Pixma E402 drivers won't install on Windows 11

[Captain_Eric]

Not sure what is happening here. Simply put  Pixma E402 drivers won't install on Windows 11. Is this a Windows thing - I read they were putting greater control on old drivers.

Does anyone know how I can fix this?

[DerrickL]

I ask you the same question that many others have been asked:

Does your laptop use an ARM processor? The Canon E series will not run on a laptop using an ARM processor. 

This is the listing of ARM compatible printers from Canon:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/FAQ100604 

[xonopim967]

The Pixma E402 is an older model, and its drivers aren’t fully supported on Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s stricter driver rules. The best fix is to skip the CD drivers and download Canon’s latest “Generic Plus” drivers from their support site, install them with administrator rights, and let Windows Update handle any missing components—this usually restores basic printing even if advanced features are limited.

[DerrickL]

This is the latest windows driver for E400 series, hopefully it is NOT the one you tried to install and it will work for you 

https://pdisp01.c-wss.com/gdl/WWUFORedirectTarget.do?id=MDEwMDAwNTc0MTAy&cmp=ABX&lang=EN

[Captain_Eric]

Good question. Not ARM. It's a Microsoft Surface Go 3.

[Captain_Eric]

Thanks a lot.

Where can I find Canon's "Generic Plus" drivers? Do you have a link?

Yea, it's an oldie, but a goodie. My wife switched computers and the printer wouldn't work.

[Captain_Eric]

Yep, that's the printer driver I've tried multiple times. Doesn't work. Not yet anyway. And thanks.

[Captain_Eric · Accepted solution]

I got it work. Just to close the loop on the below is what I did (from M365 Copilot, researcher mode). After that, the driver @DerrickL recommended installed. Thanks to everyone.

How to Fix the Installation and Get the Printer Working

1. Prep the system: Disconnect the printer’s USB cable from your Surface Go. Remove any traces of the failed installs:

• Printers & Devices: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. If you see “Canon E400 series” listed (or any unknown E402/IPP printer entry), click on it and choose Remove. Also, if it shows a driver name like “Microsoft IPP Class Driver” in the details, definitely remove it (that’s Windows’ built-in driver, which you don’t need). [oip.manual.canon]
• Apps: Check Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (or Apps & Features in Control Panel) for “Canon E400 series MP Drivers” and uninstall it if present.
• These steps ensure a clean slate by deleting any partial or generic driver that could conflict.

2. Reboot your PC: This makes sure the print spooler service is running fresh and clears any pending driver statuses.

3. Run the Canon MP Driver v1.01 installer in compatibility mode:

• Right-click mp68-win-e400-1_01-ea33_3.exe, select Properties > Compatibility, and set it to “Windows 10” compatibility. Also check “Run this program as an administrator.” Click OK. (This step isn’t always required, but some users have found it helps on Windows 11.)
• Double-click the EXE to start the installation. Proceed through the prompts. Do not plug in the printer until the installer requests it. If you had the printer plugged in, disconnect it now and turn the printer off, then on again when prompted.
• When the setup asks you to connect the printer via USB, plug in the cable and power the printer on. Allow a minute for Windows to detect it.