Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Paper Jam Fix – How to Fix It

Paper jam errors on the Canon imageCLASS MF287dw can be incredibly frustrating, especially when nothing seems stuck inside the printer. You might see a “paper jam” message, notice printing stops halfway, or find the printer refusing to respond even after clearing the tray. In some cases, the printer keeps repeating the same error again and again, making it feel like nothing works.

Common symptoms include paper not feeding properly, wrinkled sheets, frequent stopping during print jobs, or the printer going offline unexpectedly. In many situations, the real issue is not just physical paper inside the machine, but outdated or corrupted printer software that miscommunicates with Windows.

The good news is that you can fix this quickly with a few simple steps.

Quick Fix Checklist

Try these quick solutions first before deeper troubleshooting:

• Turn off the printer and unplug it for 60 seconds
• Remove all paper and reload it neatly aligned
• Check inside for small torn paper pieces
• Restart your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
• Ensure printer software is updated

If the error continues, move on to the full methods below.

Why Paper Jam Errors Really Happen

Your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw depends on printer software to communicate with your Windows computer. This software tells the printer how to handle paper feeding, detect jams, and process print jobs correctly.

When the software becomes outdated or damaged, the printer can start misreading signals. That is when false paper jam alerts appear, even when there is no physical blockage. You may also notice delayed printing, repeated stops, or error messages that do not go away.

Another common cause is Windows updates. After updating Windows 10 or Windows 11, older printer software may no longer function correctly. This can lead to communication errors between your computer and printer.

That is why fixing software issues is just as important as checking the printer hardware.

Method 1 – Fastest Solution Using DriverAssist

The quickest way to fix repeated paper jam errors is to update your printer software automatically using DriverAssist.

Instead of searching manually, DriverAssist scans your system and installs the correct software for your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw.

Steps:

1. Download and install DriverAssist
2. Launch DriverAssist
3. Run a full scan of your system
4. Locate your Canon printer in the results
5. Click update to install the correct software
6. Restart your computer

This method is especially useful if your printer keeps showing errors even after you remove stuck paper. It removes guesswork and ensures the correct version is installed for your system.

Method 2 – Manual Update from Canon Website

If you prefer to fix the issue manually, you can download printer software directly from Canon.

Steps:

1. Visit the official Canon support website
2. Search for “Canon imageCLASS MF287dw”
3. Select your exact printer model
4. Choose your Windows version (Windows 10 or Windows 11)
5. Download the recommended software package
6. Open the installer and follow instructions
7. Restart your computer after installation

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Selecting the wrong printer model
• Downloading software for a different Windows version
• Installing only partial components
• Forgetting to restart the computer

Manual installation works well, but requires careful selection of the correct files.

Method 3 – Using Windows Device Manager

Windows also allows you to update printer software through Device Manager, but results may vary.

Steps:

1. Right-click the Start button
2. Open Device Manager
3. Expand the Printers section
4. Locate Canon imageCLASS MF287dw
5. Right-click and choose Update driver
6. Select Search automatically for updates
7. Follow on-screen instructions

Limitations:

• Windows may install a basic version only
• It may not fix advanced paper jam errors
• Updates are often outdated compared to Canon or DriverAssist

This method is simple but not always the most reliable.

How to Physically Clear a Paper Jam

Even if software is the cause, you should still check the printer physically.

Steps:

• Turn off and unplug the printer
• Open all access covers
• Carefully remove any visible paper
• Check rollers for small torn pieces
• Reinsert toner cartridge if needed
• Close covers properly
• Turn the printer back on

Never pull paper forcefully, as it can damage internal parts.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Many users fix the issue once, but it returns later. This usually happens because the root cause was not fully resolved.

Common reasons include:

• Outdated printer software still installed
• Dust or debris inside rollers
• Incorrect paper loading
• Mixed paper sizes in the tray
• Windows updates interfering with printer communication

If software is not updated properly, the printer may continue showing false errors even when nothing is wrong physically.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 Differences

Both Windows versions handle printers similarly, but there are small differences.

Windows 10:

• Printer settings found in Control Panel and Settings
• Easier access to older drivers

Windows 11:

• Printer settings centralized in Settings app
• Older printer software may require updates more often

If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, updating your printer software becomes even more important.

How to Prevent Future Paper Jam Issues

To avoid repeated problems, follow these simple habits:

• Use clean, flat paper only
• Do not overload the paper tray
• Keep paper stored in a dry environment
• Clean rollers occasionally
• Keep printer software updated regularly

Small maintenance steps can prevent major printing interruptions.

Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Manual updates can be easy to forget. Automatic tools like DriverAssist help ensure your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw always has the correct software version installed.

This reduces repeated errors, improves communication with Windows, and prevents false paper jam alerts caused by outdated software.

FAQ – Common Questions

Why does my printer say paper jam when nothing is stuck?
This is usually caused by outdated or corrupted printer software misreading internal sensors.

Can outdated software really cause paper jam errors?
Yes, it can trigger false alerts and stop print jobs even when hardware is fine.

Why does the same paper jam keep happening?
It may be due to old software, dirty rollers, or incorrect paper loading.

Is it safe to remove jammed paper myself?
Yes, but always power off the printer first and remove paper gently.

Does Windows update affect printer issues?
Yes, Windows updates can disrupt older printer software connections.

Which is better, manual update or automatic tool?
Automatic tools are faster and reduce the risk of installing incorrect software.

Conclusion

Paper jam errors on the Canon imageCLASS MF287dw are often not caused by actual paper stuck inside the printer. In many cases, the real issue comes from outdated or corrupted printer software that prevents proper communication between your printer and Windows.

While clearing paper physically is important, it usually does not solve repeated errors on its own. Updating the printer software is the key step that many users overlook. You can fix the issue quickly using DriverAssist for automatic updates, or manually through Canon’s website or Windows Device Manager.

By keeping your printer software updated and following simple maintenance habits, you can prevent most paper jam problems from returning and keep your printer running smoothly.