HomeDiscover WindowsProducts
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows phone
ShopDownloadsHelp & How-to
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows phone
Windows CommunityContact Support
Windows Vista Help homeTop solutionsUsing Windows VistaCommunity & forumsContact support

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.

Compare editions

See also

Why can't I change the printer properties?

If you can't change printer properties, you might not have permission to manage the printer. Permissions are required because changing the printer properties can affect everyone who uses the printer.

When a printer is installed, members of the administrators group on the computer are given permission to manage the printer by default. If you have an administrator account, you can probably change the printer properties. Otherwise, you need to obtain permission to manage the printer before you can change the printer properties.

Show all

To change the printer properties using an administrator account

  1. Open Printers by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Printers.

  2. Right-click the printer that you want to manage, click Run as administrator, and then click Properties. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    Tip

    Tip

    To give yourself permission to manage the printer, take these steps while running as an administrator. In the properties dialog box for the printer, click the Security tab, click your user name, and then, under Allow, select the Manage printers check box.

To obtain permission to manage a printer

To change the printer properties or perform other printing tasks without providing an administrator password, obtain permission to manage the printer from someone who already has permission or someone who has an administrator account. Here's how to see who has permission to manage the printer, so you can request permission to manage it.

  1. Open Printers by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Printers.

  2. Right-click the printer that you want to manage, and then click Properties.

  3. Click the Security tab, and then click a group or user name to see who has Manage printers permission.

Was this helpful?What's this?
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything else?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us to continually improve our content.
1200 400 How can we make this more helpful for you? Submit Skip this Do you want to add anything else? Submit No thanks