  It's very easy to change your default printer, and you can do it at any time.

To change your default printer, first you'll need to open the Printers and Faxes application in the Control Panel.  On some Windows XP computers, this app can be accessed directly from the Start menu.  If you see Printers and Faxes on your Start menu, just click on it -- if you don't see it, click on Settings and see if it pops up.

If you can't find Printers and Faxes on your Start menu, click on Run on the Start menu and type "control" and then press <ENTER> or click OK.  The Control Panel will appear; double click on Printers and Faxes.

In the Printers and Faxes window, you'll see a list of all your printers and fax machines that are installed on the computer.  One of these devices will have a circle next to the name, with a check mark in the circle.  This device is currently set as your default printer.

To set a different device as the default printer, right click on the printer you want.  When the menu pops up, select Set as Default Printer.  The circle and check mark should move to that printer, and that one is now your default printer.