Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw Printing Faded or Color Issues, How to Fix It

Printing problems can get frustrating fast, especially when your documents come out faded, streaky, too light, or missing parts of the page. Many Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw users also report blurry text, washed out graphics, random print quality changes, or pages that look different every time they print. In many cases, the issue is not the toner cartridge at all. Outdated or corrupted printer software can prevent Windows from communicating properly with the printer, leading to print quality problems and incorrect print settings.

The good news is that most faded printing and color related issues can be fixed in just a few steps. This guide walks through the fastest solutions for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before trying advanced fixes, go through this quick checklist:

• Restart the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw printer
• Restart your Windows computer
• Check toner levels
• Make sure paper is loaded correctly
• Run a printer cleaning cycle
• Clear stuck print jobs
• Update printer software
• Reconnect WiFi if using wireless printing
• Print a test page

If print quality still looks faded or incorrect, continue with the methods below.

What Causes Faded or Poor Print Quality on the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw

Many users assume faded printing always means low toner. While toner can be part of the problem, software issues are extremely common on Windows systems.

Printer software acts like a translator between Windows and your printer. It tells the printer how dark to print, what paper settings to use, how much toner to apply, and how the page should look.

When the software becomes outdated, corrupted, or incompatible after a Windows update, communication problems can happen. This may cause:

• Faded printing
• Light text
• Missing graphics
• Gray instead of black output
• Uneven print density
• Slow printing
• Printer offline errors
• Blank pages
• Incorrect paper settings

Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates sometimes replace printer settings automatically, which can also create printing issues without warning.

Method 1, Fix the Problem Automatically with DriverAssist

The fastest way to fix Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw faded printing problems is by updating the printer software automatically with DriverAssist.

DriverAssist scans your system, identifies outdated or missing printer software, and installs the correct version for your Windows setup. This helps restore proper communication between Windows and the printer.

Download DriverAssist here:

DriverAssist Download

Steps to Fix the Issue

1. Download DriverAssist using the link above
2. Install the software on your Windows PC
3. Open DriverAssist
4. Run a system scan
5. Locate the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw in the scan results
6. Update the printer software
7. Restart your computer
8. Print a test page

Many users notice improved print quality immediately after updating the printer software.

This method is recommended first because it reduces the chance of installing the wrong software version manually.

Method 2, Update Printer Software from the Canon Website

You can also manually update the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw software directly from Canon.

This method takes more time, but it works well if you prefer manual installation.

How to Find the Correct Software

1. Open your web browser
2. Visit Canon support
3. Search for Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
4. Open the printer support page
5. Select your version of Windows

Be careful when choosing your operating system. Installing Windows 10 software on Windows 11 or selecting the wrong system type can cause more printing problems.

Check Your Windows Version

To confirm your Windows version:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Open System
3. Click About
4. Look under Windows specifications

You should also confirm whether your PC uses 64 bit Windows.

Install the Software

1. Download the recommended printer software package
2. Open the downloaded file
3. Follow the installation instructions
4. Restart your computer
5. Reconnect the printer if prompted

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users accidentally:

• Download software for the wrong printer model
• Install outdated versions
• Skip restarting Windows
• Disconnect the printer during installation
• Forget to remove older printer entries

Any of these can lead to continued faded printing or communication errors.

Method 3, Update Through Windows Device Manager

Windows Device Manager also allows manual printer software updates.

This method is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11, but it has limitations. Device Manager may not always find the newest printer software available.

Steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11

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

Windows will search for available updates.

Manual Browse Option

If Windows cannot find updates:

1. Download the printer software manually first
2. Return to Device Manager
3. Select Browse my computer for drivers
4. Choose the downloaded folder
5. Continue with installation

Limitations of Device Manager

This method may:

• Install generic printer software
• Miss manufacturer specific features
• Fail to detect the newest version
• Leave print quality problems unresolved

That is why many users prefer automated update tools for printer related issues.

Adjust Print Quality Settings

Sometimes Windows resets print settings after updates.

You can manually adjust print quality settings to improve faded output.

Change Print Density Settings

1. Open Control Panel
2. Select Devices and Printers
3. Right click Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw
4. Choose Printing preferences
5. Look for Quality or Density settings
6. Increase print darkness if available
7. Apply the changes

Check Toner Save Mode

Some printers include Toner Save Mode, which intentionally reduces print darkness.

Disable this setting if your pages look faded.

Use Correct Paper Type

Incorrect paper settings can also affect print quality.

Match the paper type in printer settings with the actual paper loaded in the tray.

Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print queue can sometimes create incomplete or faded print jobs.

Clear Print Jobs in Windows

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

Restart both the printer and computer afterward.

Run Printer Maintenance Tools

The Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw includes built in maintenance options that may improve print quality.

Print a Cleaning Page

1. Open printer settings
2. Locate Maintenance
3. Run Cleaning or Deep Cleaning
4. Print a test page afterward

Cleaning cycles help remove toner buildup and improve print consistency.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Printer problems often return because Windows updates frequently change system files and device communication settings.

Over time, printer software can become:

• Outdated
• Corrupted
• Partially overwritten
• Incompatible with new Windows updates

Wireless network changes can also interrupt communication between your printer and PC.

That is why many users experience repeated problems like:

• Printer offline
• Printer not responding
• Slow printing
• Faded pages
• Blank documents
• WiFi connection failures

Keeping printer software updated consistently helps prevent recurring issues.

Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Many users forget to check for printer software updates until something stops working.

Automatic update tools can help prevent future issues by regularly checking for outdated printer software and installing compatible versions for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

This reduces the risk of:

• Print quality problems
• Printer communication errors
• Offline printer issues
• Missing printer features
• Failed print jobs

Regular updates also help your printer stay compatible with future Windows updates.

FAQ

Why is my Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw printing faded pages?

Faded printing is commonly caused by low toner, incorrect print settings, or outdated printer software that affects communication with Windows.

Why does my printer print light text after a Windows update?

Windows updates can replace or reset printer settings, causing print density or communication issues that lead to lighter output.

How do I fix a Canon printer that prints blank pages?

Check toner levels, clear the print queue, restart the printer, and update the printer software. Corrupted software can sometimes cause blank page printing.

Can outdated printer software cause poor print quality?

Yes. Outdated software may send incorrect instructions to the printer, resulting in faded text, missing graphics, or blurry output.

Why does my Canon printer keep going offline?

Wireless interruptions, outdated printer software, or Windows communication errors can all trigger offline printer problems.

Does Windows 11 cause printer issues?

Some users experience compatibility problems after upgrading to Windows 11, especially if older printer software remains installed.

Final Thoughts

Faded printing and poor print quality on the Canon imageCLASS LBP172dw are often caused by outdated printer software, incorrect settings, or Windows communication problems. While toner issues are possible, many users solve the problem simply by updating the printer software and resetting printer settings.

Starting with an automatic update solution is usually the fastest and easiest fix. Manual installation and Device Manager updates can also help if needed.

Keeping your printer software updated regularly can help prevent recurring print quality problems in the future.