AFAIK, 6 is the default setting for handouts. Press Ctrl+P and under "Print
What" select handouts

Okay, let's see if I can do this on the first try:

1. Click the Office Button, the round thing top-left.

2. From the drop-down, click PowerPoint Options.

3. Click Advanced from the list on the left.

4. Scroll down to Print.

5. Click the radial button "Use the following print settings."

6. At Print what, choose the desired handout format.

That will act like a default until changed, either on the fly or permanently
via a trip back here.