How to Connect Canon PIXMA Printer to Computer? (Full Guide)
- Lary Whitney
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Having a printer that connects to your computer makes everyday tasks easier, whether you are printing important documents or personal projects. Canon PIXMA printers are known for their quality and user-friendly setup, but connecting them for the first time can be confusing if you do not know where to start. Don’t worry — I am going to guide you through every step clearly. Here, you will learn how to connect your Canon printer to a computer or laptop using a USB cable and a Wi-Fi connection. Whether you prefer a wired setup for stability or a wireless option for flexibility, the process is very simple once you know the right steps. By the end, your printer will be ready to use, saving you time and effort.
Check System Requirements
Before you connect your Canon printer to a computer, make sure your system meets the basic requirements for the setup process. First, you should check that your computer’s operating system supports the printer’s drivers. Canon printers work with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7 SP1+, or the latest versions of macOS. Also, you will need to download and install the correct printer driver and software from Canon’s official website.
If you are connecting through a USB cable, then ensure your computer has a compatible USB port and use an A/B USB cable or USB-C cable, depending on your printer model. For wireless setup, confirm that your Wi-Fi network is active and your printer and computer are connected to the same wireless network. Having a stable internet connection also helps download the required software and complete the setup easily.
2 Ways to Connect a Canon PIXMA Printer to a Computer
Here, I will show you two different methods to connect your Canon printer to a laptop or computer using a USB or Wi-Fi.
Method 1: Using a USB Cable
Connecting a Canon PIXMA printer to a computer via a USB is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to get started. It offers a stable connection without worrying about network issues.
Initially, turn off both your printer and the computer.
Get your USB cable ready — it comes with the printer.
Next, you have to download and install the correct printer driver from Canon’s official website https://ij.start.canon.
Also, make sure you select the driver that matches your printer model and operating system.
Once the driver installation is done, plug one end of the USB cable into your printing device and the other into your computer.
Now, turn on both devices, and your computer should automatically detect the printer.
If not, then navigate to “Control Panel,” select “Devices and Printers,” then click “Add a printer.”
Once your printer appears, complete the setup process by following the on-screen steps.
To make sure everything works properly, print a test page.
Method 2: Via Wi-Fi (Wireless Setup)
Connecting your printer to your computer via a Wi-Fi network is an easy way to print without using cables. This method gives you more flexibility and keeps your workspace neat.
First, make sure your printer supports wireless printing and that your Wi-Fi network is working properly.
On your printer, find the Wi-Fi or Wireless button and press it until the light begins to flash. This means your printer is ready to connect.
Within a few minutes, press the WPS button on your router to finish setting up the wireless connection.
The flashing light will turn solid once the printer connects successfully.
Next, go to Canon’s official website and download a suitable driver for your printer model.
Now, install the software on your computer so it can detect the printer.
After installing the driver, open the Control Panel on your computer.
On the following screen, navigate to the Devices and Printers section, and click Add a printer.
Your printer’s name should appear in the list — select it and finish the setup procedure.
Finally, you need to print a test page to confirm the wireless connection.
A wireless setup allows you to print from any room within your Wi-Fi range, making it a practical choice for home and office use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Connect Canon PIXMA Printer to Computer using USB?
To connect your printer to a computer using a USB cable, start by turning on the printer. Take the USB cable and plug the square-shaped B end into the printer and the flat A end into your computer. In many cases, your operating system will detect the printer automatically and install it. If it doesn’t, then you will need to install the printer driver manually. You can do this either by running the setup program from the printer’s CD or by downloading the correct driver software from Canon’s official website. Perform the steps on your screen, and once the installation process is done, your printer will be ready to use.
What are the Methods to Connect to Canon Printer Wirelessly?
You can connect a Canon printer wirelessly using a few different methods. The standard Wi-Fi setup connects your printer to your home or office network, which allows any device on the same network to print. Wi-Fi Direct lets your device connect straight to the printer without needing a router, which is useful for quick or temporary printing. Another option is Easy Wireless Connect, done via the Canon PRINT app, which guides you to link your printer to your Wi-Fi network. Each method gives you the flexibility to print without cables, depending on your network setup and personal preference.
How to Get a Canon Printer to Show up on a Computer?
To make your printer appear on a computer, start by downloading and installing the correct driver for your printer model from the official Canon website. Then, you will need to connect the printer either with a USB or Wi-Fi. After the connection is made, navigate to your computer’s settings, then open the “Devices and Printers” section, and add the printer if it’s not already listed. Once added, your computer should recognize the printer, which allows you to print files or documents without any issues.
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