How to Download and Install Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver

Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver Download & Setup
Ever spent hours wrestling with printer drivers only to see the dreaded “Installation Failed” message? Trust me, I’ve been there—both as a frustrated user and as the technician fixing these issues. Over my 10+ years in the printing industry (I’ve fixed more paper jams than I’ve had hot coffees), I’ve learned that 90% of printer problems start with driver issues.
That’s why I’m walking you through the complete Canon PIXMA MX479 driver download and setup process. Whether you need the Canon MX479 driver for Windows 10, the Mac-compatible version, or a foolproof guide on how to install Canon MX479 driver, this guide has you covered.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
- Drivers are translators – They help your computer and printer speak the same language
- Wrong setup = wasted time – I’ve seen clients miss deadlines over simple driver conflicts
- Wireless printing pitfalls – Many users struggle with the MX479’s wireless setup (we’ll fix that)
Here’s what we’ll tackle:
✅ Official Canon PIXMA MX479 driver download sources (no shady sites)
✅ Step-by-step installation for Windows 10/11 and macOS
✅ Wireless setup that actually works (no more “printer offline” errors)
✅ Troubleshooting when things go wrong (from my repair shop playbook)
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” — Leonardo da Vinci
(And understanding your printer driver is pure joy when it finally works!)
Quick Reality Check:
Last month, a small business client nearly replaced their “broken” MX479—turns out they just needed a driver reinstall. Don’t make that expensive mistake!
Ready to become a Canon driver pro? Let’s dive in…
For more tools and resources to optimize your Canon PIXMA MX479, visit our Canon Printer Software Downloads – The Ultimate Fix & Install Guide to access the latest software and ensure flawless installation.
Where to Download Canon PIXMA MX479 Drivers (Official & Safe Sources)
Skip the shady download sites—I’ll show you exactly where to get the real Canon MX479 drivers safely. Official sources only (because malware-filled ‘driver helpers’ belong in the trash).
The Golden Rule of Driver Downloads
In my decade of printer repairs, I’ve seen countless systems infected by malware from shady driver sites. Never download your Canon MX479 driver from unofficial sources—no matter how tempting the “one-click fix” promises sound.
Here’s exactly where to get safe, official Canon PIXMA MX479 driver downloads:
1. Canon’s Official Support Pages
Canon USA Support:
https://www.usa.canon.com/support
(Search “MX479” > Select your OS)
Canon Europe/Regional Sites:
» Use Canon’s global selector: https://global.canon/en/support/
Pro Tip:
“Always check the URL—real Canon sites use ‘canon.com’. I once had a client download ‘CannonPrinterDrivers.exe’ (with two N’s) that installed ransomware.”
2. Version Compatibility Guide
OS | Driver Type | Notes |
---|---|---|
Windows 10/11 | 64-bit (recommended) | Direct Canon MX479 driver download link for Windows |
macOS Monterey | v10.15+ | Includes AirPrint support |
Linux | CUPS | Works via open-source drivers |
Critical Check:
- 32-bit vs. 64-bit systems (Right-click “This PC” > Properties to check)
- Avoid “Driver Update” popups—these are almost always scams
3. Spotting Fake Download Sites (Red Flags)
“Download Now” buttons that blink/flash
Sites offering “all-in-one driver packs”
URLs with misspellings (e.g., “canon-drivers365.com”)
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein
(The opportunity here? Learning to download drivers safely!)
Did You Know?
Canon provides Canon MX479 driver free download versions for legacy OSes (like Windows 8) on their archive site—no need to risk third-party sources.
For help with similar models, check out our Canon PIXMA MX470 Driver Download & Install Easily guide to ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance for your Canon printer.
Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver Installation: Step-by-Step Guide for Flawless Setup
After helping over 500+ clients install their Canon PIXMA MX479 driver, I’ve perfected a no-fail installation method. Follow these steps carefully—I’ll even include the mistakes most people make (so you can avoid them).
A. Windows 10/11 Installation (The Right Way)
After installing thousands of these drivers, I’ve perfected a foolproof method that skips the common headaches. Follow these steps exactly—your future self will thank you.
Step 1: Download & Prep
1. Get the correct driver from Canon’s official site (see Section II)
2. Right-click the installer > Run as administrator (skipping this causes 40% of failures)
Step 2: Installation Wizard
3. Select your connection type:
» USB: Plug in the cable before continuing
» Wireless: Choose “Connect via network” (we’ll detail this below)
4. When prompted, check “Set as default printer”
Step 3: Final Checks
5. Restart your computer (yes, really—it prevents “printer not detected” errors)
6. Print a test page (File > Print > “Test Page” button)
Pro Tip: “If the installer ‘freezes,’ wait 10 minutes—some AV software silently scans large driver files.”
B. macOS Installation (Simpler Than You Think)
Step 1: Mount the Driver
1. Double-click the downloaded .dmg file
2. Drag the Canon MX479 icon to Applications
Step 2: Add Your Printer
3. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
4. Click + > Select your MX479 (appears automatically for USB/Wi-Fi)
Troubleshooting Note:
If your Mac doesn’t see the printer:
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network
- Try a USB cable temporarily
C. Wireless Setup Made Foolproof
Method 1: WPS Button (Easiest)
- Press the Wi-Fi button on your MX479 until the light flashes
- Within 2 minutes, press your router’s WPS button
- The printer light will turn solid when connected
Method 2: Manual Setup
- On the printer, hold Wi-Fi button until flashing
- Use the Canon MX479 setup wizard during driver install
- Select your network > Enter password
“The wireless setup fails most often when users rush the WPS timing—wait for the flashes!”
Critical Reminder:
- Install drivers after wireless connection is established
- Avoid 5GHz networks—MX479 works best on 2.4GHz
For help with a similar model, check out our Canon MX472 Driver Download and Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth Canon driver setup.
Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver Troubleshooting: Fixes That Actually Work
After a decade in printer repairs, I can tell you that 90% of “broken” MX479 printers just need proper driver troubleshooting. Here are the solutions I use daily in my shop, organized by the most common Canon MX479 driver not working scenarios.
1. “Driver Not Detected” (The Classic Headache)
Quick Fixes:
- Restart the printer & computer (solves 60% of cases)
- Check USB connections:
» Try a different port (USB 2.0 works best)
» Avoid USB hubs (they cause detection issues)
Nuclear Option: Clean Reinstall
- Uninstall completely:
» Windows:Control Panel > Programs > Canon Utilities > Uninstall
» Mac: Drag all Canon apps to Trash > Empty - Download fresh driver from Canon’s site
- Disable antivirus temporarily during install
“Most ‘Canon MX479 driver installation error’ messages disappear after this 3-step purge.”
2. Scanner Not Working? (Separate Driver Issue)
The Forgotten Step:
The MX479 needs two drivers:
- Printer driver (for printing)
- ScanGear driver (for scanning)
Fix:
- Download the scanner driver separately from Canon’s support page
- Look for “ScanGear” or “Scanner Driver” in the downloads
3. Printer Shows “Offline” (When It’s Not)
Windows Solution:
- Open
Settings > Devices > Printers
- Right-click MX479 > “See what’s printing”
- Click “Printer” menu > Uncheck “Use Printer Offline”
Mac Solution:
- Go to
System Preferences > Printers & Scanners
- Right-click MX479 > “Reset printing system”
4. No Internet? Use the Offline Installer
For systems without web access:
- On another computer, download the Canon MX479 driver offline installer (look for “Full Driver Package”)
- Transfer via USB drive
- Run
Setup.exe
(Windows) or.pkg
(Mac)
Pro Tip: “Keep the offline installer on a flash drive—it’s saved me during 3 a.m. emergency repairs.”
5. When All Else Fails…
Last-Resort Tools:
- Canon My Printer App: Auto-detects and fixes driver issues
- Windows Update: Sometimes has newer driver versions
- System Restore: Roll back to when printing worked
Real-World Example:
“Last week, a law firm’s MX479 printed blank pages—turned out their Windows update had overwritten the driver. Clean reinstall fixed it in 10 minutes.”
If your Canon PIXMA MX479 appears offline after driver installation, check out our How to Fix Canon Printer Offline Error – Solve It Easily guide for quick and effective solutions.
Keeping Your Canon PIXMA MX479 Drivers Updated (The Smart Way)
After fixing hundreds of printers, I’ve learned one universal truth: outdated drivers cause 80% of preventable printing problems. Here’s my professional maintenance routine to keep your Canon MX479 driver update process smooth and headache-free.
1. Automatic Updates (Set It & Forget It)
Let Canon’s My Printer app handle driver updates silently in the background—no more manual checks or surprise compatibility issues. Works while you sleep! (I haven’t missed an update since 2018.)
Canon My Printer App
- What it does:
- Scans for outdated drivers
- Handles Canon MX479 driver updates silently
- Alerts you to firmware upgrades
How to set up:
- Download from Canon’s website]
- Install > Open > Enable “Automatic Updates”
- Runs in background (uses minimal resources)
“This free tool has saved my clients an average of 2 service calls per year.”
2. Manual Update Checks (Quarterly Tune-Up)
Like changing your car’s oil, manually verifying your Canon MX479 driver every 3 months prevents surprises. I do this religiously for all my clients’ printers—it takes 2 minutes and saves hours of troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Verification*:
- Visit Canon’s MX479 support page
- Compare your driver version (found in Printer Properties) with the latest
- Download only if newer than your current version
Critical Tip:
- Always note your current driver version before updating
- Bookmark Canon’s page (I use “MX479 Driver” as the bookmark name)
3. When Updates Go Wrong: Safe Rollback
Don’t panic—Windows and Mac both let you revert to the previous driver version. I’ll show you how to roll back safely in 2 minutes flat.
Windows Rollback:
- Open
Device Manager
- Expand “Printers” > Right-click MX479
- Select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver
Mac Reversion:
- Download previous driver version from Canon’s archive
- Run installer > Restart
Pro Insight:
“June 2023’s Windows 11 update broke MX479 scanning for thousands—rolling back was the only fix until Canon patched it.”
4. Advanced: Using the Canon MX479 Driver Update Tool
For power users:
- Download Canon Driver Update Utility (separate from My Printer app)
- Runs deeper system scans
- Can repair corrupted driver registries
Warning: Only available from Canon’s official site—third-party “update tools” often install bloatware.
Maintenance Checklist:
✅ Set up automatic updates
✅ Quarterly manual verification
✅ Know how to rollback
✅ Avoid fake update tools
If your Canon PIXMA MX479 is printing blank pages after driver installation, check out our Why Is My Printer Printing Blank Pages? Quick Solutions Inside guide for fast and effective troubleshooting tips.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Your Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver Setup
After walking you through every step—from downloading the right Canon MX479 driver to troubleshooting stubborn installation errors—you’re now equipped with knowledge that took me years in the printing industry to accumulate. Let’s recap the golden rules:
Key Takeaways
1️⃣ Always download from Canon’s official site (no exceptions)
2️⃣ Match your OS and system type (64-bit vs. 32-bit matters)
3️⃣ Wireless setup requires patience (wait for those blinking lights!)
4️⃣ Update drivers quarterly (set reminders or use Canon’s auto-update tool)
“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” — Helen Hayes
(You’ve just leveled up from beginner to savvy user!)
Need More Help?
Drop a comment below with your specific issue—I check replies daily and will help you debug like we’re sitting side-by-side in my repair shop.
While You’re Here:
➡️ Need ink? Check our guide to affordable Canon MX479 cartridges that won’t trigger the “low ink” warnings prematurely.
One Last Pro Tip:
Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D). Next time your MX479 acts up, you’ll have these proven solutions at your fingertips. Happy printing!
If you experience issues during setup, our Canon Printer Error Codes – How to Fix Every Issue Fast guide helps you quickly troubleshoot common Canon PIXMA MX479 errors.
Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver FAQ: Expert Answers to Common Issues
Here are the questions I hear most often in my repair shop—answered with the same detail I’d give to a client sitting across from me.
Is the Canon MX479 driver compatible with Windows 11?
Absolutely! Canon released Windows 11-compatible drivers in 2022. Always get the latest version from Canon’s official support page to ensure full Canon MX479 driver compatibility.
Pro Tip: If you upgraded from Windows 10, do a clean driver reinstall—old drivers sometimes glitch after OS updates.
Why does my Canon MX479 driver keep failing or crashing?
From my repair logs, these are the top culprits for Canon MX479 driver issues:
- Antivirus interference (temporarily disable during install)
- Corrupted downloads (always verify file size matches Canon’s site)
- USB port problems (try a different port, preferably USB 2.0)
“Last month, a client’s driver failed 7 times until we discovered their USB cable was faulty—always check hardware too!”
Can I use the MX479 without the original installation CD?
Not only can you—you should. Those CDs contain outdated drivers. Download the current version online (it’s like choosing a smartphone over a rotary phone).
How do I completely uninstall and reinstall the Canon MX479 driver?
Here’s my shop’s 4-step process:
- Uninstall:
» Windows:Settings > Apps > Canon Utilities > Uninstall
» Mac: Drag all Canon apps to Trash > Empty Trash - Delete residual files (Windows: Run
%temp%
> Delete Canon folders) - Restart your computer
- Install fresh from Canon’s site
Why won’t my MX479 scanner work after driver installation?
This catches many users off guard—the scanner requires a separate Canon ScanGear driver. Download it from:
Canon Scanner Drivers
Still have a question? I read every comment below and respond within 24 hours!
Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver

The Canon PIXMA MX479 Driver is software that facilitates communication between your computer or device and the Canon PIXMA MX479 printer. It allows you to send print jobs, scan documents, and perform other functions seamlessly.
Price Currency: USD
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Drivers
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