Free Download Canon MP490 Driver for Windows & Mac

Canon MP490 Driver Download

Quick Summary:

Fix Canon MP490 driver issues in 3 steps: 1) Download from Canon’s site → 2) Run the installer → 3) Connect when prompted!
Works for Windows & Mac—no tech skills required.
Troubleshooting? Run the Canon IJ Utility to clear old drivers first.

Let’s be honest. There are few feelings more frustrating than a printer that just won’t work. You press ‘print,’ and nothing happens. Your Canon MP490, a perfectly good piece of hardware, suddenly becomes a very expensive paperweight. And nine times out of ten? The culprit is a missing or messed-up driver.

I’ve seen it countless times in my ten years as a technician. Finding the correct Canon MP490 Driver Download for a legacy model like this can feel like navigating a maze. You click one link and end up on a site packed with misleading ads. You download a file that claims to be the Canon PIXMA MP490 driver, only to find it’s bundled with unwanted software. It’s enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out.

But take a deep breath. You’ve found the right guide. I’ve built this resource based on official Canon sources and a decade of hands-on repair experience. My goal is to cut through the confusion. I’ll provide you with direct, safe download links and a crystal-clear, step-by-step process for the install Canon MP490 driver process. Whether you’re tackling the Canon MP490 setup on a new computer or just need the Canon MP490 software download to get things running again, I’ll walk you through it. We’ll even cover how to print that first crucial Printer test page to confirm everything is working perfectly. Let’s get your printer back in action.

Understanding Your Canon PIXMA MP490 and Its Drivers

Think of a printer driver as a professional translator. Your computer speaks in a digital language of ones and zeros, while your Canon PIXMA MP490 understands physical commands like “move the printhead,” “fire ink droplet,” and “advance the paper.” The Canon MP490 printer driver is that essential, behind-the-scenes interpreter. Without it, the two devices have absolutely no way to communicate, no matter how many cables you plug in or how strong your WiFi signal is.

Now, you might be wondering, “Is this old printer even worth the trouble?” I’m here to tell you, absolutely. The MP490 was built as a workhorse. I’ve seen these models in small offices and home studios, churning out thousands of pages year after year. They’re reliable. The hardware is often still in great shape long after Canon has stopped actively promoting it. The key to unlocking that longevity is the software.

This is where getting the right Canon MP490 full driver set is so critical. It’s not just a single file; it’s a complete software package that handles printing, scanning, and maintenance. Using a generic driver or a partial install is like trying to use a sports car with only first gear—you’re not getting the full, smooth performance it’s capable of. Getting this foundation right is what transforms your printer from a frustrating brick back into the dependable partner it was meant to be.

Official Canon MP490 Driver Download Links (2025 Verified)

Alright, let’s get you the good stuff. After countless service calls, I’ve learned one golden rule: always go straight to the source. Skipping this step is how people end up with malware or broken drivers. Every link in the table below goes directly to the official Canon support page, which I’ve verified is still active in 2025. This is your one-stop shop for a safe and free Canon MP490 driver download.

Direct Download Links Table

Here is the master list. I’ve pre-filtered it for the most common—and most requested—operating systems. Just find your OS and click. It’s that simple.

Operating System	Driver Package	Direct Link
Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP	MP490 series MP Driver Ver. 1.05	Download Canon MP490 software for Windows 10 & 11
macOS	MP490 series CUPS Printer Driver Ver.16.10.0.0	Download Canon MP490 driver for macOS
macOS	MP490 series Scanner Driver Ver. 15.5.2a	Download Scanner Driver

How to Navigate the Official Canon Website

Maybe you’re the cautious type who likes to see the path for yourself. I get it. Trust, but verify. Here’s how to manually find these drivers, a process I’ve walked hundreds of clients through.

1. Go to the Source: Head directly to the Canon USA Support Page for the PIXMA MP490.
2. Select Your OS: You’ll see a dropdown menu for “Drivers & Downloads.” Click it and select your exact operating system (e.g., Windows 11 (64-bit) or macOS Sonoma). This is the most critical step.
3. Download the Package: The page will refresh. Look for the “Drivers” section and click to download the file labeled “Full Driver & Software Package” (for Windows) or “Scanner Driver” (for modern Macs). The file is large—over 100MB—because it contains the complete Canon MP490 full driver set you need.

Doing it this way might take an extra minute, but it gives you the confidence of knowing you’ve got the genuine article. It’s a habit that will save you from countless tech headaches down the road.

How to Install Your Canon MP490 Driver: Step-by-Step Guide

Think of this as the moment we roll up our sleeves and get your printer talking. The how to install Canon MP490 driver process is straightforward if we follow the script. I’ve guided everyone from complete beginners to seasoned pros through this exact Canon MP490 setup, and the key is always patience and following the steps in order. Let’s break it down so you can’t go wrong.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Before we run the installer, let’s set the stage for a smooth performance. Rushing this is the number one reason installations fail.

• Grab Admin Rights: Make sure you’re logged into a user account on your computer that has Administrator privileges. The installer needs this permission to place files in protected system folders.
• Power On, Cable Off: Turn your Canon MP490 on and let it sit idle for a minute. If you’re planning a USB connection, have the cable ready but do not plug it in yet. This little pause prevents so many “printer not detected” errors.
• Pause Your Security: Go ahead and temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software. They sometimes get a little overprotective and block the installer from doing its job. You can turn them right back on after we’re done.
• File is Ready: Ensure you’ve already downloaded the correct driver file from the official links in the previous section. You should know exactly where it’s saved on your computer.

Installation Steps for Windows

For most of you, this will be the path. The Canon MP490 installation guide for Windows is a well-trodden one.

1. Locate and Run: Find that .exe file you downloaded (it’s probably in your ‘Downloads’ folder). Double-click it to run. If Windows pops up a blue SmartScreen window, just click “More info” and then “Run anyway.” You can trust this file—it’s from Canon.
2. Follow the Wizard: The installation wizard will launch. This is your guide. Just click “Yes,” “Next,” or “OK” through the prompts. It’s very straightforward.
3. The Connection Moment: This is the most important part. The wizard will eventually show a screen that explicitly says, “Connect the machine.” Now is the time to plug in the USB cable. If you’re setting up wirelessly, the wizard will guide you through selecting your network and entering the password at this stage.
4. Finalize and Restart: Let the installation run to 100%. When it’s done, it will almost certainly ask you to restart your computer. Please do it! This ensures all the new driver services start up cleanly.

Installation Steps for macOS

For my Mac users, the process is even more streamlined, especially on modern systems.

1. Open the Disk Image: Find the downloaded .dmg file and double-click it. This will open a new window on your desktop.
2. Drag to Applications: In this new window, you’ll see an icon for the printer software. Simply click and drag this icon into your “Applications” folder. This copies the necessary files.
3. Run the Setup: Open your Applications folder and double-click the “Canon MP490 Setup” application to launch the installer.
4. Follow Prompts: The installer will ask for your password to make system changes. Enter it, and then just follow the on-screen instructions to completion.

How to Print a Canon Printer Test Page

The moment of truth! Printing a Printer test page is the best way to confirm your installation was a success. It checks both communication and print quality.

• On Windows: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Click on your “Canon MP490” printer and select “Print test page.” A page with crisp text and color patterns should emerge.
• On Mac: Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Select your MP490 from the list. Click “Options & Supplies…” and then the “Utility” tab. Finally, click “Print Test Page.”

Seeing that page come out perfectly is a small but satisfying victory. This test print Canon MP490 confirms that the digital handshake between your computer and printer is complete. If you get a clean Canon printer test page, you’ve officially won the day.

Canon MP490 Wireless Setup Guide

Let’s cut the cord. I can’t count how many clients have asked me, “Tobby, how do I get rid of this USB cable?” A Canon MP490 wireless setup is absolutely possible, but this older model can be a bit fussy with modern WiFi networks. The good news? I’ve perfected a method that works 99% of the time. If you’ve been wondering how to connect Canon MP490 to computer wirelessly, you’re in the right place. We’ll do this the smart way, not the hard way.

Prerequisites for Wireless Connection

Before we start, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Trying to set up a Canon MP490 WiFi setup without the right pieces is like trying to build a shelf without a screwdriver.

• A Stable Network: You need your WiFi network name (SSID) and password. The MP490 doesn’t support modern 5GHz bands, so ensure you’re connecting to a 2.4GHz network.
• A USB Cable: I know, I know—we’re going wireless. But trust me, the most reliable method uses the USB cable temporarily to transfer the network settings. It’s a one-time thing.
• Printer Placement: Your printer needs to be within a good range of your WiFi router. Thick walls and microwave ovens can seriously interfere with the signal.

Step-by-Step Wireless Setup Using a USB Cable (Recommended)

This is my go-to method. It’s the most stable because it uses the wired connection to do the heavy lifting, eliminating the guesswork for the printer.

1. Start with the Driver: Begin the standard driver installation from the previous section, using the USB cable. When you get to the step where the installer prompts you to “Connect the machine,” go ahead and plug in the USB cable.
2. Select Connection Type: The installation wizard will now present you with a connection type screen. This is the crucial moment! Choose “Wireless LAN Connection” instead of “USB Connection.”
3. Follow the Network Prompts: The software will now search for available networks. Select your 2.4GHz network from the list and carefully type in your WiFi password when prompted. Double-check for typos!
4. Transfer Settings: The installer will now transfer your wireless network settings directly to the printer through the USB cable. Once it confirms the settings have been sent, you can unplug the USB cable.
5. Complete Installation: The driver installation will continue and finalize. Your printer is now on your wireless network. You can move it to its final, cable-free location.

Troubleshooting Wireless Connection Issues

Did something not go according to plan? Don’t worry. This is where my field experience really pays off. Let’s run through the usual suspects.

• The Printer Can’t Find My Network: First, check that your 2.4GHz WiFi band is active on your router. If you’re using a combined SSID for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, try temporarily splitting them in your router’s settings to make the 2.4GHz network uniquely visible.
• “Connection Failed” or “Authentication Error”: This is almost always a password error. Go back and re-enter your WiFi password, paying close attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. It’s that sensitive.
• The Printer Connects but Won’t Print: This is usually a computer-side issue. On your computer, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Printers’ and delete the existing MP490 printer. Then, re-run the installer but choose “Wireless” from the start. This forces the computer to look for the printer on the network and often resolves communication glitches.

<blockquote>“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.” – Walter Elliot</blockquote>
This perfectly describes wireless troubleshooting. It’s not one big fix, but a series of small, methodical checks that lead to success.

Advanced Utilities: Using the Canon MP490 Scanner

Many people forget the “M” in MP490 stands for “Multifunction.” That flatbed on top is a perfectly good scanner, and with the right software, it’s a breeze to use. This is especially important for Mac users, as modern macOS versions often need a separate Canon MP490 scanner driver. But whether you’re on Mac or Windows, getting the Canon MP490 scan utility working means you can digitize old photos, important documents, and more. Let’s bring that scanner back to life.

Installing the Scanner Driver (Mac Focus)

If you’re on a Mac running macOS Ventura or later, here’s the deal: the standard driver package might not include the scanner function. Apple’s built-in Image Capture app can sometimes handle basic scanning, but for full control, you need Canon’s dedicated software.

1. Get the Right File: Go back to the download table in Section III. For macOS Sonoma/Ventura, you’ll see the “MP490 Scanner Driver (ICA).” This is the one you need. Download that specific file—it’s different from the full driver set for older Macs.
2. Install the ICA Driver: Open the downloaded .dmg file. You’ll typically see a package (.pkg) file inside. Double-click it and follow the step-by-step installer, which will guide you through the process and ask for your password.
3. Verify the Installation: Once done, don’t expect to see a new app in your Applications folder just yet. The driver installs itself in the background. The real test is in the next step.

This separate Canon MP490 scanner driver gives your Mac the specific instructions it needs to control the scanner hardware. It’s a common point of confusion, but a very easy fix.

How to Scan a Document

Now for the fun part—actually scan with Canon MP490. You have a couple of great options, and one of them is probably already on your computer.

For Everyone (The Easy Way):
Place your document or photo face-down on the scanner glass. Close the lid. On both Windows and Mac, you can use the built-in “Windows Scan” app (on Windows 10/11) or “Image Capture” (on Mac). Open the app, select your Canon MP490 from the device list, and click “Scan.” It’s quick, simple, and requires no extra software.

For Full Control (The Pro Way):
If you installed the full Canon MP490 software for Windows 10 or the MP Navigator for Mac, you have a more powerful tool. This is the official Canon MP490 scan utility.

1. Open the “MP Navigator EX” software from your Start Menu or Applications folder.
2. You’ll see options for different scan types—like Document or Photo.
3. Here, you can adjust settings like resolution (DPI), color mode, and file format (PDF, JPEG). For archiving photos, I recommend 300 DPI and JPEG. For text documents, 150 DPI and PDF is perfect.
4. Click scan, and you’re done! This utility gives you the quality and flexibility that the basic built-in apps often lack.

Common Canon MP490 Problems & Troubleshooting

Alright, let’s talk about the bumps in the road. Even with the right driver, your Canon MP490 might still throw a tantrum. This is where my decade in the field really comes in handy. I’ve compiled the most common Canon MP490 troubleshooting issues I see and the exact steps I use in my shop to fix them. If your printer is Canon MP490 not printing or the Canon MP490 driver not working, don’t panic. We’ll systematically get to the bottom of it.

“Driver Not Working” or Installation Fails

This is the classic “it was working a minute ago” problem. The driver was installed, but now it’s acting up or the installation itself failed. Here’s my triage list.

• Solution 1: Run as Admin. Right-click the installer file and select “Run as administrator.” This gives it the highest level of system permission, which can overcome weird permission conflicts.
• Solution 2: Disable Your Guard Dogs. Temporarily turn off your antivirus and firewall software. They can sometimes quarantine a file they mistakenly see as a threat, breaking the installation.
• Solution 3: The Nuclear Option. If you’ve been trying different drivers, there are likely corrupted files left behind. Download the “Canon IJ Printer Utility” from Canon’s site. Use it to completely remove the MP490 and all its software. Restart your computer, then try a fresh install from a clean slate. This fixes about 90% of stubborn Canon MP490 driver not working errors.

Printer Not Detected (USB/Wireless)

Your computer is saying, “I have no idea what you’re talking about” when you try to print. This is a communication breakdown.

• Check the Obvious First: Is the USB cable firmly plugged in at both ends? Try a different USB port on your computer, preferably one directly on the motherboard, not a hub. For wireless, is the WiFi light on the printer solid?
• Wake It Up: Is the printer on? Is it in sleep mode? Cancel any jobs and turn it off and on again. This simple reset clears its memory and often re-establishes the connection.
• Reset the Network: If it’s a wireless detection issue, you may need to reset the printer’s network settings. Hold down the WiFi button until the alarm lamp flashes, then release. This clears the old network info, and you can run the wireless setup again from scratch.

Printing Issues (Poor Quality, Jams)

The driver is fine, the connection is good, but what comes out is a streaky, blurry mess. This is usually a mechanical, not a software, problem.

• Run a Head Cleaning: This is your first line of defense for blurry text or missing colors. You can find this in your printer software (like the Canon My Printer utility) or through your computer’s devices and printers menu. Run one cycle, wait a few hours, and print a test print Canon MP490 to check. Avoid running it more than twice in a row, as it wastes ink.
• Check Ink and Align: Are your ink levels low? Even if they’re not empty, a low cartridge can cause issues. Next, run the print head alignment utility from the same software. A misaligned head will make everything look slightly blurry or have misaligned colors.
• For Paper Jams: Power off the printer completely. Open the rear cover and any other access panels. Gently but firmly pull the jammed paper out in the direction it normally travels. Never yank it backwards, as this can tear it and leave tiny pieces behind that cause more jams.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Keeping your trusty Canon MP490 running smoothly isn’t some kind of black magic—it’s really about using the right, safe resources and following a clear path. The key takeaways are simple: always start your Canon MP490 driver download from the official source, carefully follow the step-by-step guide to install Canon MP490 software, and lean on the troubleshooting tips if you hit a snag.

This Canon PIXMA MP490 guide was built from over a decade of fixing these exact issues. I’ve given you everything I’d tell a client sitting across from me in my shop.

I truly hope this guide got your printer back in action. If it did, consider bookmarking this page for the next time you need it. And if you’re still stuck, or just want to share your success story, drop a comment below. I read every single one and I’m here to help. Happy printing

FAQ

Still have a few questions? You’re not alone. Here are the quick, clear answers to the most common things my clients ask about their Canon PIXMA MP490.

Where can I download the Canon MP490 driver for Windows 10 64-bit?

You can download the official and safe Canon MP490 driver for Windows 10 64-bit directly from the Canon support website. We have provided a direct link in the download table of this article to save you time.

How do I install a Canon MP490 driver on a Mac?

For modern macOS versions like Ventura or Sonoma, you typically only need the scanner driver. Download the “ICA” driver from our official links table, open the .dmg file, and drag the application to your Applications folder. For older Macs, use the full driver set.

Why is my Canon MP490 printer not printing after driver installation?

This is often a connection or spooler issue. First, ensure your printer is set as the default device. If that doesn’t work, clear the print queue (spooler) and restart both your computer and printer. Detailed steps are in our troubleshooting section.

Can I use the Canon MP490 with Windows 11?

Yes, the Canon MP490 is compatible with Windows 11. The standard Windows 10 64-bit driver package from Canon’s official website works perfectly with Windows 11. You can find the direct download link in this guide.

How do I set up my Canon MP490 to print wirelessly?

The easiest method is to use the initial USB connection during the software installation to configure the wireless settings. Our detailed “Canon MP490 Wireless Setup Guide” section above walks you through this process step-by-step.

What do I do if the Canon MP490 driver is not working?

First, try uninstalling the current driver completely using the “Canon IJ Printer Utility” (Windows) or by dragging it from Applications (Mac). Then, restart your computer and reinstall a fresh copy of the driver downloaded from the official source provided in this guide.