The best-known features of Canon printers are their effectiveness and accuracy. However, it occasionally becomes unresponsive while printing. In such situations, you might see the desktop screen display the message “Printer not responding.”
As a result, the printing process will stop and the Canon printer won’t allow you to print anything. If you are wondering about the cause of the error, then know that both hardware and software issues can be the root of it.
So, in this article, we’ll outline the possible causes and detail the necessary fixes so you can resume your printing process. Let’s begin with the causes!
Causes Behind the Printer Not Responding Error
There are various reasons for your Canon printer to malfunction and show a not responding error. Here we have listed some of the common causes:
Driver Problems – For any printer to work properly you need to install the appropriate and updated drivers based on the version and model of your printer. For example, if you are using a Canon G2010 printer, then you need to download the Canon G2010 printer driver for it. Also, make sure to keep them updated.
Faulty Configuration – Whether you are utilizing a wired connection or a wireless one, an incorrect setting can cause your Canon printer to malfunction. The wired printer won’t likely respond if you configure it with improper access points, and the same goes for a wireless Canon printer.
Connectivity Issues – Your Canon printer won’t function properly if you have a poor connection, especially if it’s a Wi-Fi printer. You must make sure that your printer and device have a steady connection for sending and receiving data.
Interfering Apps – If you are using an incompatible or unwanted app, it can lead to the printer isn’t responding error. Additionally, your computer’s firewall or antivirus program from a third party can also prevent communication between the computer and your printer.
Faulty USB Ports – You won’t be able to take prints if you connect your device to the incorrect USB port. Additionally, if the USB port is defective, it may result in a loosely connected connection, which could cause your printer to malfunction.
So, after understanding the basic causes, let us move forward with effective solutions to fix them.
Solutions to Fix Printer Not Responding Error
Below are the easiest and simplest solutions you can employ on your system in order to fix your Canon printer.
Perform basic troubleshooting
Tweaking the printer connection is the easiest way to fix the problem. If the printer is plugged into a USB port, you may try to unplug it and then replug it. Probably switching it out for a different cable might also be beneficial.
Test the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection if you’re utilizing the wireless Canon printer. You may try to switch both the printer and the connection ON and OFF again to see if it works. Additionally, you can also try to restart the Wi-Fi router to fix this problem.
Run the Windows troubleshooter
A built-in troubleshooting system in Windows can assist you to figure out what’s incorrect with your devices and make an attempt to fix it. Hence, the Windows Troubleshooter may also identify and attempt to resolve printer-related issues, as well as provide you advice on how to do so.
To use the troubleshooter, follow the steps given below:
- Press the Windows key and the I key to bring up Windows Settings. From the main page, select Devices.
- Select Printer & scanners from the Devices tab. Then, click the printer you’re currently using on the right-hand side of the window. Next, select Manage.
- Select Run the troubleshooter in the next box. The Troubleshooter will then launch automatically. To complete the process successfully, wait patiently and adhere to the pop-up instructions.
Also know: What is Digital Vinyl Printing? What is This Printing Used for?
Reset the Print spooler service
Your computer’s Print Spooler service controls the print jobs and the exchange of data with your printer. Hence, if this service on your system is not functioning properly, it can result in the Canon printer not responding error. In order to fix this issue, you would need to restart this service.
To do so, follow these steps:
- Press Win and R to launch the Run dialogue window.
- Type services.msc into the window and click OK to display the Services window.
- In the pop-up window, locate the Print Spooler service and right-click on it. From the context menu, select the Restart option.
Check to see if the printer is responding properly now. If it doesn’t work, quickly try some other solutions given below.
Correctly configure the ports
You must configure your printer to the correct printer port in order for it to function properly. To accomplish this, follow the below instructions.
- Go to the Control Panel on your system. Select the View devices and printers option in the Hardware and Sound section.
- Locate and right-click your printer in the Devices and Printer box, then select Printer properties.
- In the lower-left corner, click Change Properties. Now, under the Ports tab, choose a port that contains the name of your printer.
- If your desired port isn’t already on the list, Click on Add port to include it. Select your desired port, then select the Configure port option. Lastly, hit Apply to confirm the changes.
Update the printer driver
If you haven’t installed any printer updates in a while, it could result in technical problems and an unresponsive printer. Therefore, updating the printer driver to the most recent version would be the best course of action.
Follow the steps below to run the printer driver update.
- Type “Device manager” into the Windows Search box, then hit Enter.
- Find and double-click on the Print queues option. Locate the name of your printer on the expanded list, then right-click on it.
- Select Update Driver. On the new window, select the option labeled “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
This will enable your computer to look for the latest updates and install them on the device.
Conclusion
So, that’s it! You should be able to fix a Canon printer that isn’t responding using the suggestions above. We’ve put up a list of fixes for users of Windows and many of them only need simple tweaks and no major technical knowledge.
After trying the steps in the above tutorial, if your printer is still not working, you might need to get in touch with Canon’s customer care department.
