Canon Printer In Error State? 7 causes & Fixes

Top Reasons for Canon Printer In Error State & How to Fix Each One 

 Seeing “Printer is in error state” when you’re on a deadline is the worst. The good news is that this message is usually triggered by a few predictable issues, like drivers, spooler hiccups, connection mix-ups, or OS changes. Each cause has a straightforward fix. Keep reading to find it.


Fix the Causes for Canon Printer in Error State 

Here are the major causes and solutions for each one so you can rectify the issue quickly.


1) Windows print spooler jammed or crashed

When the Windows Print Spooler sticks, jobs can’t reach the printer and you’ll get error-state messages. Fix it by restarting the spooler service and clearing the queue. 

Canon and Microsoft both document this path (Services → Print Spooler → Restart), followed by re-sending the job.


After restarting the spooler service, remove any pending jobs from Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → [Your Canon printer ] → Open print queue → Cancel all, then print again. 


2) Wrong or outdated driver after OS updates (Windows & macOS)

Major updates can silently swap or invalidate your driver. On macOS 13+ (Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia), Macs may auto-select AirPrint instead of Canon’s CUPS/UFR II driver, which breaks features and triggers errors. 

Remove the printer, re-add it manually and pick the Canon driver from Use:, not AirPrint. 


On Windows 10/11, grab the newest Canon driver/firmware for your exact model from Canon Support, uninstall the old device, then reinstall with the fresh package. 


3) Communication/port mismatch (USB or network)

If Windows can’t talk to the printer on the correct port (USB vs. WSD/TCP/IP), it flags an error state in Canon printer.

Go to Printers & scanners → Printer properties → Ports, confirm you’re on the right one (USB for cable; Standard TCP/IP with the printer’s IP for network). We also recommend disabling/reenabling bidirectional support and, if needed, reinstalling the driver.


For networked printer models, print a Network Status sheet from the printer panel and verify the IP in Windows matches the printer’s current IP. If your router rotates addresses, assign a DHCP reservation.


4) macOS picked AirPrint but your features require Canon’s driver

Even if your printer shows “online,” the wrong protocol can cause errors when you hit Print. 


On macOS, delete the printer in System Settings → Printers & Scanners, click Add Printer, and under Use: choose the Canon driver (CUPS/UFR II/PS) instead of AirPrint so the job path and options (duplex, finishing, secure print) work correctly. 


5) Corrupted queue or stuck job

A single corrupt PDF or stale job can poison the entire queue. On Windows, run Microsoft’s printer troubleshooter (Get Help app), then Remove device and Add device if needed. 


On macOS, reset the printing system (right-click in the printers list) and re-add the printer. The Windows guide specifically walks through unplug/restart, reinstall, and connection checks that clear the error state. 


6) Maintenance not run (inkjet heads, firmware, utilities)

Canon Inkjet models may throw errors when maintenance counters, firmware, or utilities are out of date. Install Canon’s IJ Printer Assistant Tool (Windows) to run cleanings, alignments, and maintenance from one place—it’s actively updated for Windows 11 in 2025. 


Also update firmware/drivers from your model’s support page. Canon’s portal surfaces the newest packages so you’re not bothered by compatibility issues. 


7) Network/stack issues after router or OS changes

Router reboots, Wi-Fi band steering, or new security settings can break discovery. Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi (use Canon’s Easy Wireless Connect/Wi-Fi Connection Assistant), then re-add it on the computer so the OS learns its current IP. Canon’s connection and error-message docs cover these steps when communication fails.


Conclusion

You have now understood the main causes of the Canon printer in error state issue and how to fix them. Keep this post handy to prevent future issues. If you need further help, contact the printer’s support team. 

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