Windows 7: Set default printers based on location

By Thomas

Are you tired of manually changing your default printer on your laptop, depending on which network you’re on? Did you know that Windows 7 can set default printers based on your location (i.e., the network to which you’re connected) ? No? Well you do now, and here’s how:

Note: Location aware printing is available in Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise. Learn how to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 7 Professional

Click the Start button and open “Devices and Printers” (you find it in the right Start Menu pane).

1. In the Devices and Printers interface, click the printer you want to use on the first network

2. Click Manage default printers on the toolbar

3. Check the box to “Change my default printer when I change networks“

4. Select the network for which you want this printer to be the default, from the Drop-Down list

5. Repeat the procedure for each network, then click OK to save your changes.

And that’s it!

About Thomas

Computer geek from the age of 7, which amounts to 30 years of computer experience. From the early days (when every computer company had their own OS) of DOS, Windows 1.0 through Seven...

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9 thoughts on “Windows 7: Set default printers based on location”

Rich says:

February 19, 2012 at 10:07

Dick, did you first click on your printer? The button only appears after you’ve clicked the printer you want to manage (Step 1.)
1. Dick says:
  
  February 20, 2012 at 14:58
  
  Yes I did. I tried left and right click. Still no Manage option. OS is Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit.
Thomas says:

February 20, 2012 at 03:01

and only on LAPTOPS… :-)
Ageless Male says:

February 25, 2012 at 08:35

why, I can’t connect my Canon printer. So this is only for wifi printer?! :(
1. Rich says:
  
  February 25, 2012 at 08:56
  
  As long as your printer and laptop are on the same network, they should be able to connect. Have you installed the Canon drivers on your laptop (via the CD that comes with your printer)?
  1. Ageless Male says:
    
    February 25, 2012 at 08:59
    
    Yes I did… oh wait, so this only works for Laptops?
  2. Rich says:
    
    February 25, 2012 at 09:20
    
    If you move your desktop to different networks or if your wired and wireless networks are different (unlikely in the home and only by design), it will also work.
  3. Asian Handicap Betting says:
    
    March 31, 2012 at 21:58
    
    i think it can also work at desktop
2. Waterbeds says:
  
  March 15, 2012 at 05:52
  
  try to unplug the connectors or check the ports maybe that is the prob