Renaming A Printer

When you install a new printer on Windows 10, the printer is named using the default name created by the manufacturer. These default names are often a technical combination of words based on information related to things such as model number, manufacturer name, and series. While the information in the default name will typically pinpoint the printer, it can cause confusion if multiple printers are installed. If you have multiple printers of the same kind, this can be even more confusing. There might be other reasons that the default name needs to be changed.

With Windows 10, you can change the name of an installed printer easily. To change the name, follow these simple steps:

1. Press the Windows+I keys. this opens the System Settings.
2. Click on Devices. Windows displays the devices section of the System Settings.
3. In the left column, click on Printers & Scanners to open the Printers & Scanners settings.
4. In the Printers & Scanners section, select the printer you wish to rename. The printer expands, exposing three buttons: Open Queue, Manage, and Remove Device.
5. Click on Manage; this displays the Manage your Device section for the printer you chose. The name of the printer you selected will be displayed at the top of the window.
6. Scroll down and choose "Printer Option" from the list of links. Windows opens a new Properties window for the printer.
7. If it is not displayed by default, click on the General tab at the top of the Properties window. This shows the general settings for the printer within the Properties window.
8. In the top-most text box, you will see the default name for the printer. Enter a new name in this box.
9. Click Apply for the new name to take effect.
10. Click OK to close the Properties window.

Next time you print a document, you should see the new name for the printer you renamed. If you have multiple printers on your network, renaming each can help you identify where your document will be printed.

 This tip (11312) applies to Windows 10.