Windows can automatically use the last printer you selected as the default. That is convenient when moving between locations, but it can be confusing if you want every ordinary document to go to one specific printer.

Before changing anything, confirm the exact queue you intend to use. A device may appear more than once because of old installations or different connection methods. Print a harmless page through the intended entry and identify where it physically comes out. Do not use a confidential document to discover which printer a queue controls.

Choose fixed or automatic behaviour

Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners. If you want one fixed default, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer. Select the intended printer and choose Set as default. Microsoft notes that the button may not appear while automatic management is enabled.

If you regularly switch between office and home printers and prefer the last-used behaviour, leaving automatic management enabled may be appropriate. The important point is making that choice deliberately rather than repeatedly changing the default without checking the management setting.

Do not remove every similarly named printer as part of this task. A second queue may have a legitimate purpose, such as a different paper configuration or print server.

Verify inside the application

Open the program you normally print from and inspect its print dialog. Confirm the selected printer and page settings before sending one test page. An application or existing document may retain its own printing choices, so the Windows default should not replace this final check.

Close and reopen the application, then inspect the selection again. If only one program keeps choosing another printer, report that specific behaviour instead of reinstalling the entire printing system.

A fixed default solves selection, not connectivity. If the chosen printer is offline, jammed or unable to produce a test page, investigate that separately. Keep the queue name, connection type and error available so the next step addresses the actual failure.

Reference: Microsoft Support.