fax comes up as default when printer selection window, instead of printer

[jah1000]

Have all in one and the fax is disabled but keeps coming up as default printer on selection menus. Everything is turned off, I can't get that selection to go away. Have to change from fax to printer every time using printer.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @jah1000,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I hear you, it’s really annoying when the Fax option keeps showing up as the default printer, especially when you’ve already disabled it. Let’s fix that so your HP All-in-One printer behaves the way you want.

Step-by-Step Fix: Remove Fax as Default Printer

Option 1: Set the Correct Printer as Default

1. On your Windows PC, press Windows + R, type control printers, and hit Enter.
2. In the Devices and Printers window: 
   • Right-click your actual printer (not the fax version).
   • Select Set as default printer.
   • A green checkmark should appear.

Option 2: Remove or Hide the Fax Option

If you never use a fax:

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the Fax version of your printer.
3. Select Remove device.

If “Remove device” is grayed out, you may need admin rights. Try right-clicking and choosing Properties > Advanced, then uncheck Enable printing via fax.

Optional: Clean Up Printer Drivers

Sometimes leftover drivers cause confusion:

1. Press Windows + R, type printui /s /t2, and hit Enter.
2. In the Print Server Properties, remove any old or duplicate drivers related to fax.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[jah1000]

Thank you for your thorough and well-explained response. However I still have the fax come up. I had already tried all of your suggestions except the clean up drivers. That didn't do it either. I think the problem is with HP smart printing. I cannot turn it off. Trying to remove driver gave me an error.

I have no "green checkmark" anywhere, and the fax is still coming up with everything disable in that properties window. The fax option still comes up as default. The HP all in one is the default, but it won't change to the printer vs fax. It does not allow me to uncheck enable printing. It is grayed out. Tried removing printer totally but remove button doesn't work either. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @jah1000,

Thank you for getting back and letting me know that you still have trouble.

To get you further assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support