In Windows NT 4.0, 2000, or XP, how do I set a printer to print on both sides of a page by default?

Printing on both sides of a page is called duplex printing. To set a duplex-capable printer to print on both sides of a page by default, follow the appropriate steps below:

Windows 2000 or XP

1. Log into your Windows 2000 or XP workstation with administrative privileges.

   Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

2. If you are using Windows 2000, from the Start menu, select Settings, then Printers. If you are using Windows XP with the default XP Start menu, click Start, then select Printers and Faxes. If you are using XP with the classic Start menu, click Start, then Settings, then Printers and Faxes.
   
   
3. Right-click the icon for your default printer and select Properties.
   
   
4. Under the General tab, click Printing Preferences... .
   
   
5. Under the Layout tab, select either the Flip on Long Edge radio button, or the Flip on Short Edge radio button, depending upon your setup.
   
   
6. Click OK.

Note: The instructions above work when using printer drivers written by Microsoft. But some manufacturers will write printer drivers that modify the windows mentioned, and therefore the duplex settings may be in different places. If you use a manufacturer's driver, and you know that your printer supports duplex printing, yet you do not see a "Print on Both Sides" option, please refer to the manufacturer's documentation on how to enable this setting.

Windows NT

1. Log into your Windows NT workstation as an administrator.
   
   
2. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Printers.
   
   
3. Right-click the icon for your default printer. From the pop-up menu that appears, select Document Defaults... .
   
   
4. Select the Page Setup tab and click the radio button next to Short Side or Long Side duplex printing.
   
   
5. Click OK.

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