Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Printing Defaults and Printing Preferences?
Apparently, both let you make changes to various aspects of your printer and how it is handling it’s job. However, there is a difference that explains why Microsoft has designed it this way.
Printing Defaults: These settings are applicable to all Windows user accounts. In plain English; If you want to allow only black and white printing for everyone even though it is a color printer, it is in here where you would have to make the change.
Printing Preferences: These settings are applicable to a per-user basis and will override what is defined through the Printing Defaults. In plain English; When Peter is logged on, he can make changes that do not apply to when Mary is logged on. Further, depending on individual user rights Peter may be able within his Printing Preferences to switch back to color printing even though it has been set to black and white for all users in the Printing Defaults.
Also note, that upon installation of a printer driver settings for both, the Printing Defaults and the Printing Preferences are identical!