How to Setup Canon PIXMA Printer on Windows? (Full Guide)

Having a printer at work or at home is very important nowadays. We all need to print something important, whether it's legal documents, kids' assignments, or university projects. At work, a printer is very important for daily tasks, but what if someone is not aware of the setup process for a Canon PIXMA printer?

This guide explains the full setup process. I am also a Canon printer user like you. You might be a beginner, while I have been using Canon printers for years, and when I realized how important printer setup is, I learned the steps and also helped my co-workers set up their printers whenever needed.

​Step 1: Unbox the Canon PIXMA Printer

The first step is to carefully unbox the printer. Remove all packaging from inside and outside, and check the contents. Inspect the printer for damage before continuing.

​Step 2: Connect Printer to a Power Outlet

Once you've checked everything in the printer, it's time to install it near a power outlet. After that, connect its power cord to the outlet, and turn it on. You can also install the cartridges and load paper to prepare for printing.

​In some Canon printers, the ink cartridges also come with the box. So, if you got one, use it. If you have any confusion about cartridge or paper loading, refer to the printer’s instruction manual.

​Step 3: Connect the Canon Printer to a Computer

Here comes the important part. You need to connect your printer to a computer via a wired or wireless connection. A USB connection is the easiest method. A wireless connection is a preferred method. Let’s check both of them one by one.

Method 1: Using a USB Cable

If you prefer a wired connection, use the USB cable that comes with your printer. Then, follow these steps:

1. Plug one side of the USB cable into the printer and connect the other side to the USB port on your computer.

2. Ensure both devices are turned on, then wait for them to connect.

Method 2: Through a Wi-Fi Network

Connecting a Canon PIXMA printer to a Windows computer via Wi-Fi is a simple process that involves a few steps, as described below.

Step 1: Connect the Printer to Wi-Fi

Use the steps given below to link your printer to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Turn on your printer, then select the Setup button. It's like a gear icon.

2. Select the Wireless Settings using the arrow buttons, scroll down to Wireless LAN setup, and hit OK.

3. Select the WPS push button in settings, then press OK.

4. Enable WPS on the router, then press the WPS button on the wireless router.

5. Confirm the connection on your printer by pressing the OK button. Your printer will successfully join the Wi-Fi network.

Finally, your printer will show a confirmation message that it has connected to a network.

Step 2: Add the Printer to Your Windows PC

Once your printer is connected to a wireless network, add it to your Windows computer using the steps below.

1. Go to the Start menu at the bottom left of the computer, and search for Settings.

2. Click Bluetooth & Devices from the left menu, then choose Printers & Scanners.

3. You’ll see a list of available devices. Select your printer name and click the Add Device option.

4. Finally, the computer will show a “Connected” message.

Note: Ensure that the Windows computer is on the same network as your Canon printer.

Step 4: ​Download & Install Canon Printer Drivers

Installing Canon printer drivers is essential for setup. Without drivers, your printer can’t receive print commands. Install them from the official site using these steps:

1. First, confirm your printer model name from the product box or the printer’s manual.

2. Visit Canon’s official website at usa.canon.com/support using a browser.

3. After that, type your printer model in the search bar and press Enter.

4. Go to the Software & Drivers option, and then select your operating system.

5. Then, you’ll see a list of driver packages for Canon printers. Select a suitable package, and then click the 'Download button' next to it.

6. Let it download on your computer. Once it's downloaded, go to the downloads folder.

7. Open the downloaded file by double-clicking it, then select Yes to start the process.

8. Let the installation process complete fully.

That’s 'How to Download and Install Canon Printer Drivers'. Whether you use USB or Wi-Fi, you must complete this step for the printer to respond to print jobs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

Question

How Do I Connect My Canon Printer to a Mac?

Use these steps to connect your printer to a Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu, then select System Settings.

2. Click on Printers & Scanners to add your printer.

3. Now, click on the (+) icon or the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button to proceed.

4. Finally, select your printer from the list, and then click Add.

Question

What if My Computer Doesn’t Recognize My Canon Printer?

If your computer doesn’t recognize your printer, the cable may be loose, the internet may be weak, or the drivers may be outdated. Restart your devices, update drivers, try different ports or cables, and check your connection.

Question

Why Download and Install Canon Printer Drivers?

Downloading and installing the printer drivers for a Canon printer is important to ensure the printer receives print commands from your computer. Without this software, your printer won’t understand the computer’s language and will not print, showing some error messages.

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