A Canon printer driver is the small piece of software that lets your computer talk to your printer. At PrintFixQuick, we help people across the UK every day whose printer stopped working simply because the driver was missing, out of date or damaged after an update. The good news is that it's usually quick to put right.
This guide explains what Canon printer drivers do, where to get them safely, and how to fix the most common driver problems, including getting the right Canon printer driver for Windows 11. If you're setting up a brand-new printer, start with our Canon printer installation guide first.
Where do I get a Canon printer driver? Download it from Canon's official UK website. Search your printer's model number, open Drivers & Downloads, choose your operating system and download the recommended full driver and software package. Windows 11 and macOS can also install a basic driver automatically when you add the printer.
Signs Your Driver Needs Fixing
A faulty or missing driver often shows up in ways that look like a printer fault:
- The printer doesn't appear on your computer, even though it's switched on and connected
- Documents sit in the print queue and never print
- Printing works, but scanning doesn't
- Windows says it can't use the printer's driver
- The problems started straight after a Windows update or a new laptop
What Does a Printer Driver Do?
A driver translates what you want to print into instructions your printer understands. Without the right one, your computer may not find the printer at all, or it may print but without scanning, borderless photos or proper quality settings. Each Canon model has its own driver, so always match it to your exact model number.
Do You Need to Download Canon Printer Drivers?
Not always. When you add a printer, Windows 11 and macOS often install a basic driver automatically, which is fine for everyday printing. You'll need the full Canon printer software if you want to:
- Scan documents or photos
- Use borderless or photo printing settings
- Check ink levels and run maintenance from your computer
- Fix a printer that isn't detected with the basic driver
How to Download Drivers Safely from Canon
- Find your model number on the front or top of the printer, such as PIXMA TS5150.
- Go to Canon's official UK website and open the support section.
- Search your model number and select Drivers & Downloads.
- Choose your operating system, for example Windows 11 or the version of macOS you use.
- Download the recommended full driver and software package.
Only use Canon's official website for a Canon printer driver download. Third-party "driver updater" sites can bundle unwanted software or adverts, and some charge for drivers that Canon gives away free.
Canon Printer Driver Install on Windows 11
- Open the file you downloaded and allow it to make changes.
- Accept the licence agreement and follow the on-screen steps.
- When asked, choose how the printer is connected: wireless or USB.
- Wait for the installer to find your printer, then finish the setup.
- Print a test page from Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners.
If the installer can't find the printer, check it's on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Our guide on what to do when a Canon printer won't connect can help.
Installing the Driver on a Mac
Most PIXMA printers work on a Mac without extra software, using AirPrint, and Chromebooks don't need Canon drivers at all. Open System Settings, then Printers & Scanners, and click Add Printer, Scanner or Fax. If you need scanning or extra settings, download the Mac package for your model from Canon's website and run the installer before adding the printer.
Setting Up the Canon Printer Scanner Driver
If printing works but scanning doesn't, the Canon printer scanner driver is usually missing. Canon's full software package includes it, along with IJ Scan Utility, Canon's free scanning program for PIXMA printers. Install the full package, restart your computer, then open IJ Scan Utility and choose your printer.
How to Fix Common Canon Printer Driver Problems
"Driver Is Unavailable" in Windows 11
This message appears in Printers & scanners when Windows can't use the installed driver, often after a Windows update.
- Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners.
- Select your Canon printer and click Remove.
- Restart your computer.
- Install the latest driver from Canon's website, then add the printer again.
You can also check Windows Update, then Advanced options, then Optional updates, where Windows sometimes offers printer driver updates.
Removing an Old or Damaged Driver
If problems continue, remove the old driver completely before reinstalling. In Printers & scanners, scroll down and open Print server properties, select the Drivers tab, choose the Canon driver and click Remove. Then restart and install a fresh copy.
Errors After Updating the Driver
If the driver installs correctly but the printer shows a code or flashing light, the problem is likely ink, paper or the cartridge rather than the software. Our Canon printer errors guide explains each code.
Still Having Driver Trouble?
Driver problems can be fiddly, especially after a Windows update or when moving to a new laptop. Our technicians can connect remotely, with your permission, remove old drivers and complete a clean Canon printer driver install while you watch. You'll find more help on our Canon printer help page.
Need a hand with drivers? Speak to a friendly technician who will guide you through it step by step, with no jargon. Call 020 4628 1297 or request a callback.
PrintFixQuick is an independent support service and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Canon. Our support may involve a fee, agreed before any work starts. Canon's drivers are free from its official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Canon drivers free?
Yes. Canon provides drivers and software for its printers free of charge on its official website. You should never need to pay for a Canon driver. If a website asks for payment or wants you to install a "driver updater" tool first, close it and download directly from Canon instead.
How do I know which Canon driver I need?
You need the driver that matches your exact printer model and your computer's operating system. Find the model number on the front or top of the printer, then search it on Canon's UK website. Choose Windows 11, Windows 10 or your version of macOS from the list before downloading. Installing a driver for the wrong model or system is a common cause of problems.
Why does Windows 11 say "driver is unavailable" for my Canon printer?
It usually means the installed driver is damaged, out of date or doesn't match your printer, often after a Windows update. Remove the printer in Printers & scanners, restart your computer, install the latest driver from Canon's website and add the printer again.
Do I need a driver to scan with my Canon printer?
Yes, for scanning you normally need the full Canon software package, which includes the scanner driver and IJ Scan Utility. This is the full Canon printer software for your model. The basic driver Windows installs automatically is usually for printing only. Install the full package from Canon's website, restart your computer and open IJ Scan Utility to scan.
Can I install Canon drivers without a CD?
Yes. Most laptops no longer have a CD drive, and the disc that came with the printer is often out of date anyway. Instead, use Canon's official UK website for your Canon printer driver download. It's usually newer and better suited to Windows 11 or the latest macOS.
How do I update my Canon printer driver?
Download the newest version for your model from Canon's website and run the installer; it will replace the older version. Windows Update can sometimes offer printer driver updates under Advanced options, then Optional updates. If problems continue, remove the old driver completely first, then reinstall.
Will my old Canon printer have a Windows 11 driver?
Most recent models have a Canon printer driver for Windows 11 on Canon's website, and Windows can often add older models with a basic built-in driver. Some very old printers may only print basic documents, without scanning. Search your model on Canon's UK website to see which drivers are available for your system.
Are you the official Canon support service?
No. PrintFixQuick is an independent printer support service and isn't affiliated with Canon. Canon's drivers are free on its website, and if your printer is under warranty, Canon's own support may be free too. We help with driver, installation and Wi-Fi problems on any Canon printer. See our printer support FAQs.