How to Resolve Common Printing Issues with the Canon PIXMA TS6420a

Modern printers like the Canon PIXMA TS6420a are designed to be user-friendly and reliable, but they can still run into trouble. One of the most frequent causes of printing problems isn’t the hardware—it’s the software behind it, specifically the printer driver. Whether you're experiencing error messages, incomplete print jobs, or your printer simply refusing to respond, an outdated, missing, or corrupt driver is often the root cause.

This guide will walk you through the process of updating the driver for the PIXMA TS6420a. We’ll explore manual methods using both the Canon support website and Windows Device Manager, but also recommend a more efficient alternative for most users: DriverAssist.

Why the Canon PIXMA TS6420a Driver Matters

Your printer driver acts as the translator between your computer and the Canon PIXMA TS6420a. It tells your operating system how to communicate with your printer. If the driver is outdated, corrupted, or missing altogether, your printer can’t function correctly.

Here are some common problems users encounter when the driver isn’t working properly:

• The printer appears as “offline” even when it’s powered on and connected
• Print jobs fail to complete or disappear
• The printer produces blank pages or distorted text
• Error messages like "Driver Unavailable" or "Cannot Communicate with Printer"
• Scanning features (for all-in-one models like the TS6420a) stop functioning

The good news is, in most cases, these problems can be resolved simply by updating the driver.

Option 1: Easiest Method — Use DriverAssist

For users who prefer a quick and effortless solution, DriverAssist is a smart choice. It automatically detects outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers and installs the latest version specifically designed for your Canon PIXMA TS6420a.

Why Choose DriverAssist

• No need to search for the exact model on multiple sites
• Automatically identifies the correct driver
• Prevents mistakes that can happen when manually selecting the wrong file
• Fast and guided installation process

Download DriverAssist directly using this link.

After installing, simply launch the tool, allow it to scan your system, and approve the recommended driver update. It takes just a few clicks and a reboot.

Option 2: Manually Download the Driver from Canon's Website

If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can download the driver manually from Canon’s official support site. This method takes a bit more time but is completely doable if you follow each step carefully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Visit Canon’s Official Support Page
   Go to Canon’s support section and enter your printer model: PIXMA TS6420a.
2. Select Your Operating System
   The site may automatically detect your version of Windows. If not, manually select your operating system from the dropdown menu (e.g., Windows 11, Windows 10).
3. Download the Recommended Driver
   Look for the driver labeled something like "TS6400 series Full Driver & Software Package". Make sure the version number and release date are recent.
4. Install the Driver
   • Click the download button to save the installer.
   • Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
   • Restart your PC if prompted.
5. Test Your Printer
   After restarting, send a test print to verify the installation was successful.

Option 3: Use Windows Device Manager to Update the Driver

Device Manager is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage hardware and drivers. Here’s how to update your Canon PIXMA TS6420a driver through Device Manager:

Instructions for Manual Update via Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
   • Or, type Device Manager into the Windows search bar and hit Enter
2. Locate Your Printer
   • Expand the section called Printers or Print queues
   • Find and right-click on Canon PIXMA TS6420a (or a similar name)
3. Start the Update
   • Select Update driver
   • Choose Search automatically for drivers
4. Follow the Prompts
   Windows will search for the latest driver. If found, it will install it for you. If it tells you the best driver is already installed but you're still facing issues, try the Canon website method or DriverAssist.
5. Restart Your Computer
   A restart ensures all updates are applied properly.

When to Update the Driver

It’s a good idea to update your PIXMA TS6420a driver when:

• You recently upgraded Windows or installed major updates
• Your printer was working fine and suddenly stopped
• You’re setting up the printer on a new PC
• You’re experiencing issues with printing or scanning

Final Thoughts

Keeping your Canon PIXMA TS6420a driver up to date is not just a one-time fix—it’s part of regular maintenance for reliable functionality. Whether you use the streamlined DriverAssist tool or take the manual route via Canon’s website or Device Manager, the result is the same: smoother operation and fewer printing headaches.

For the fastest and least technical route, we recommend downloading DriverAssist from this direct link. It’s the quickest way to restore your Canon PIXMA TS6420a to proper working order without the guesswork.