Window 10 won't let me define an HP8120 series printer as default

[Greenie6]

   I had several pseudo-printers in the control panel. I tried to define the HP 8125e as the default, but it would not let me. It kept taking the next pseudo-printer as the new default. I finally got down to here the HP printers was the only printer in control panel. It still would not accept the HP printer.

   I've previously had issues regarding downloading drivers for this printer, which I  have posted here. And those have not been resolved. I thought it might work if the HP was the only printer.Thanks for your help,
GREENIE6

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Greenie6 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Here are the steps you can follow to resolve the issue of not being able to set your HP 8120 series printer as the default in Windows 10:

Check Windows Default Printer Setting

• Open Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
• Scroll down and make sure the option “Let Windows manage my default printer” is turned off.
• If this option is enabled, Windows will automatically set the last used printer as the default, overriding your choice.

Set the Printer as Default Manually

• In Printers & scanners, select your HP 8125e printer.
• Click Manage → Set as default.
• Confirm that the printer now shows as the default.

Verify Printer Driver Installation

• Open Device Manager → expand Printers.
• Ensure the HP 8120 series printer is listed without warnings.
• If there are issues, uninstall the printer driver and reinstall it using the HP App, which provides the latest drivers and setup tools.

Remove Hidden or Pseudo Printers

• In Printers & scanners, check for duplicate or pseudo devices (such as “Microsoft Print to PDF” or ghost entries of the HP printer).
• Remove unnecessary entries to avoid conflicts.
• Restart the computer after removing them.

Check Print Spooler Service

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
• This refreshes the printing system and can resolve default printer issues.

Test Printing

• Open a document and select Print.
• Confirm that the HP 8125e is preselected as the default printer.
• If it still reverts, repeat step 1 to ensure Windows is not overriding your choice.

By following these steps, you should be able to set and retain your HP 8120 series printer as the default in Windows 10. 

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Regards, 

Hawks_Eye