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.

[ronnieb]

I have 2 questions. 1) I have wireless and USB connections set up. Wireless for my laptop. Should I remove the printer from the network? 2) Remove just the Canon apps?

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Thanks for providing more information about your configuration. The G3260 does support simultaneous connections on multiple interfaces simultaneously.  

The wireless connection is what is causing Windows 11 to install the generic driver upon printer detection.  

However, there's no reason to use two connection types.  If the printer is connected to a network wirelessly, any device regardless of connection method (wired or wireless) will be able to utilize the printer.  So a USB connection is superfluous (not needed) unless you have a device with zero network capability that you will connect directly to the printer.  This is independent from the existing configuration.

Based on your description, it sounds like you're using everything except for the Canon driver to support your printer.  Generic MS Printer driver and Canon apps.  The apps are fine, but the generic printer driver will not give you full customization and control over your device.  

You need to get the Canon print driver installed.  However, after removal and restart, windows will continue to install the generic print driver upon printer detection.  Additional step.  Remove the wireless profile for your network from your printer.  This way when you restart your computer, the printer will not be connected or detected.  

Now run the Canon print driver installation which will prompt you to set up the wireless connection and in turn use the Canon print driver instead of the generic MS driver. The most important steps are: removing the printer, uninstalling any printer drivers not provided by Canon (if present), removing the wireless profile from the printer, disconnecting USB and restarting.  This will allow you to run the Canon installation utility and complete setup of your device. Do not reconnect the USB connection.  It's not needed.