PIXMA G3260 Printer driver invalidated after Windows 11 update

[ronnieb]

I have an older PIXMA 3260 printer. A Win 11 update has invalidated the Canon driver and the printer maintenance software does not recognize that the printer is installed. The printer still prints but without the all of the functionality. MS issued an update to Windows which eliminates older driver per this article.

https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/4-ways-the-dell-xps-14-is-breaking-new-ground-in-the...

 Will Canon issue a new driver to support the new standard?

PS: I love this printer and have no intention of buying a new one as I am a retiree.

[DerrickL]

This is the latest drivers and software for your printer:

https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/megatank-pixma-g3260

print driver and scanner utility are at the bottom of the downloads /software and drivers section. 

[ronnieb]

Do they work with the MS requirment?

[DerrickL]

It should, the drivers are the latest for Windows 11. 

[ronnieb]

I've just tried updating the driver and Windows says the best driver is installed.

[DerrickL]

Did Windows stop the driver install? If it did install it anyway, my experience is that windows "best" is not always the case. 

[ronnieb]

It stopped the install.

[DerrickL]

Start over with the install, the printer is still in production and many are using it with Windows 11. 

To resolve the issue of your PIXMA G3260 printer driver being invalidated after a Windows 11 update, try uninstalling the current printer software and drivers, then reinstall the latest version from the Canon website. Make sure to disconnect the USB cable during the uninstallation process and only reconnect it when prompted during the driver installation

[ronnieb]

I've been using the printer with the generic MS driver but I need to change some settings and need to install the Canon driver. When I install the printer Windows automatically installs the MS driver. I've tried manually updating the driver in the device manager but it says the best driver is installed and there is no method of forcing the change.

[shadowsports]

Your issue is that you're using the generic print driver supplied by Microsoft and not the one by Canon.

Remove the printer from your computer.  This is done under printer and scanners under the settings cog.  Now visit programs and features under control panel and uninstall all software associated with the printer. 

Next, importsnt.  Unplug the USB connection from your PC.  Now restart your computer gracefully. 

Run the printer installation utility from Canon.  Do not connect the printer to the computer until prompted to do so by the installation software.