Installing the correct Canon software and drivers on your computer is an important part of setting up a Canon printer or scanner. The driver allows Windows or macOS to communicate with the printer, while Canon's additional software can provide features for scanning, printing, maintenance, wireless setup, and device management. (Dial +1-801-878-6858 USA)
If the driver is missing, outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, your Canon printer may appear offline, fail to print, or be unavailable to scanning applications.
This guide explains how to download and install Canon printer drivers and software on Windows and Mac, connect a Canon printer through WiFi or USB, reinstall drivers, and troubleshoot common installation problems.
A printer driver is software that allows your computer's operating system to communicate with your Canon printer.
For example, when you select Print on your computer, the printer driver helps Windows or macOS translate the document into instructions the Canon printer can understand.
Canon software may provide additional functions such as:
The exact software available depends on your Canon printer model and operating system.
Before beginning the installation, prepare:
You should identify the exact model before downloading software because Canon provides different drivers and applications for different products.
The safest way to download Canon printer software is from Canon Support.
Look at the front, top, or back of the printer to find its model number.
Examples include:
Enter the exact model into Canon's support search.
After selecting the printer, choose the operating system used by your computer.
For example:
The downloads available can vary depending on the operating system and printer model.
Look through the available downloads.
Depending on the model, Canon may provide:
Select the appropriate package for your printer.
Once you've downloaded the Canon installer, you can begin the installation.
Go to your Downloads folder.
Find the Canon setup file and double-click it.
Windows may display a security confirmation. Verify that the installer came from Canon and allow it to run.
The Canon installation program will guide you through the process.
You may need to:
Follow the instructions displayed by the installer rather than connecting or disconnecting cables at random.
A USB connection is useful if you don't want to configure WiFi.
If Windows doesn't detect the printer, try another USB port and check the cable.
If your Canon printer supports WiFi, you can install it wirelessly.
The printer and computer should normally be on the same local network for wireless printing.
Windows 11 provides built-in printer management, but installing the Canon software can provide additional features.
After installing the Canon driver:
If Windows doesn't detect the printer automatically, use Add device.
For Windows 10:
If the printer is not detected, reinstall the Canon driver and check the connection.
Canon also provides compatible software for supported Mac computers.
Afterward, add the printer through:
System Settings → Printers & Scanners
Then select Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
After installing the necessary software:
Print a test document to confirm that everything is working correctly.
If your Canon printer includes a scanner, you may need additional scanning software.
Depending on the model, Canon may provide applications such as IJ Scan Utility.
To install scanning software:
Not every Canon printer uses the same scanning software, so always check the software available for your specific model.
Canon IJ Scan Utility provides scanning features for many compatible Canon printers and scanners.
Depending on the model, it may be included in a larger driver or software package rather than offered as a separate download.
After installation, you can often open it in Windows through:
Start → All apps → Canon Utilities → IJ Scan Utility
From there, you may be able to select options such as:
The available options depend on your Canon device and software version.
If the printer worked previously but suddenly stopped working, reinstalling the driver may fix the problem.
On Windows:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
Select your Canon printer and remove it.
If necessary, uninstall the existing Canon printer software from Installed apps.
Restart Windows before installing the driver again.
Visit Canon Support and search for your exact model.
Run the downloaded installer and follow the setup instructions.
Connect through USB or WiFi and complete the printer setup.
Several issues can prevent the Canon driver from installing.
Possible causes include:
Try downloading the driver again from Canon Support and make sure it matches your exact printer model and operating system.
If the installation fails, try these steps:
Restart the computer and run the installer again.
Remove the printer from Windows before reinstalling the software.
For USB:
For WiFi:
Download a fresh copy of the appropriate Canon software and run the installation again.
If the installer cannot find your printer, check the connection.
If Canon software is installed but won't open:
If only the scanning application fails, reinstall the scanner software or the complete Canon driver package.
A major Windows update can sometimes affect existing printer software.
If your Canon printer stopped working after an update:
Avoid installing a driver intended for a different Canon model.
You can check the installed printer through Windows settings.
Go to:
Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
Select your Canon printer and open its available printer properties or driver-related settings.
If Windows has installed a generic driver, installing the Canon-specific software may provide better access to printer features.
A firewall can sometimes interfere with communication between your computer and a network-connected Canon printer.
If your printer is installed but cannot be detected or used:
Do not permanently disable your firewall simply to install a printer.
A VPN can interfere with local network communication.
If you are installing a wireless Canon printer and the setup software cannot find it, temporarily disconnect your VPN and try again.
If the printer works afterward, check your VPN's local network settings.
Modern computers often don't include CD/DVD drives, but a CD is generally not required.
You can download the necessary software directly from Canon Support.
The process is:
This is particularly useful when setting up a Canon printer on a new laptop.
It's best to obtain Canon drivers from Canon's official support resources.
Third-party driver websites may offer incorrect, outdated, modified, or unwanted software.
Always verify:
Using the manufacturer's official software reduces the risk of installing incompatible software.
After installation, you can make the Canon printer your default printer.
This can help prevent documents from accidentally being sent to another installed printer.
After installing the driver, print a test page.
You can also print a document containing:
If the test page prints successfully, the basic installation is working.
For multifunction Canon printers, perform a test scan as well.
Use this checklist when setting up your Canon printer:
Visit Canon Support, search for your exact printer model, select your operating system, download the compatible driver/software package, and run the installer.
Download drivers from Canon Support. Search for the exact printer model to find compatible software.
Yes. You can download the required Canon drivers and setup software directly from Canon's official support website.
Check the USB or WiFi connection, make sure the printer is powered on, confirm the computer and printer are on the same network for wireless setup, and install the correct Canon driver.
Windows and macOS may provide basic printer support automatically for some devices, but installing the appropriate Canon driver and software can provide the intended functionality and model-specific features.
Remove the printer and, if necessary, its existing Canon software. Restart the computer, download the latest compatible driver from Canon Support, and run the installer again.
Check that the correct driver was installed, verify the printer connection, clear any stuck print jobs, restart the printer and computer, and reinstall the software if necessary.
Yes, provided Canon offers compatible software for your specific printer model and Windows version. Check the model's Canon Support page for available downloads.
Yes. Compatible Canon drivers and software can be downloaded from Canon Support. After installation, add the printer through System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
Installing the correct Canon software and drivers on your computer is an important step in setting up a Canon printer or scanner. The driver enables communication between your operating system and printer, while additional Canon utilities can provide scanning, maintenance, wireless setup, and other device-specific functions.
Start by identifying your exact Canon printer model and operating system. Then download the appropriate software from Canon Support. Follow the installation wizard and select either USB or wireless connection when prompted.
If the printer isn't detected, check the physical or wireless connection, remove older printer installations, restart the computer, and reinstall the correct driver. For wireless installations, make sure the computer and printer are connected to the same local network.
Once installation is complete, add the printer to Windows or macOS and print a test page. Keeping the Canon driver and related software updated can also help maintain compatibility and reliable printer performance.