How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error?

The “Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-Sided” error in QuickBooks occurs when the printer automatically prints on both sides of the paper, regardless of the user’s settings. This issue can be caused by incorrect printer configurations, issues with the default printer selection, or conflicts between QuickBooks and other software. Additionally, improper installation of QuickBooks or the printer may lead to this printing anomaly.

To resolve the printing error, users need to ensure that duplex printing is turned off in both the printer and software settings. Key steps include verifying printer connections, updating QuickBooks, and using tools like the QuickBooks Tool Hub. Here are 10 effective solutions to fix QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error. 

Solution 1: Turn Off Duplex Printing in Printer Settings

Users can disable duplex printing directly in the printer’s settings to prevent double-sided printing from occurring. Here are the steps:

1. Open the printer’s Print Preferences panel.
2. Ensure Default Duplex Printing is turned off.

For Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click Devices, then choose Bluetooth & Other Devices.
3. Click on Devices and Printers and then open the Control Panel.
4. Right-click on your Default Printer, then select the Printing Settings option.
5. The printer settings window will appear.
6. Look for the Two-Sided Duplex Printing option in the Advanced or Page Layout sections.

Solution 2: Turn Off Duplex Printing in Third-Party Software

Disable two-sided printing in third-party programs like Google Chrome to avoid conflicts with QuickBooks’ settings to fix QuickBooks ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error. Follow these steps:

1. Many programs, such as Google Chrome, offer a two-sided printing option.
2. To avoid double-sided printing, turn off the duplex setting in the software.

For Printer Menus:

1. Some printers have their own menus separate from Windows.
2. Access the printer’s menu and go to the General or Eco settings.
3. Disable Two-Sided Printing from there.

Solution 3: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

Use the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool in the QuickBooks Tool Hub to fix printing issues related to QuickBooks. Mentioned below are the steps:

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub (1.6.0.8).
3. Save the file and open it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
5. Open the QuickBooks Tool Hub from your desktop.
6. In the Program Problems panel, select the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool to run it.

Solution 4: Restart and Reset Temp Folder Permissions

Restart your computer and ensure full control permissions on the Temp folder to resolve QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error. Here are the steps:

1. Restart your computer and try again.
2. In case the issue persists, reset temp folder permissions:

• Press Windows + R, type %TEMP%, and press Enter.
• Right-click the empty area in the Temp folder, select Properties, then go to Security.
• Ensure all users have Full Control.
• Save the changes, then try saving a PDF again in QuickBooks.

3. Test Printing to XPS (only for Save as PDF or Email issues):

• Open Notepad, type Test, then select File > Print.
• Choose XPS Document Writer and print.
• In case the XPS Document Writer doesn’t appear, enable it in Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
• Check Microsoft XPS Document Writer, then click OK.

Solution 5: Create a New Template or Form

Create and save a new template or form in QuickBooks to fix any printing errors with the existing one. Check out the steps given below:

1. Create a new template for your form.
2. Change the template on your transaction.
3. Save the form as a .pdf.

Solution 6: Update the Print Spooler Service Properties

Ensure the Print Spooler service is running and set to automatic to avoid ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error in QuickBooks Desktop. Given below are the steps to print spooler service properties:

1. Right-click Start, select Run, type Services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find the Print Spooler service, right-click it, and select Properties.
3. Set the Startup type to Automatic, then click Apply and OK.
4. Right-click the Print Spooler service and select Start.
5. You should now be able to save or email a PDF.

Solution 7: Print from Another Program

Test printing from a different program like Notepad to ensure the printer functions correctly outside of QuickBooks. To print from any program (except QuickBooks), follow these steps:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Type some text. Then, click File and select Print.
3. Choose the correct printer and click the Print icon.

Solution 8: Check the Company File and QuickBooks Installation.

Try printing a standard form or report if you’re using custom forms or memorized reports. In case of printing a batch of forms in QuickBooks, print one form first. Try smaller batches if successful.

1. Open a sample QuickBooks company file and print the same form or report.
2. In case it works, fix the data damage in your company file by using the “Resolve Data Damage” option and try printing again.

Solution 9: Test the Printer Setup

Verify your printer setup in both QuickBooks and the system to ensure proper configuration and troubleshoot any printer-related issues. Follow these steps to test your printer setup:

Step 1: Check if the Printer is Set Correctly

1. Turn off the printer, restart your system, and then turn the printer back on.
2. Load paper correctly.
3. Press Start, select Control Panel, and click Printers and Faxes.
4. In case the printer shows as Offline, right-click on it and select Use Printer Online.
5. Double-click the printer and, if there are print jobs, click Printer, then Cancel All Documents.
6. Close the window.
7. Right-click the printer, select Properties, and choose Print Test Page.

Note: In case the printer is networked and the test page doesn’t print, there may be a network issue.

Step 2: Check Printer Setup in QuickBooks

1. Open QuickBooks and click on File > Printer Setup.
2. Choose the form you want to print.
3. Ensure the printer name matches the one you want to use. If not, adjust the setup in your computer’s Printer Setup.

Step 3: Print to a Different Printer

1. Go to File and select Printer Setup in QuickBooks.
2. Choose the form you want to print.
3. Now, you must go for a different printer, for example Microsoft XP printer.
4. Click Help for more information on these settings.

Solution 10: Avoid Two-Sided Printing in macOS

Follow the steps given below to modify macOS printer settings or add a generic PCL printer to disable duplex printing on Mac devices.

Method 1: Change Printing Defaults on a Mac OSX Driver

1. Log into the Apple device with Admin access.
2. Open Safari and go to http://localhost:631.
3. Open the terminal and type sudo cupsctl webinterface=yes, then enter the admin password. Refresh Safari to enable the cups page.
4. On the cups web page, select the Printers tab and choose the printer you want to update.
5. Go to the printer’s configuration page.
6. Select Administrator from the drop-down menu.
7. Click Set Default Options.
8. On the new page, select General.
9. Under Print Style, change from 2-sided to 1-sided.
10. Click Set Default Options to save changes.

Note: You may be asked to authenticate with the admin account. Enter the admin username and password.

Method 2: Add a Generic PCL Printer

1. Click the Apple icon.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click Printers and Scanners.
4. You must click on the printer you currently use and click on Plus (+) symbol to add a new printer.
5. In the Add window, select the printer again.
6. Click the Use field and choose the Generic PCL Printer driver.
7. Click Add.
8. In the next window, uncheck the Duplexer Check Box.
9. Click OK.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error?

Before fixing your printing issue, follow the given prerequisites:

1. Update QuickBooks to the latest version.
2. Verify the connection between your workstation and printer. 
3. Ensure the printer software is correctly installed.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error?

You will face the given indications when you encounter this error:

• QuickBooks files print on both sides of the paper automatically.
• The error happens despite adjusting printer settings to single-sided.
• The printer consistently defaults to double-sided printing, even when not selected.
• The issue may persist with multiple files or only specific ones.

How to Prevent QuickBooks ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error?

After you are done fixing this error, make sure to follow the given preventive tips:

• Change printer settings to single-sided printing.
• Update the printer driver to the latest version.
• Check printer settings in both QuickBooks and the printer software.
• Restart QuickBooks and the printer after applying changes.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop ‘Printer Keeps Defaulting to Double-sided’ Error?

Seek professional help when the steps to fix the double-sided printing issue do not work. If the error persists after updating your printer settings and using the QuickBooks Tool Hub, it may indicate a deeper problem. A technician can provide specific solutions tailored to your situation. Contacting support ensures your QuickBooks and printer work correctly, saving you time and preventing further issues.