imageCLASS MF656Cdw will not scan via a wireless connection

[tommyboy39]

To save some time here and not have some of you ask me which printer, OS, etc, here they are:

• Windows 11 Pro 24H2 with all current updates
• Model of printer: Canon MF656Cdw
• Any firewall blocks have been removed, granting the printer / scanner full privileges over the network
• Printer firmware is up to date
• Have tried to uninstall an reinstall software and drivers several times

First off, I bought this printer back in January or February of 2024. I installed it along with the programs just fine on a Windows 10 Pro PC. Printer and scanner worked via a wireless connection without issue. No firewall exceptions were necessary and I did not have to troubleshoot anything.

Fast forward 8 or 9 months. I built a new PC running Windows 11 Pro. Installed printer and scanner software. Scanner cannot communicate with the pc while trying to scan. The printer portion works just fine as I was able to print a test page. When trying to scan via the Canon MF Scan Utility (or any other software for that matter), I get the following message:

• "Cannot communicate with the scanner. The cable may be disconnected, or the scanner may be turned off. Check the scanner status and try again. Scanner Driver will be terminated."

There is no cable as I use it via a wireless connection. Unless the printer came with a usb cable (I would have to check the box), I don't even have a cable to be able to print and scan via a usb cable. The printer and scanner are turned on. The scanner works as I printed a document directly from the scanner platen glass.

I'd like to know where to go from here. Why doesn't it work from my Windows 11 PC?

[stan2841]

Microsoft has confirmed the 24H2 has broken scanners and certain devices that use the protocol.  These devices are affected even if they are connected via network.  My wife's laptop running Win 11 23H2 is working just fine.  We're waiting for the fix from Microsoft.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2534540/windows-11-24h2-causes-usb-scanners-and-printers-stop-workin...

[bigglesworth]

So I found an article from Microsoft that says the issue was resolved on 12/10 on their end via patch KB5048667. However, I have this patch installed an still experiencing same issue. Can someone please confirm if it's fixed for them with this patch?

Article for reference: (go to November 2024 Section) https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-24H2#3446msgdesc

[Luvbird]

Go to the search bar and type in wiaacmgr and hit enter. If it comes up as no friendly device, it is still broken. I heard Microsoft was not even going to address the issue until "after" the holidays.

[tommyboy39]

This patch was installed on my device on 12.11.2024 and it had absolutely no impact with the Canon software. Still get the following message (see photo):

As mentioned previously, Windows scan has always worked under 24H2. Wiaacmgr (as mentioned by Luvbird in a reply to you) works as well under 24H2 even though it says No Friendly Name. Both of these are super basic scanning utilities. I have had Canon printer / scanners for the last 15 years or so and have become accustomed to their software, which I find more robust. I have put all my scanning on hold because of this.

Microsoft seemed to have acknowledged the issue and were supposedly working on it. That particular update you are referring to has had no impact for me anyway. What is Canon doing about this? Most software providers update their product to add features and keep up with Windows. I would love to hear something from them to see if they are trying to fix it so it can work under 24H2.

[stan2841]

I contacted Canon Support after Microsoft released their patch.  Support had me install the following fix from this link on their website and everything is working as expected.  It is a registry fix that 100% fixed my MF753Cdw.  Keep selecting load more, as this registry fix is all the way at the bottom of the page.

Canon Support for imageFORMULA R50 Office Document Scanner | Canon U.S.A., Inc.

[Luvbird]

I just downloaded that patch and then rebooted my PC. It appears that Scan Utility now works with my MF656cdw. However, I don't believe this is the complete fix as the wiaacmgr still shows my scanner as an unfriendly device. This to me is a temporary fix and not a full fix.

[ewiatr]

I was dumbfounded when I read this.  Just three days ago, I received my brand new (out-of-the-box) MF656cdw Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier etc.  However, I too, tried to connect wireless the Scanner to my HP Laptop.  Several attempts [reinstalling the software] were made, however, with NO success!  Also, interestingly, the DVD supplied with this product did not allow me to upload Scanning Software onto my HP Laptop.  In fact, there were two items that DECLINED to UPLOAD to my HP Laptop.  Why?

Now I came across what appears to be an ISSUE with CANON and too, what will they do to resolve this problem?

ONE THING NOTICED:  Where I live SPECTRUM CABLE COMPANY eliminated their 5-G and 2.4 GHZ Bandwidths and substituted on a Modem and Router with 400 MBS.  I further learned that this CANON MF656cdw ONLY OPERATES WIRELESS on a 2.4GHZ Bandwidth?

I would like to hear from CANON and too, the Community Members, to ascertain if this ISSUE will be FIXED or will Consumers be left to the proverbial "wolves?"

I am more than just upset.  Monies spent on a quality product and NOT working is not a good product.  I am waiting to hear from Canon Sales, Technical Support for a QUICK RESOLUTION!

Regards & Happy New Year,

Ed, Upstate New York

[tommyboy39]

That registry solution up above worked for me and others. Your printer should work as well when applied.

That would only leave the 6GHz band available to you. Most devices are going to communicate on the 5GHz band. There are several devices that communicate on the 2.4GHz band as well. Mainly smart devices that do not require much bandwidth to communicate. Printers do not require a whole lot of bandwidth to operate either. Perhaps you need to go into your router settings and enable the 2.4 & 5GHz bands. I have a top of the line tp-link router (Archer BE900) and it can communicate on the 2.4 & 5GHz bands without issue.

In terms of the optical disc that came with the printer. Only thing on it is the software and drivers. They are easily obtainable from the Canon web site so that should not stop you from being able to install them on your laptop.

[Luvbird]

I found that after I installed the registry fix that I can scan from MF Scan utility. However, the scanner is still shown as an unfriendly device. Also, I have tried to scan from the scanner to my PC and the scanner does not see the PC. It worked fine with 23H2. My wife's PC is still on 23H2 and all works normally. So the patch only solves half the problem. They (Microsoft and or Canon) needs to do more to fix the problem.

[tommyboy39]

Yes, it shows as "no friendly name" with wiaacmgr but it will still scan under that wiaacmgr for me.
While it may not be a modern or permanent fix (that registry patch is back from near 10 years ago), at least it has things functioning again and I can use the Canon software for scanning now.