Windows 11 won't recognize imageCLASS MF4450

[cappy1920]

Hi.  I was given this printer a couple of days ago; however, I cannot get my Windows 11 pc to recognize it.  I downloaded the driver and the tool box, but I cannot get it to work.  Any suggestions?  Should I give up?  I saw that some people were able to get this working with Windows 10, but cannot find any help for Windows 11.  Thank you.

[Danny]

Thanks for letting us know what Canon product you've got. The imageCLASS MF4450 is an older model which we have retired. While that means that Canon USA no longer offers direct support for it, your friends here in the Canon Community are welcome to offer suggestions!

You can also speak with a Canon Upgrade Program specialist to help you score a modern replacement that would meet your current needs at a discount. You can reach them weekdays and Saturdays at 1-866-443-8002.

Hope this helps!

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

@capy1920, although this printer is not certified to work with Windows 11, there is a possibility it might still work.  You'll have to try.

It only connects via USB.  The drivers should be installed before you connect the device to the computer.  This is a very important step.  Also, the printer needs to be connected directly to the computer, not using a hub or adapters.

Device Support for the MF4450:

Canon Support for imageCLASS MF4450 | Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Drivers you'll need:

Install first: 

https://pdisp01.c-wss.com/gdl/WWUFORedirectTarget.do?id=MDEwMDAwMzIyODA0&cmp=ABR&lang=EN  

Install Second: 

https://pdisp01.c-wss.com/gdl/WWUFORedirectTarget.do?id=MDIwMDAwMTU1OTA4&cmp=ABR&lang=EN

This patch will also likely be required:

Please note the instructions. > This patch resolves an issue that prevents scanning over a network or with a USB connection after upgrading Windows to a newer version. If you cannot scan over a network or with a USB connection, install this patch. If installing (or reinstalling) the MF driver, be sure to first restart (not shut down) your PC after driver installation is complete, and then install this patch.

Patch: 

https://pdisp01.c-wss.com/gdl/WWUFORedirectTarget.do?id=MDEwMDAwODA5ODAx&cmp=ABR&lang=EN

If you have any failed instances of the printer..  where you attempted to install, but did not succeed, these should be removed manually, and the system restarted before attempting again. Example image from windows 10, but 11 is similar.

Now unplug the printer from USB and restart.  Run the installer.  Do not connect the printer until you are prompted.  Next run the toolbox, and finally the patch, restarting in between as suggested.  

Let us know if it works

[cappy1920]

Thank you for the quick reply. I am not home, but will do this and let you all know how it goes.

[cappy1920]

When you say "run the installer", do you mean "Add device" from the printers and scanners menu?  I've already installed the two drivers and the patch.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

No.  I mean run the executable and do not connect the printer until prompted to do so.  With USB devices, you typically install the drivers before connecting the device.  This is because Windows will attempt to install generic drivers once it's detects a peripheral has been connected.  These may or may not work.  They also don't typically support all the features of the device.

Once installed and connected, open notepad and type a few characters.  Press CTRL+P.  Select the printer as the destination and press print.  This should Tell you if the device is installed and compatible.  

[cappy1920]

I followed the instructions, hopefully to a tee.  I had already installed the drivers, but missed the step about connecting the usb, so I uninstalled everything, rebooted, and did it again.  I do not see the canon printer in the dialog when I do CTRL+P.  However, it's in "Printers and Scanners".

P.S.  I think I know what the "MF" stands for!