Windows printer settings equivalent in Linux
Shows configured CUPS printer queues and the current default printer from the command line.
printer settings
lpstat -p -d
lpstat -p -d
lpstat -p -d
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "printer settings" is used to show printers. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "lpstat -p -d". Shows configured CUPS printer queues and the current default printer from the command line. This reference is grouped under Hardware & Drivers → Printers.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Equivalent task, different tool
Windows printer settings maps to lpstat -p -d for this task. Treat this as a workflow mapping rather than a character-for-character syntax translation.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux hardware and drivers.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Show printers
Shows configured CUPS printer queues and the current default printer from the command line.
lpstat -p -d
Show printers
lpstat --help
Show command help when supported
man lpstat
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
lpstat -p -d
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: printer settings
lpstat -p -dReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
lpstat -p -d | Show printers |
lpstat --help | Show command help when supported |
man lpstat | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "lpstat -p -d" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | lpstat -p -d |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | lpstat -p -d |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | lpstat -p -d |
Same command on this distribution. |
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