Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Not Connecting to WiFi – How to Fix It

Having trouble connecting your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw to WiFi can quickly become frustrating, especially when you need to print something urgently. You might notice your printer not responding, failing to detect your network, appearing offline, or refusing to print wirelessly. These are very common issues for Windows users. The good news is that most of the time, the fix is simple. In many cases, outdated printer software is the real cause, and updating it can restore your connection quickly.

Quick Fix Checklist

Start with these basic checks before moving to advanced steps:

• Restart your printer and your WiFi router
• Make sure your printer is within range of your network
• Verify that WiFi is turned on in the printer settings
• Ensure your computer is connected to the same network
• Remove and re-add the printer in Windows
• Update your printer software

If the problem continues, follow the solutions below.

What Causes WiFi Connection Problems

Your printer depends on software to communicate with both your computer and your wireless network. This software ensures that commands from your computer are properly understood and executed by the printer.

If this software becomes outdated, missing, or damaged, communication issues can occur. That’s when you may experience:

• Printer not connecting to WiFi
• Printer showing offline
• Print jobs getting stuck
• Printer not responding

Windows updates can also play a role. After an update, your system might not properly recognize your printer if the software hasn’t been updated to match the new system version.

Method 1 – Fastest Fix Using DriverAssist (Recommended)

The easiest and quickest way to resolve WiFi connection issues is by using DriverAssist. It scans your computer, detects outdated or missing printer software, and updates everything automatically.

Steps to use DriverAssist:

1. Download and install DriverAssist
2. Launch DriverAssist
3. Click “Scan” to check for issues
4. Locate your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
5. Click “Update”

After the update is complete, restart your computer and reconnect your printer to WiFi.

This method is ideal because it removes the need to manually search for the correct software and reduces the risk of installing the wrong version.

Method 2 – Download Software from Canon Website

You can also update your printer software manually through Canon’s official support page.

Steps:

1. Visit the Canon support website
2. Search for “Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw”
3. Select the correct model
4. Choose your operating system, either Windows 10 or Windows 11
5. Download the recommended software package
6. Open the file and follow the installation instructions

Things to watch out for:

• Make sure you select the exact model number
• Choose the correct system version, 32 bit or 64 bit
• Avoid older or archived downloads unless necessary

Restart your computer after installation, then reconnect your printer.

Method 3 – Update via Device Manager

Windows includes a built in option to update printer software through Device Manager.

Steps:

1. Right click the Start button
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Printers or Print queues
4. Find your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
5. Right click and choose Update driver
6. Select Search automatically

If Windows finds a newer version, it will install it.

Limitations of this method:

• It may not find the latest version available
• It can install a basic version with limited features
• It may not fully resolve WiFi issues

This is a quick option but not always the most reliable.

Reconnect Your Printer to WiFi

Once your software is updated, reconnect your printer to your wireless network:

1. Open the printer menu
2. Go to Network Settings
3. Select Wireless LAN Settings
4. Choose your WiFi network
5. Enter your password
6. Confirm the connection

Then re-add the printer on your computer:

• Go to Settings
• Select Devices
• Click Printers and Scanners
• Click Add a printer

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

WiFi issues often return because the printer software becomes outdated again over time.

Common reasons include:

• Windows updates changing system compatibility
• Network or router changes
• Corrupted files
• Incorrect printer configurations

Without regular updates, your printer may struggle to maintain a stable connection.

How to Avoid Future WiFi Issues

Keeping your printer software updated is the best way to prevent recurring problems.

Automatic tools can help by:

• Detecting outdated software quickly
• Installing the correct updates
• Maintaining smooth communication between devices

This reduces the chances of your printer going offline or disconnecting from WiFi.

FAQ – Common Questions

Why won’t my Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw connect to WiFi?
This is usually caused by outdated or missing printer software, incorrect network settings, or weak signal strength.

Why does my printer keep showing offline?
This happens when your computer cannot properly communicate with the printer, often due to software or network issues.

Can Windows updates break my printer connection?
Yes, updates can affect compatibility if your printer software is not updated at the same time.

Why can’t my computer find my printer?
Your printer may not be connected to the same network, or it may not be properly configured.

Is it better to update manually or automatically?
Automatic tools are faster and reduce errors, while manual updates require careful selection.

How do I fix a wireless printer that won’t respond?
Update the printer software, reconnect it to WiFi, and re-add it to your system.

Final Thoughts

WiFi connection issues with the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw are common but usually easy to resolve. In most cases, outdated printer software is the root cause.

Start with basic checks, then use DriverAssist for the quickest solution. Manual methods are also available but require more attention.

Keeping your printer software updated will help you avoid repeated issues and keep your printer working smoothly.