-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Wireless, Networking & Internet
- My printer defaults to saving a document I only want to prin...

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
Your account also allows you to connect with HP support faster, access a personal dashboard to manage all of your devices in one place, view warranty information, case status and more.
Common problems for Connectivity Issues
We would like to share some of the most frequently asked questions about Printer Wi-Fi, Connectivity Issues and Offline Status. Check out this link: HP printer is offline or unavailable.
1 REPLY 1
05-23-2025 07:10 AM
@OK713, Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
It sounds like your HP printer is defaulting to "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" instead of sending the document to your actual printer. Here's how to fix it depending on your operating system:
For Windows:
Open Settings:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
Set Default Printer:
- Find your actual HP printer in the list.
- Click on it and select Set as default.
- Make sure "Microsoft Print to PDF" is not set as the default.
Disable "Let Windows manage my default printer":
- Scroll down and turn off the option that says "Let Windows manage my default printer".
For macOS:
Open System Settings:
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
Set Default Printer:
- In the dropdown labeled Default printer, select your HP printer instead of "Save as PDF" or "Last Printer Used".
When Printing from an App (like Word or Chrome):
- When you click Print, make sure the selected printer is your HP printer and not "Save as PDF".
- You might need to click a dropdown or "See more printers" to find the correct one.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping!
Max3Aj
HP Support
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.