Word changes the system default printer

Question

I am using Word 2007 with Windows 10. I have two printers: a laser and a deskjet, and I always set the laser as default in Window 10s printer  control panel. When I print, Word’s default is laser. However, if I choose to print a document to the the deskjet, the system default changes to deskjet! The next time I print in Word, it defaults to the deskjet. This behavior did not happen with the Windows 7 OS but started after I upgraded to Windows10.

Answer 1

Unless this has changed very much, the Windows default is not changed (I think you'll find that if you print from your browser, for example, the laser printer will still be the default). But the active printer in Word is changed until you change it back or quit Word and start a new Word session. Note that the ScreenTip for the Print or Quick Print button will display the currently active printer.

I am in a similar situation, with a monochrome laser set as the Windows default and a color inkjet as a second printer that I use infrequently. What I find helpful is to have a toolbar button that allows me to print the current document from that printer. The macro attached to the toolbar button resets the printer back to the Windows default after printing. Find the generic form of the macro (you have to fill in your specific printer name) at http://www.gmayor.com/fax\_from\_word.htm.