Windows 10: Win 10 changes printer settings if not a default printer

I work in a large business where there are a mix of Windows 10 and Windows 7. With Windows 7, we can have our label printer and an HP LaserJet connected to one PC with updated drivers, driver settings to use printer settings, and correct printer settings for each application. We have no problem going back and forth between printing labels and regular 8.5x11 sheets between applications and so forth.


With Windows 10, we have everything the same: updated drivers, correct settings, etc. The difference is that the labels won't come out the way they are configured in settings unless we set the label printer to default printer and the 8.5x11 sheets we can't even open the preview in our application until it is set as a default printer. This is frustrating and creates and extra step as well as training processes for users.


The setting "Let Windows manage your default printer" is unchecked and I tested it with it checked but to no avail. I have also tried clearing the %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers folder and restarting the spooler. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling the printers and their drivers. None of this has worked. How can we work around this?

:)

 

Setting Default Printer via Startup Script

I do it with VB logon scripts


"Dim ps0 [<------ our printer server the printers are added/managed on]
Dim printer

ps0 = "\\ps0\"
printer = "S14 - Oki ES4140" [<------- the name of the printer as it is shown on the server]

Set wshNetwork = CreateObject("WScript.Network")
on Error Resume Next

'Deletes all network printers
Set clPrinters = wshNetwork.EnumPrinterConnections
On Error Resume Next
For i = 0 to clPrinters.Count - 1 Step 2
wshNetwork.RemovePrinterConnection clPrinters.Item(i+1), true
Next

'Add Network printer
wshNetwork.AddWindowsPrinterConnection ps0 & printer

'Set Default Printer
wshNetwork.SetDefaultPrinter ps0 & printer" [<------ this bit sets it as default (note: this must be applied as the first policy before any other printers policies, otherwise it deletes them)]

 

Setting Default Printer via Startup Script

This looks like a good solution, and similar to some of the VB scripts I tried.. but it is a logon script. I would need something that works as a startup script. We are not mapping printers to users as they move around too much, but rather mapping to each computer.

The Link that W1ZZARD posted is good information. Sadly however, I have tried utilizing most of the commands that are available. The /c command is indeed interesting, but we are trying to map them when a computer starts up (prior to logon screen) versus just mapping them remotely. The purpose would be if we had a lab that needed the default printer changed, sure we could just send the remote command to each machine, or even remote into them ourselves and manually do it, but I was looking for a smoother alternative.

It seems like its just something that will have to be done manually and with user education.

Thanks for all the suggestions though.

 

Windows 10 Sets Last Printer Used As Default Printer

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to change the printer settings and check if it helps.

• In the search box, type as “settings”.
• Go to “settings” and select “devices”.
• Click on “printers and scanners” option on the left hand side.
• You will find all your printers listed on the screen, below that there is an option
  “Let Windows manage my default printer”.
• I suggest you to turn “OFF” the option “When turned on, the default printer is the last used printer”.
• Now check whether you can choose the other printers or not.

Hope this information is helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.