imageCLASS MF262dw II Printing Has Stopped — How to Fix

Printing interruptions can be frustrating, especially when they happen during important tasks. If you own a Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II, you may have experienced issues where the printer suddenly stops responding or fails to print documents. Many users assume the printer itself is malfunctioning, but in most cases, the root cause is related to its driver.

A printer driver is the communication bridge between your Canon device and your Windows system. When that driver becomes outdated, missing, or corrupted, your computer and printer cannot exchange instructions properly. This results in failed print jobs, unexpected errors, or the printer showing as “offline” even when it is connected. The good news is that updating the driver can often restore normal operation within minutes.

In this guide, we will cover three reliable ways to update the driver for the imageCLASS MF262dw II. We will start with the simplest method using DriverAssist, then walk you through manual updates via the manufacturer’s support website and Windows Device Manager.

Why Outdated or Missing Drivers Cause Printer Problems

Drivers act as translators. Your computer sends data in its own language, and the driver converts it into instructions the Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II can understand. When the driver is outdated or corrupted, the translation process breaks down. This is why you may see symptoms such as:

• The printer does not appear in the print dialog box
• Jobs remain stuck in the print queue
• Windows marks the printer as “unavailable”
• Random error messages during printing
• Poor communication with Wi-Fi or USB connections

Keeping your printer driver up to date ensures compatibility with Windows updates, application changes, and new security requirements.

Method 1: Use DriverAssist (Recommended)

The easiest way to update your Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II driver is with DriverAssist, an intelligent tool that automatically detects missing or outdated drivers and installs the correct ones without requiring technical knowledge.

Steps to update your printer driver with DriverAssist:

1. Download DriverAssist from this link.
2. Install the application by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Open DriverAssist, then run a scan of your system.
4. The program will identify the Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II driver if it is outdated, missing, or corrupt.
5. Click to update. DriverAssist will download and install the most compatible driver.
6. Restart your computer, then test your printer by printing a document.

This method is ideal for everyday users who prefer a quick, one-click solution without manually searching for files.

Method 2: Download from Canon’s Official Website

For those who prefer to handle the update directly from the manufacturer, Canon provides official drivers for the imageCLASS MF262dw II on its support website.

Steps to update your driver manually from Canon’s website:

1. Open a web browser and go to Canon’s official support page.
2. In the search bar, type imageCLASS MF262dw II, then select the correct model.
3. Choose your Windows version from the operating system list.
4. Locate the latest driver package available for download.
5. Click Download, then wait for the file to finish downloading.
6. Open the installer, then follow the step-by-step installation instructions.
7. Restart your computer once the installation is complete.
8. Try printing a test page to confirm the driver update was successful.

While this method guarantees that you get the latest driver directly from Canon, it does require careful attention to selecting the right Windows version and file.

Method 3: Update via Windows Device Manager

Windows also provides a built-in tool called Device Manager that allows you to update drivers directly through the system. This method works best if you want Windows to automatically check for the latest driver available online.

Steps to update your printer driver with Device Manager:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type devmgmt.msc, then press Enter.
3. In Device Manager, expand the section labeled Printers or Print queues.
4. Right-click the Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II, then select Update driver.
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
6. Windows will look online for the latest driver. If available, it will download and install it.
7. Restart your computer once the update is complete.
8. Print a document to verify the driver is working correctly.

This method is straightforward but sometimes limited. Windows may not always locate the latest driver compared to the manufacturer’s website or DriverAssist.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• DriverAssist is recommended if you want the fastest and easiest way without worrying about compatibility issues.
• Canon’s official website is best if you prefer to download directly from the manufacturer and are comfortable navigating support pages.
• Device Manager is a built-in option but may not always have the most current version available.

Final Tips to Keep Your Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II Running Smoothly

1. Restart your printer and PC after updates. This ensures the new driver is fully recognized.
2. Clear your print queue before testing the updated driver. Old pending jobs may still cause errors.
3. Check your connections. Sometimes a loose USB cable or unstable Wi-Fi can appear as a driver-related issue.
4. Schedule periodic driver checks. Using a tool like DriverAssist can automate this process so you do not have to remember to check manually.

By making sure your Canon imageCLASS MF262dw II driver is always up to date, you can avoid many common printing interruptions and enjoy smoother printing on Windows.