Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to print because of errors with the driver software. If your Canon printer is throwing up the “driver unavailable” message on Windows, this guide will walk you through resolving it quickly and painlessly. Driver Is Unavailable For Canon Printer on Windows can be frustrating, as it prevents your printer from functioning correctly. This error typically occurs when the required drivers for your Canon printer are missing, outdated, or incompatible with your operating system. However, with a few troubleshooting steps, you can resolve this issue and get your printer back up and running in no time.
Common Causes of Canon Printer Driver Unavailable Error
The Canon Printer Driver Unavailable error can occur due to several common causes1:
- Outdated or incompatible drivers: If the printer drivers on your computer are outdated or incompatible with the operating system, it can result in the driver unavailable error. Updating the printer drivers to the latest version compatible with your operating system can often resolve this issue.
- Corrupted or missing driver files: Corrupted or missing driver files can also cause the driver unavailable error. This can happen due to system errors, malware infections, or improper installation. Reinstalling the printer drivers or using driver repair tools can help fix this issue.
- Connection issues: Problems with the connection between the printer and the computer can lead to the driver unavailable error. Ensure that the USB cable is securely plugged in and not damaged. If your printer is connected over a network, check if both the printer and the computer are connected to the same network. Restarting both devices and trying to print a test page can help identify and resolve connection-related issues.
- Conflicting software: Certain software applications, such as security programs or other printer management tools, can conflict with the printer drivers, resulting in the driver unavailable error. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling these conflicting software applications may resolve the issue.
- Operating system updates: Occasionally, updates to the operating system can disrupt the printer drivers, causing the driver unavailable error. Updating Windows or macOS to the latest version and then reinstalling the printer drivers can often resolve this issue.
It’s worth noting that the steps to resolve the driver unavailable error may vary depending on the specific printer model and operating system. If you’re still experiencing the error after trying the above steps, contacting the Canon support or referring to the printer’s user manual for specific troubleshooting guidance can be helpful.
Solutions For Printer Driver Unavailable Error on Window
Encountering the “Canon Printer Driver Unavailable Error” can halt your printing tasks and cause frustration. This error typically occurs when the necessary drivers for your Canon printer are either missing or incompatible with your operating system. However, with a systematic troubleshooting approach, you can resolve this issue and restore your printer’s functionality. In this post, we will guide you through effective troubleshooting steps to overcome the Canon Printer Driver Unavailable Error.
Step 1: Verify Printer Connections
Ensure that your Canon printer is properly connected to your computer via USB cable or connected to the same network if it is a wireless printer. Check for any loose or damaged connections and reseat cables if necessary.
Step 2: Update Printer Drivers
- Open the Start menu and search for “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Print queues” or “Printers” category.
- Right-click on your Canon printer and select “Update driver.”
- Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search and install the latest compatible driver for your printer.
Step 3: Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Open the Start menu, search for “Control Panel,” and open it.
- Click on “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners.”
- Right-click on your Canon printer and select “Remove device” or “Uninstall.”
- Restart your computer.
- Visit the official Canon website, locate the drivers section, and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the downloaded drivers.
Step 4: Use Windows Troubleshooter
- Open the Start menu and go to “Settings.”
- Click on “Update & Security” and select “Troubleshoot” from the left-hand menu.
- Under “Find and fix other problems,” click on “Printer” and then “Run the troubleshooter.” Follow the prompts to detect and resolve any printer-related issues.
Step 5: Disable Antivirus/Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus or firewall software may interfere with printer driver installation. Temporarily disable them and try reinstalling the printer drivers.
Conclusion:
Encountering the Canon Printer Driver Unavailable Error on Windows can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined above, you can resolve the issue and get your Canon printer back to working condition. Verifying connections, updating or reinstalling drivers, using Windows troubleshooter, and temporarily disabling antivirus/firewall software can often resolve this error. Remember to always download drivers from official sources and keep them up to date for optimal printer performance.
References: Canon Printer Driver Unavailable