Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Paper Jam Fix, How to Fix It

Paper jams on the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw can stop your work fast. You may see crumpled paper inside the tray, repeated jam errors, pages stopping halfway through printing, or the printer refusing to print at all. Many Windows users also notice the printer showing offline after a jam or getting stuck with old print jobs in the queue. In many cases, outdated printer software causes the printer and Windows to stop communicating properly after a paper jam happens.

The good news is that most Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw paper jam problems are easy to fix. A few quick checks and updated printer software can often get printing working again in minutes.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before trying advanced fixes, go through this quick checklist:

• Turn the printer off and unplug it for 60 seconds
• Remove all paper from the tray
• Check for torn paper pieces inside the printer
• Reload clean paper evenly
• Restart your Windows computer
• Clear stuck print jobs from the queue
• Update the printer software
• Reconnect WiFi if the printer disappeared from Windows

These simple steps solve many Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw paper jam errors right away.

Why Your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Keeps Showing Paper Jam Errors

A paper jam does not always mean there is paper stuck inside the printer. Sometimes Windows still thinks an old print job is active, even after the jam is cleared.

Printer software helps Windows communicate with your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw. It tells the computer how to send print jobs correctly, manage paper settings, and monitor printer status.

When the printer software becomes outdated or damaged, communication problems can happen. Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates can also interrupt the connection between the printer and your PC. This can lead to:

• False paper jam messages
• Printer offline errors
• Stuck print queues
• Slow printing
• Printer not responding
• Blank pages after a jam
• WiFi connection failures

Fixing the software side of the problem is often the fastest way to stop paper jam errors from returning.

Method 1, Fix Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Paper Jam Errors Automatically

The fastest solution is using DriverAssist to update and repair printer software automatically.

DriverAssist scans your Windows PC, finds outdated printer software, and installs the correct files for your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw. This helps restore communication between Windows and the printer.

Download DriverAssist here:

DriverAssist Download

Steps to Fix the Problem with DriverAssist

1. Download and install DriverAssist
2. Open the program
3. Run a full system scan
4. Find the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw in the results
5. Install the recommended updates
6. Restart your computer
7. Turn the printer back on and print a test page

This method is usually the quickest option for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users dealing with recurring paper jam messages or printer offline issues.

Why This Helps

Updated printer software can:

• Clear communication errors
• Restore printer detection
• Fix stuck print queues
• Resolve Windows update conflicts
• Improve wireless printer stability
• Remove false error messages

Many users find that paper jam errors disappear after updating the printer software correctly.

Method 2, Download Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Software Manually

You can also update the printer software manually through the Canon website.

This takes more time, but it works if you prefer handling updates yourself.

How to Download the Correct Software

1. Open your web browser
2. Visit the official Canon support website
3. Search for Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
4. Select your printer model carefully
5. Choose your Windows version

Make sure you pick the correct version:

• Windows 10 64 bit
• Windows 11 64 bit

Downloading the wrong version is one of the most common mistakes users make.

Install the Software

1. Download the recommended printer package
2. Open the installer file
3. Follow the on screen setup instructions
4. Restart the computer after installation
5. Reconnect the printer if prompted

Common Manual Installation Mistakes

Users often run into problems because they:

• Install software for the wrong printer model
• Choose the incorrect Windows version
• Disconnect the printer during setup
• Skip restarting the computer
• Leave old printer software installed

If the paper jam message still appears after installation, remove the printer from Windows and add it again.

Method 3, Update the Printer Through Device Manager

Windows Device Manager can sometimes locate updated printer software automatically.

This method is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but it may not always find the newest files.

Steps to Use Device Manager

1. Right click the Start button
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Printers
4. Find Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
5. Right click the printer
6. Select Update driver
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Windows will search for available updates.

If the Printer Is Missing

Sometimes the printer appears under:

• Other devices
• Unknown devices
• Universal Serial Bus controllers

If you see a device with a warning icon, it may be the printer.

Limitations of Device Manager

This method does not always install the latest printer software. Windows may use older generic files that still cause:

• Printer offline problems
• Paper jam errors
• Slow printing
• Missing printer features

That is why automatic update tools or direct manufacturer downloads often work better.

How to Clear a Stuck Print Queue After a Paper Jam

After clearing the jam physically, old print jobs can stay stuck in Windows.

This keeps the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw from printing normally.

Clear the Queue in Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Open Settings
2. Select Bluetooth and devices
3. Click Printers and scanners
4. Choose Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
5. Open the print queue
6. Cancel all print jobs

Restart both the printer and the computer afterward.

This often clears false paper jam notifications immediately.

How to Remove Jammed Paper Properly

Removing paper the wrong way can damage rollers or leave torn pieces inside.

Safe Removal Steps

1. Turn off the printer
2. Open the front cover carefully
3. Pull paper slowly in the direction of the paper path
4. Check the rear access area
5. Remove tiny paper scraps with care
6. Close all covers securely

Never force paper out aggressively. Small torn pieces can trigger repeated jam errors later.

Fix Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw WiFi Problems After a Paper Jam

Some users notice the printer disappears from WiFi after a jam occurs.

This usually happens because the printer reconnects differently after restarting.

Reconnect the Printer to WiFi

1. Restart your router
2. Restart the printer
3. Open Windows printer settings
4. Remove the old printer entry
5. Add the printer again
6. Select the correct wireless network

Updated printer software can also help stabilize wireless communication.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Recurring paper jam problems are often caused by a mix of hardware and software issues.

Common causes include:

• Dirty paper rollers
• Low quality paper
• Overfilled trays
• Outdated printer software
• Interrupted Windows updates
• Corrupted print queues
• Weak WiFi connections

Many users clear the paper physically but never update the software afterward. This allows the same communication problem to return repeatedly.

Keeping both the printer and Windows updated helps reduce recurring errors.

Keep Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Software Updated Automatically

Regular software updates help prevent many printer problems before they start.

Automatic update tools can help by:

• Detecting outdated printer software
• Installing compatible updates
• Preventing Windows connection issues
• Reducing printer offline errors
• Keeping printing stable after Windows updates

This is especially useful for users who print often at home or in small offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw say paper jam when there is no paper?

Old print jobs or outdated printer software can trigger false paper jam messages. Restarting the printer and updating the software usually fixes this.

Why is my Canon printer offline after clearing a paper jam?

Windows may lose communication with the printer after a jam. Restarting both devices and updating the printer software often restores the connection.

Can Windows updates cause printer problems?

Yes. Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates sometimes replace or interrupt printer software, causing printing errors, offline status, or jam messages.

How do I fix stuck print jobs on Windows 11?

Open Printers and scanners, select your Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw, then cancel all pending print jobs from the queue.

Why is my Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw printing slowly after a jam?

Corrupted print jobs or damaged printer software can slow communication between Windows and the printer.

Should I reinstall my Canon printer?

If updating the software does not work, removing and reinstalling the printer can help reset the connection completely.

Final Thoughts

Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw paper jam errors are frustrating, especially when the printer still refuses to work after the paper is removed. In many cases, the real issue is outdated or damaged printer software that prevents Windows from communicating correctly with the printer.

Starting with software updates is usually the fastest fix. Once the printer software is current, many offline errors, stuck print queues, and recurring paper jam messages disappear quickly.