Top 11 Methods to Fix Canon Printer Not Responding Error

The Canon Printer not responding is a fairly common issue that can hinder the usual workflow. The printer not responding problem majorly arises due to an improper configuration of the printer, connectivity, and driver-related issues. The problem halts the entire printing process and can also point to a hardware or software issue.

But there are numerous fixes to get your printer working efficiently. Let’s discuss some of the most effective troubleshooting approaches.

Table of Contents

1. Troubleshoot the printer connection

You may be using a USB cable connection or a network connection.

For USB cable connection

Reconnect the cable.
Ensure that the cable ends are seated into the ports on your system and Canon printer.
Use a hub to link your printer directly to your system.
You can change the cable or the USB port and see if any of these things work to fix the Canon Printer not responding error.

For network printer

Examine the router and modem.
Check your printer’s network connection status.
Your printer should have a good connection to the network.
For Canon wireless printer users, relinking the printer to a work or home network can fix the issue.

2. Re-add your Canon printer

Another effective trick to use when you find a Canon Printer is not responding is re-adding the printer.

Launch the ‘Settings’ menu.
Do so by pressing the Windows logo and I keys.
In the ‘Settings’ section, select ‘Devices.’
Next, tap ‘Printers & Scanners.’
It is in the sidebar.
Press your printer name.
Choose to remove the device.
Now, restart your computer.
To add back the printer, go to ‘Printers and Scanners.’
Choose ‘Add a printer or scanner.’
Now, check if your Canon printer responds.

3. Use the Windows troubleshooter

The Windows troubleshooter, an in-built utility, is capable of fixing various printer errors. Use it if you are still wondering, why my Canon printer is not responding.

Click ‘Printer’ in your Windows 10 system.
After that, tap ‘Run the troubleshooter.’
Windows 7 users should click ‘Use a printer’ in the ‘Hardware and Sound’ section.
The troubleshooter will give you various instructions.
Follow them to fix your printer.

4. Reinstall Canon printer drivers

If your Canon wireless printer isn’t responding, reinstalling the printer driver can help.

Launch the ‘Run’ box by hitting the Windows key and R on the keyboard.
In the Run box, input ‘DELDRV64.EXE.’
Now, tap ‘OK.’
The Canon uninstaller window will open.
Use the prompts that the uninstallation wizard gives to uninstall the printer driver.
When the uninstallation completes, turn off your system.
After a few minutes, turn it on.
When your computer starts again, launch a browser and access the official support website of Canon.
You can download the correct driver for your Windows system and Canon Printer here.
After that, launch the installer and adhere to the points that it gives for installation.
See if you still find that your Canon printer is not responding after connecting your printer to your system.

5. Setup the printer port correctly

Printer port settings are essential for optimal functioning.

Access the ‘Control Panel’ in your system and choose ‘View devices and printers.’
In ‘Devices and printer,’ right-tap on your Canon printer.
Now, tap ‘Printer properties.’
From the bottom-left part, tap ‘Change properties.’
Move to the ‘Ports’ tab.
Here, select a port with your printer name.
If you don’t find it, tap ‘Add port.’
After finding the correct port, tap ‘Configure port’ followed by ‘Apply.’

6. Plug the printer into the correct port

When the printer is plugged into an incorrect port, you will find Canon printer is not responding. Follow these points to apply the ‘Printer/USB’ port.

Open the ‘Control Panel’ area in the Windows settings.
Move to ‘Hardware and Sounds.’
Opt for ‘Devices and Printers’ option.
Find your Canon printing device.
From the printers section, right-click on your printer.
Select ‘Printer Properties.’
After that, select the ‘Ports’ tab.
You will see a list of ports.
Pick ‘Printer/USB.’
Select ‘Apply’ and click the ‘OK’ button.

7. Reboot the Canon Print spooler

Any issues with the print spooler that manages printing tasks results in various problems. So, by rebooting it, you can fix the Canon printer not responding error.

Trigger the Run dialog box.
Here, input ‘services.msc.’
Tap ‘OK.’
The Services window will appear.
Locate the ‘Print Spooler’ service.
Right-click on the service.
In the drop-down, click ‘Restart.’
After the print spooler service restarts, check if your printer has become responsive.

8. Turn off the firewall

An aggressive firewall blocks the printer spooler subsystem app. You can disable it for a while and check if your printer responds to your command.

Input ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the Run window.
Press the ‘OK’ button.
The ‘Programs and Features’ window will show.
Here, right-tap on the security suite.
Then tap ‘Uninstall.’
If there are other security suites in your system, use these steps to uninstall them.

9. Power cycle your printer

Power cycling fully turns off the printer by removing it from its power source. When the device starts again, it may work correctly. You can use power cycling if you still complain, my Canon Printer is not responding.’

Take the printer’s power supply away.
Disconnect the device from the system.
After about 40 seconds, plug the cable back to its power supply.
Link it to the computer and turn on the printer.

10. Remove the file queue from the list

If the printer is overloaded with a list of print jobs in the queue, it will stop responding.

Launch the ‘Settings’ menu of your computer and tap ‘Devices.’
From the left panel, tap ‘Printers & Scanners.’
Select the name of your Canon printer.
Now tap the ‘Open queue’ option.
Press Ctrl and A keys to select every item.
Now, right-tap on the item selected, and choose the ‘Delete’ option.

11. Check for Windows updates

Your computer gets various glitches when you operate on an outdated version of Windows. So if you find the Canon Printer is not responding error, update it.

Launch ‘Settings.’
Navigate to ‘Update & Security.’
After that, choose ‘Check for updates.’
If there are pending updates, your computer will download them.
Reboot after the updates get installed.

The Bottom Line

These fixes have helped many people who found that their Canon Printer is not responding. Try all of them and see which one works for you. If you face any problems, contact a printer technical expert.

Related Resources: