If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just purchased a Canon printer, or perhaps you've had one sitting on your desk and you’re finally ready to set it up. Regardless of your situation, many users find themselves asking the same question: how do I install and find my Canon printer on this computer? Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, the process is straightforward—if you know the right steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully install your Canon printer and locate it on your computer. You’ll learn how to install my Canon printer on this computer using both USB and wireless methods, and how to troubleshoot common issues that might prevent you from finding your printer afterward.

We’ll use phrases like find my Canon printer on this computer and install my Canon printer on this computer because, let’s face it—those are the exact things you’re trying to do. You’ve probably already searched for these terms online, and now you’re looking for the most practical and easy-to-follow answers. We’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process so you can finally stop wondering how do I find my Canon printer on this computer and start printing without a hitch.

What You Need Before Starting the Installation

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need ready:

  • Your Canon printer, powered on and with ink and paper installed

  • A USB cable (for wired installation)

  • Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password (for wireless installation)

  • Your Windows PC or Mac

  • Internet access to download drivers from Canon’s official site: https://ij.start.canon

Having these essentials ready will streamline the entire process of installing and finding your printer.

Step 1: Unbox and Power On the Printer

This might seem obvious, but it’s important. Take your Canon printer out of the box, remove any packing materials, and plug it into a power source. Turn it on using the power button and wait until it boots up fully. If there’s a small display panel, it should show a welcome or standby screen.

Make sure you load plain paper and ensure the ink cartridges are correctly installed. If you're setting up a brand-new printer, the initial setup screens may guide you through basic configurations like language and region.

Step 2: Install My Canon Printer on This Computer Using USB (Wired Method)

The USB method is the most straightforward for users who don’t mind a physical connection between their computer and printer.

  1. Plug the USB cable into both the printer and your computer.
    Windows or macOS should detect the new hardware almost instantly.

  2. Wait for automatic driver installation (Windows).
    Windows 10 and 11 are generally very good at identifying new printers and downloading the required drivers on their own. If successful, you’ll see a notification saying, “Device is ready.”

  3. Manually install drivers if needed.
    If nothing happens, go to https://ij.start.canon, enter your printer model, and download the driver specific to your OS. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

  4. Finish setup and print a test page.
    Once your printer is installed, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers and locate your Canon printer. Right-click on it and choose “Printer Properties,” then “Print Test Page.”

At this point, you should be able to find your Canon printer on this computer and use it for any document or photo printing tasks.

Step 3: Install My Canon Printer on This Computer Using Wireless (Wi-Fi Setup)

For a clutter-free setup, many users prefer the wireless method. It gives you the freedom to place your printer anywhere within Wi-Fi range.

Wireless Setup Using the Printer’s Control Panel

  1. Activate Wi-Fi mode on the printer.
    Most Canon printers have a dedicated Wi-Fi or network button. Press and hold it until the indicator light starts blinking. You may need to use the LCD screen to navigate to “Wireless Setup Wizard.”

  2. Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
    Select your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) from the list, then enter the password. Once connected, a confirmation message will appear.

  3. Download and install the software on your computer.
    On your computer, go to https://ij.start.canon, enter your printer model, and download the setup software.

  4. Launch the installer and follow the on-screen steps.
    During setup, choose the “Wireless Connection” option. The software will scan the network and detect your Canon printer. Confirm and proceed with installation.

  5. Print a test page.
    After installation, try printing something to verify that the setup was successful.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be able to find your Canon printer on this computer whenever you need it—no cable required.

Optional: Wireless Setup Using WPS

If your router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), this can be a faster alternative.

  1. Press the WPS button on your router.

  2. Within two minutes, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your Canon printer.

  3. The printer will connect automatically to the network.

Then install the Canon software on your computer and complete setup. This method is ideal for users who want to skip entering Wi-Fi passwords.

Step 4: How to Find My Canon Printer on This Computer (Windows & Mac)

Once you’ve completed installation, it’s time to make sure your computer can actually detect and use the printer.

For Windows:

  1. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

  2. You should see your Canon printer listed.

  3. If not, click “Add a printer or scanner.” Let Windows search and detect your printer.

  4. Once it appears, click on it and complete the installation.

To print a test page, click on the printer name > Manage > Print a test page.

For macOS:

  1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Click the “+” icon to add a new printer.

  3. Your Canon printer should appear under “Nearby Printers.”

  4. Click on it, and macOS will either automatically install the required driver or prompt you to download it.

After installation, try printing a test document to confirm everything is working.

Step 5: Set Canon Printer as Default (Optional but Helpful)

If you frequently use your Canon printer, it makes sense to set it as your default printer. That way, you won’t need to select it manually every time you print.

For Windows:

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Click on your Canon printer.

  3. Select “Set as default.”

For Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Under “Default printer,” select your Canon printer from the dropdown list.

Now, anytime you click “Print,” your documents will automatically go to your Canon printer.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Find My Canon Printer on This Computer?

If you’ve followed all the steps but still can’t find your Canon printer, don’t worry. Let’s walk through some common solutions.

1. Double-check the connections:
If using USB, make sure the cable is firmly connected on both ends. Try a different port if needed. For wireless, ensure the printer and computer are on the same network.

2. Restart your devices:
Sometimes a simple reboot of your computer, printer, or router can resolve detection issues.

3. Update printer drivers:
Outdated drivers can prevent detection. Visit https://ij.start.canon and download the latest driver for your specific model.

4. Disable firewall or antivirus temporarily:
Overly aggressive security software may block network communication. Try turning it off temporarily during installation.

5. Run Canon’s setup utility again:
If all else fails, uninstall the printer and reinstall it using the Canon installation utility.

FAQs

Can I install my Canon printer on more than one computer?
Yes, you can install the printer on multiple devices using either USB or wireless setup. Each device will need to go through the installation process individually.

Does Canon support AirPrint for Apple devices?
Many Canon models support AirPrint, allowing you to print directly from iOS or macOS without installing drivers.

Can I use my Canon printer without internet?
Yes, if you use a USB connection or have already installed the driver, you can print offline.

Why does my computer not recognize my printer after a system update?
Updates sometimes reset printer configurations. Reinstall the driver or rerun the setup software to fix this.

Where do I find my printer after installing it?
On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers. On macOS, check System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Conclusion

Knowing how to install and find my Canon printer on this computer can save you a lot of time and frustration. Whether you’re using a simple USB cable or setting up a wireless connection, the process is manageable—even for beginners. Start by making sure your printer is powered on and properly connected, then use Canon’s official tools and drivers to complete the setup.

Remember, you can always return to https://ij.start.canon for the latest software and troubleshooting tools. Once installed, finding your Canon printer on your computer should be a breeze.

Now that your printer is ready, you're free to print photos, documents, assignments, or any material you need—anytime. No more wondering how to install or find your Canon printer—you're good to go.