Why Is My Canon Printer Not Printing? – Top Troubleshooting Hacks

It’s upsetting when you spent a considerable amount of time creating a document only to know you cannot print it because the printing machine won’t work.

So, why is my Canon printer not printing? We are here to give you possible answers.

Tips To Troubleshoot A Printer

When you’re trying to print a document to beat a deadline, a defective printer can be one of your greatest foes. In such times, basic knowledge of common printer problems and how to solve them comes in handy.

1. A Canon printer not printing may have a loose cable connection from your personal computer or laptop. A loose cable prevents data from being transmitted from your PC to the printer. Always make sure that cables are fastened securely.
   
   Solution: If you notice a loose connection, immediately plug it and proceed with printing.
   
   
2. Check your paper tray. Without paper, your printer is unable to print your document.
   
   Solution: Refill the tray with paper and proceed with printing.
   
   
3. Revisit your document on your computer. Hit Ctrl + P and check if the printer you are trying to use is selected in the Print options. If not, it will surely not print your document.
   
   Solution: In the Print settings, select the Canon printer you want to use, then proceed with printing.
   
   
4. If a ‘No driver found’ notification pops up, it means that your printing software and hardware are not compatible. This may due to an upgrade on your operating system, or your driver is outdated.
   
   Solution: Uninstall your current driver. Replace it with an updated version.
   
   
5. If you’re using a wireless printer and it suddenly stops working, it might have dropped its connection from your Wifi.
   
   Solution: Check if you have stable Wifi connection. Reconnect your printer to the Wifi and proceed with printing.

Jammed Print Queue

A loaded print queue may be causing your printer some trouble. Your print queue gets stuck up or jammed if previous print jobs are put on hold, postponed, or halted because of connection problems.

To clear your queue:

1. Turn off your printer, then unplug it from the power outlet.
   
2. Save the document you’re trying to print.
   
3. Then on your computer, go to Windows Services and right-click Print Spooler. Click STOP. This ends all stuck up print jobs that are jamming you queue.
   
4. After, type or paste this on your Windows search bar: C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS
   
5. Delete all existing files on your print queue.
   
6. Shut down your computer.
   
7. Turn on your computer and your printer again.
   
8. Restart the Print Spooler.
   
9. Proceed with printing your document.

Paper Jams

Your printer might not be cooperating if it encounters a paper jam. There are several things to do to correct it:

• Remove the paper from the paper tray. Place it again, making sure that the stack is properly aligned to the feeding elements of the printer.
  
• Load paper into the paper tray according to your printer’s capacity. Overstuffing your printer’s paper causes paper jam. Check the user’s guide to know its maximum paper capacity.
  
• Use the correct paper for your print job and set your printer, so it recognizes the material (photo paper, card stock, etc.). Go to Print settings and select the proper media type setting.
  
• Check your printer’s pick-up rollers for any damage. These gears are the ones that pick up the paper and feed it to the printer. A damaged pick-up roller causes paper jams.

Conclusion

Don’t get too overwhelmed with frustration when asking, why is my canon printer not printing? Calmly follow these tips that we have shared. If your printer still doesn’t work, you can bring it to a service center for repair and maintenance.