Canon imageCLASS MF287dw Stuck in Queue – How to Fix It

Dealing with a printer that refuses to print can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry. If your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw is stuck in the queue, showing documents that will not print, freezing jobs, or repeatedly saying “printing” without action, you are not alone. Many users also report the printer going offline or printing nothing at all. The good news is that this is usually easy to fix. In most cases, outdated printer software is the root cause, and a quick update can get everything working again.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before diving into detailed steps, try these quick fixes first:

• Restart your printer and computer
• Cancel all stuck print jobs
• Check your WiFi or USB connection
• Set your printer as the default device
• Update your printer software

If the problem persists, follow the methods below in order.

What Causes Print Jobs to Get Stuck

Your printer relies on software to communicate with Windows. This software acts like a translator between your computer and the printer. When it becomes outdated, corrupted, or missing, communication breaks down.

This leads to issues like print jobs getting stuck, the printer showing offline, or documents not printing at all.

Windows updates can also disrupt this connection. After a system update, your printer may stop responding because the existing software is no longer fully compatible.

Method 1 – Fastest Fix Using DriverAssist

The quickest and easiest way to fix a stuck print queue is by updating your printer software automatically.

DriverAssist scans your system, finds the correct software for your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw, and installs it for you. This removes guesswork and saves time.

Follow these steps:

1. Download and install DriverAssist
2. Open the program and run a scan
3. Locate your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw in the list
4. Click update and let the tool complete the process
5. Restart your computer

Once updated, try printing again. Most queue issues are resolved immediately after updating.

Method 2 – Manual Fix from Manufacturer Website

If you prefer to update manually, you can download the correct software from the manufacturer’s website.

Here is how:

1. Open your web browser
2. Go to the official Canon support website
3. Search for “Canon imageCLASS MF287dw”
4. Select your exact printer model from the results
5. Choose your operating system, such as Windows 10 or Windows 11
6. Download the recommended software package
7. Open the file and follow installation instructions
8. Restart your computer

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Selecting the wrong printer model
• Choosing the wrong Windows version
• Skipping the restart after installation

Even a small mismatch can cause the printer to remain stuck in the queue.

Method 3 – Update Through Windows Device Manager

Windows also allows you to update printer software through Device Manager. This method is built in but can be limited.

Steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Right click the Start button
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand the Printers section
4. Find your Canon imageCLASS MF287dw
5. Right click and select Update driver
6. Choose Search automatically for updated software

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

Limitations of this method:

• It may not find the latest version
• It depends on Windows database updates
• It may not fix deeper software issues

If this method does not work, use Method 1 for a more complete fix.

How to Clear a Stuck Print Queue Manually

Sometimes you also need to clear the queue before printing again.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
3. Find Print Spooler
4. Right click and select Stop
5. Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
6. Delete all files in that folder
7. Go back and start the Print Spooler again

This clears all stuck jobs and resets the queue.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Many users fix the issue once, only to see it return later.

This happens because:

• Printer software becomes outdated again
• Windows updates overwrite existing settings
• Network changes interrupt the connection
• Old print jobs remain stuck in memory

Unless the underlying software issue is addressed, the problem will repeat.

How to Keep Your Printer Working Smoothly

To avoid future issues:

• Keep your printer software updated regularly
• Restart your printer occasionally
• Check connections after Windows updates
• Avoid leaving too many jobs in the queue

Using an automatic update tool can help maintain consistent communication between your computer and printer without manual effort.

FAQ

Why is my Canon imageCLASS MF287dw not printing even though it is connected?
This usually happens due to outdated or corrupted printer software. Updating it often restores proper communication.

How do I fix a printer that is stuck on “printing”?
Clear the print queue and update your printer software. Restart both the printer and your computer afterward.

Why does my printer keep going offline on Windows 11?
Windows updates can disrupt connections. Reinstalling or updating the printer software usually resolves this.

Can a stuck print queue fix itself?
Not usually. You need to manually clear the queue or restart the Print Spooler service.

Is this issue common on Windows 10?
Yes, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users experience this, especially after updates.

Do I need to reinstall my printer completely?
In most cases, updating the printer software is enough. Full reinstallation is rarely required.

Final Thoughts

A stuck print queue on the Canon imageCLASS MF287dw is a common issue, but it is also one of the easiest to fix. In most cases, outdated printer software is the cause, and updating it resolves the problem quickly.

Start with the automatic solution for the fastest results. If needed, try manual methods to ensure everything is set up correctly. Keeping your printer software updated will prevent this issue from returning and save you time in the future.