Printer defaulting to fax

[TTTjat05]

printer defaulting to fax after I purchased new computer with windows 11

[Raj_05]

Hi @TTTjat05,

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 the fax function instead of printing when you try to print from your new Windows 11 PC. This is a common issue when a printer has multiple “devices” installed (Print, Fax, Scan) and the default device is set incorrectly. Here’s how to fix it.

Check the default printer

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
• Find your HP printer in the list.
• Click it → Set as default.

If Windows says “Let Windows manage my default printer”, toggle that off first.

Ensure you’re printing to the right device

Many HP printers show up as two devices:

• HP [Printer Name] → for printing
• HP [Printer Name] Fax → for faxing

Make sure your apps (Word, Chrome, etc.) are selecting the Printer device, not Fax.

Reinstall the printer driver (if needed)

• Go to Settings → Printers & scanners → your printer → Remove device.
• Download the latest driver from HP’s website for Windows 11: HP Software and Drivers.
• Install the printer driver (not the fax driver) and set it as default.

Test printing

• Open a simple document and try printing.
• Make sure the selected printer is the actual printer, not the fax option.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

[ElbertW · Accepted solution]

Using the proposed strategy still left the Fax of my OfficeJet Pro 7740 as the default.

I solved this (for the moment at least) in the following way:

1. I went or Settings>Bluetooth  & Devices>Printers & Scanners

2. Set Let Windows manage my default printer to On

3. Started MS-Word and printed something to the (non fax) printer

4. Retuned to the Settings>Bluetooth  & Devices>Printers & Scanners

5. Set Let Windows manage my default printer to Off