Unlock Your Canon MX490: Official Driver Downloads for Seamless Performance

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Introduction to the Canon PIXMA MX490 and Its Drivers

The Canon PIXMA MX490 is a compact and versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home and small office use, offering printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functionalities. Its wireless capabilities, including support for Google Cloud Print and AirPrint, make it a convenient choice for modern environments. However, like all hardware, the MX490 relies on specific software—drivers—to communicate effectively with your computer. Without the correct drivers, you might experience issues ranging from unrecognized devices to poor print quality or complete malfunction.

Important Note: Canon U.S.A. has officially retired the PIXMA MX490, meaning direct product support and ongoing driver updates are no longer being made by Canon U.S.A. However, regional Canon support sites may still host the last available official drivers, and the printer remains functional with existing software packages and operating system built-in drivers.

Why Canon MX490 Drivers Are Essential

Drivers act as the translator between your operating system (Windows or macOS) and your Canon MX490 printer. They ensure that commands sent from your computer are correctly interpreted and executed by the printer. Properly installed drivers unlock all the features of your MX490, from high-resolution printing to seamless scanning and wireless connectivity.

Official Canon MX490 Driver Downloads

Even with the MX490 being a retired product, Canon regional support sites still provide access to the last available official drivers. It is always recommended to download drivers from official sources to ensure compatibility and avoid potential software conflicts or security risks.

For Windows Users (Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP)

The Canon MX490 series MP Drivers package offers full functionality for your printer, including print, scan, and fax drivers. This package also facilitates wireless setup. The latest version available from Canon Singapore supports Windows 11 and earlier versions.

• Driver Name: MX490 series MP Drivers Ver. 1.02
• Supported OS: Windows 11, 10 (32/64-bit), 8.1, 8, 7, Vista SP1/SP2, XP SP3
• Last Updated: October 15, 2021
• Size: 32.30 MB
• Official Download Link: Download MX490 series MP Drivers Ver. 1.02

For macOS Users (macOS Catalina and Older)

For Mac users, the CUPS Printer Driver is the primary component for enabling print functionality. While newer macOS versions might offer built-in support, it’s often beneficial to use the last official driver package for full features.

• Driver Name: MX490 series CUPS Printer Driver Ver. 16.40.1.0
• Supported OS: macOS Catalina (10.15), Mojave (10.14), High Sierra (10.13), Sierra (v10.12.1 or later), OS X El Capitan (v10.11), OS X Yosemite (v10.10), OS X Mavericks (v10.9), OS X Mountain Lion (v10.8), OS X Lion (v10.7)
• Last Updated: September 29, 2022
• Size: 14.41 MB
• Official Download Link: Download MX490 series CUPS Printer Driver Ver. 16.40.1.0

How to Install Your Canon MX490 Driver

Installing the Canon MX490 driver is a straightforward process. Follow these general steps for a successful setup:

1. Prepare Your System

   • Disconnect the Printer: If connecting via USB, disconnect the USB cable from your computer before starting the driver installation.
   • Close Applications: Close any open applications to prevent conflicts during installation.
   • Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum OS and hardware requirements for the driver version.

2. Download the Driver

   • Navigate to the appropriate official download link provided above for your operating system.
   • Click the download link to save the driver file (.exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS) to your computer.

3. Run the Installation Wizard

   • For Windows: Locate the downloaded .exe file and double-click it to start the installation. Follow the on-screen prompts, accept the license agreement, and choose your installation preferences.
   • For macOS: Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to mount the disk image. Open the mounted image and double-click the installer package (often labeled ‘Setup’ or similar) to begin the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Connect Your Printer

   • The installer will prompt you to connect your printer (either via USB or guide you through wireless setup) at the appropriate time. Follow these instructions carefully.
   • Ensure your printer is powered on.

5. Complete Setup and Test

   • Once the installation is complete, you may be prompted to restart your computer.
   • Perform a test print to confirm that the printer is communicating correctly with your computer.

Key Features of the Canon PIXMA MX490

The PIXMA MX490 offers a range of features that make it a reliable device for various tasks:

• Wireless Connectivity: Easily print from almost anywhere in your home or office using Wi-Fi, AirPrint for Apple devices, and the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for smartphones and tablets.
• All-in-One Functionality: Enjoy the convenience of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing from a single, compact device.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A fully integrated 20-sheet ADF simplifies scanning and copying multi-page documents.
• High-Quality Output: Achieve crisp documents and vibrant photos with a maximum color print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
• My Image Garden Software: This software organizes your photos and offers creative printing features like Special Filters and Full HD Movie Print.
• Quiet Mode: Print quietly, minimizing distractions in your home or office environment.

Troubleshooting Common Canon MX490 Driver Issues

Even with proper installation, you might encounter issues. Here are common problems and troubleshooting tips:

Printer Not Responding or Printing Does Not Start

• Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and computer, or that your printer is properly connected to your wireless network.
• Power Cycle: Turn off your printer and computer, then turn them back on. This can resolve temporary communication glitches.
• Printer Status: Verify the printer’s status. If it’s showing an error message on its LCD screen, consult the printer manual or Canon’s knowledge base.
• Check Print Queue: Clear any stuck print jobs in your computer’s print queue.
• Reinstall Driver: If the problem persists, uninstall the current driver and reinstall it following the steps above.

Driver Installation Failure

• Administrator Privileges: Ensure you are logged in as an administrator on your computer before attempting to install drivers.
• Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software during installation, as they can sometimes block driver components. Remember to re-enable them afterward.
• Corrupt Download: Redownload the driver file in case the previous download was corrupted.

Poor Print Quality

• Check Ink Levels: Ensure ink cartridges are not empty or low.
• Perform Maintenance: Use the printer’s utility software to perform print head cleaning, print head alignment, or nozzle check functions.
• Update Driver: While new drivers are not being made, ensure you have the latest available official driver, as older drivers might not be fully optimized.

Scanning Issues

• Install ScanGear Driver: Ensure the ScanGear (scanner driver) component, usually included with the MP Drivers package, is installed.
• Check Connection: Verify the printer’s connection, especially for wireless scanning.
• Use IJ Scan Utility: Utilize Canon’s IJ Scan Utility (if available for your OS) for easier scanning management.

Conclusion

Maintaining up-to-date drivers for your Canon PIXMA MX490 is essential for optimal performance, even though the product has been retired by Canon U.S.A. By following this guide, you can successfully download and install the necessary drivers for your Windows or macOS system, ensuring your all-in-one printer continues to meet your printing, scanning, copying, and faxing needs. Always prioritize official Canon sources for driver downloads and refer to Canon’s support resources for advanced troubleshooting.