How to Update Canon Printer Driver to Fix Printing Errors

If your Canon printer suddenly stops printing or displays “driver unavailable,” it’s likely a sign that the Canon printer driver needs to be updated. The driver is the essential software that allows your computer to communicate with your printer. Without the correct version, print jobs can fail, get stuck, or produce poor-quality results. Regularly updating this driver helps keep your printer running smoothly on the latest operating systems. Over time, outdated printer drivers can lead to compatibility issues, particularly following a Windows or Mac update. The majority of individuals experience printing problems because the current system updates no longer support the old driver. The good news is that you can easily update the Canon printer driver using built-in tools or by manually installing the newest version from Canon’s website.

Why It’s Important to Update Canon Printer Driver

Whenever your computer receives a system update, it may alter its interaction with connected devices. An outdated Canon printer driver can quickly become incompatible, resulting in error messages such as “Printer not responding” or “Driver unavailable.” By updating regularly, you fix these bugs, improve print performance, and reduce error occurrences.

Updating also helps resolve paper feed issues, color mismatches, and offline errors. It’s an essential maintenance step, similar to updating your computer’s antivirus or software programs.

How to Update Canon Printer Driver on Windows 10

The update process is straightforward when using the Canon printer driver for Windows 10. There are two reliable ways to update it – automatically via Device Manager or manually from Canon’s support page.

Method 1: Update through Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Printers or Print queues.
3. Right-click your Canon printer and select the Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will find and install the latest compatible version. If your driver is up to date but printing problems persist, proceed to the manual update.

Method 2: Manually Update from Canon’s Website

1. Visit Canon’s official support page.
2. Enter your printer model (for example, PIXMA MG2522 or TR4720).
3. Choose your operating system — Windows 10, 11, or older versions.
4. Download the latest driver file and run the installer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, then restart your computer.

Once complete, your system should automatically detect the printer. Print a test page to confirm that everything is working correctly. Suppose you’re experiencing a specific printer malfunction, such as a Canon printer error code E1. In that case, you can check this step-by-step fix for Canon Printer Error Code E1 before reinstalling the driver to ensure proper communication.

How to Update Canon Printer Driver on Mac

For the Canon printer driver for Mac, Apple’s macOS usually handles updates automatically. However, manual installation ensures that you’re using the most recent version compatible with your system.

Option 1: Update Automatically via macOS

1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
2. Select your Canon printer and click the “–” button to remove it.
3. Click the “+” button to add it back. macOS will automatically download the correct driver.

Option 2: Manual Installation from Canon Website

1. Go to Canon’s support page.
2. Enter your printer model and select your macOS version (Sonoma, Ventura, or Monterey).
3. Download the recommended driver package.
4. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Restart your Mac and reconnect the printer.

This ensures full compatibility with system updates and prevents unexpected printing errors.

Reinstalling the Driver to Fix Persistent Errors

If updating doesn’t fix the issue, a complete reinstall might be necessary. Corrupted or duplicate driver files can cause print jobs to freeze or vanish.

Steps to Reinstall the Canon Printer Driver:

1. Disconnect your printer from the computer.
2. Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features and uninstall all Canon printer software.
3. Delete any remaining Canon entries from Devices and Printers.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Download the newest version of the Canon printer driver for Windows 10 or the Canon printer driver for Mac from Canon’s website.
6. Install the new package and reconnect your printer when prompted.

Reinstalling provides a clean setup and resolves conflicts caused by previous installations.

Use Canon’s Printer Update Utility

Canon offers a dedicated printer update utility for select models, which automatically searches for and installs the latest firmware and drivers. This tool saves you from manually downloading files each time.

To use it:

1. Download the Printer Update Utility from Canon’s support page.
2. Launch the application and connect your printer via USB or Wi-Fi.
3. Follow the prompts to install new driver updates.

This process ensures your printer firmware and drivers stay optimized without manual intervention.

Troubleshooting After You Update the Canon Printer Driver

Sometimes, after updating the Canon printer driver, you might still encounter issues such as delayed printing or incomplete pages. Here are some quick solutions:

• Restart both the printer and the computer. This refreshes system communication.
• Clear print queue: Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers → double-click your Canon printer → cancel all jobs.
• Reset the print spooler:
  1. Press Windows + R → type “services.msc”.
  2. Find “Print Spooler”, right-click, and select Restart.
• Set as default printer: Right-click your Canon printer and select “Set as Default.”
• Check Wi-Fi or USB connection: Ensure stable connectivity if using a wireless model.

If problems persist even after reinstalling the latest driver, try printing directly via USB to rule out network-related errors.

Keeping Canon Drivers Up to Date

Make it a habit to update the Canon printer driver regularly. Doing so prevents unexpected breakdowns, supports new operating systems, and maintains consistent print quality. Ideally, check for driver updates every three to six months, or whenever:

• You upgrade Windows or macOS.
• You switch from wired to wireless printing.
• You notice slow print response or unrecognized device messages.

Keeping your Canon printer driver current is a simple yet powerful way to avoid downtime.

Canon Printer Driver Compatibility for Windows and Mac

Different operating systems require unique driver versions. Always ensure that the file you download matches your OS and printer model.

For example:

• If you use Windows 10 64-bit, download the specific Canon printer driver for Windows 10 package, not the one for Windows 7 or 8.
• For macOS Sonoma, always select the corresponding Canon printer driver Mac version listed on the Canon website.

Installing the wrong version can cause detection errors or missing features. Double-check before downloading to ensure seamless operation.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Canon printer running smoothly depends on having the latest drivers. Dated software is a prime suspect for printer failure, ranging from communication issues to poor print quality. ByBy updating the Canon printer driver in just a few minutes, you can resolve most printing issues and ensure your device runs smoothly with the latest Windows or macOS updates.

If your printer is still experiencing errors after the update, consult professional documentation or the Canon printer driver support manual for professional solutions. Updating your drivers isn’t just maintenance—it’s the key to consistent, error-free printing performance.