What To Know
- It’s a common frustration, and the process of completely removing a Canon printer from your system can feel like navigating a maze of hidden settings.
- This is the most important step in completely removing the printer from your system.
- Now that the software is uninstalled, you need to delete the printer from your system’s list of available devices.
Ever feel like your printer is a phantom limb, constantly haunting your computer with its presence even though you’ve long since sent it to the digital graveyard? It’s a common frustration, and the process of completely removing a Canon printer from your system can feel like navigating a maze of hidden settings. But worry not, this guide will walk you through the steps to successfully delete your Canon printer, leaving no trace of its digital footprint behind.
Understanding the Difference Between “Deleting” and “Removing”
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to clarify the difference between “deleting” and “removing” a printer.
- Deleting a printer: This simply removes the printer from the list of available devices on your computer. The printer itself remains physically connected and operational.
- Removing a printer: This involves a more complete process, including uninstalling any associated software and drivers. It essentially erases all traces of the printer from your system.
This guide focuses on removing your Canon printer, ensuring a clean break from your computer.
Step 1: Disconnect the Printer
The first step is to disconnect the printer physically. This ensures that no data is being transmitted between the printer and your computer while you’re making changes.
1. Unplug the power cable: This is the most important step, as it completely cuts off the power supply to the printer.
2. Disconnect any USB cables: If you’re using a USB connection, disconnect the cable from both the printer and your computer.
3. Remove the printer from the network: If your printer is connected wirelessly, remove it from your network settings. This might involve removing it from the list of available printers in your Wi-Fi settings or from your router’s network settings.
Step 2: Uninstall the Canon Printer Software
Once your printer is physically disconnected, it’s time to uninstall the associated software and drivers. This is the most important step in completely removing the printer from your system.
1. Open the Control Panel: You can access this by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to “Programs and Features”: This section lists all the programs installed on your computer.
3. Find and uninstall the Canon printer software: Look for any entries related to your specific Canon printer model. This might include names like “Canon IJ Printer Driver” or “Canon PIXMA Printer Software.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The uninstallation process will guide you through the steps. Make sure to follow all the prompts carefully.
5. Restart your computer: This ensures that all the files and processes associated with the printer software are completely removed.
Step 3: Delete the Printer from Your System
Now that the software is uninstalled, you need to delete the printer from your system’s list of available devices.
1. Open the “Printers & Scanners” settings: You can find this by searching for “Printers” in the Windows search bar.
2. Find your Canon printer: Locate the entry for your printer in the list of devices.
3. Click on “Remove Device“: This will initiate the process of deleting the printer from your system.
4. Confirm the deletion: You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the printer. Click “Yes” to proceed.
Step 4: Delete the Printer Queue (Optional)
The printer queue is a temporary storage space for print jobs that are waiting to be processed. You can delete this queue to ensure that no remnants of the printer remain on your system.
1. Open the “Services” window: You can find this by searching for “Services” in the Windows search bar.
2. Locate the “Print Spooler” service: Scroll through the list of services until you find “Print Spooler.”
3. Right-click on the service and select “Stop”: This will stop the print spooler service from running.
4. Open the “Print Spooler” folder: Navigate to the following location: C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS
5. Delete all files and folders within the “PRINTERS” folder: This will clear the printer queue.
6. Restart the “Print Spooler” service: Go back to the “Services” window, right-click on “Print Spooler,” and select “Start.”
Step 5: Clean Up Remaining Files (Optional)
While the previous steps should remove most traces of the printer, you might find some leftover files or folders in your system. You can manually delete these to ensure a truly clean slate.
1. Search for “Canon” or your printer model name: Look for any remaining folders or files related to your printer.
2. Delete the files and folders: Once you’ve identified them, you can safely delete them. Make sure to empty your recycle bin to permanently remove them from your system.
Final Steps: A Farewell to Your Canon Printer
Now that you’ve successfully removed your Canon printer from your system, you can consider it truly gone. Your computer is now free from any lingering traces of the printer, and you can move on to a new printing adventure.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What if I can’t find the Canon printer software in the “Programs and Features” list?
A: If you’re unable to find the software in the “Programs and Features” list, it might be because it was installed using a different method. You can try searching for the software in your computer’s file explorer or in the “Start” menu. If you still can’t find it, you can use a third-party uninstaller tool to remove any leftover files.
Q: What if I need to reinstall the Canon printer software in the future?
A: If you need to reinstall the printer software, you can download the latest version from the Canon website. Make sure to select the correct model for your printer.
Q: Is it safe to delete files and folders related to the Canon printer?
A: It’s generally safe to delete files and folders related to the printer after you’ve uninstalled the software. However, it’s always a good idea to back up any important data before deleting files.
Q: What if I want to keep the printer but just remove it from my computer?
A: If you want to keep the printer but just remove it from your computer, you can skip the steps related to uninstalling the software and deleting the printer from your system. Simply disconnect the printer physically and it will no longer be available for use.
Q: What if I’m having trouble removing the printer from my system?
A: If you’re having trouble removing the printer from your system, you can contact Canon support for assistance. They can provide guidance on how to remove the printer properly.
