Encountering the frustrating “printer is used by another computer” error when you’re trying to print can halt your productivity. If you own a Canon MG5520 (and similar models) and are operating on Windows 8.1, you might have stumbled upon this issue. Fortunately, the solution is often simpler than you think and doesn’t require any complicated driver reinstalls or hardware adjustments. This guide will walk you through a straightforward fix, ensuring you can get back to printing without delay.
The root of this problem frequently lies in the existence of two printer options for your Canon device, particularly those with wireless capabilities. You may notice two listings in your printer settings, and selecting the wrong one is a common pitfall. Specifically, avoid choosing the printer option that includes “WS” in its name. For example, you might see “Canon MG5500 series printer” and “Canon MG5500 series printer WS”. The “WS” designation refers to a Web Services connection, which can sometimes cause conflicts.
To resolve this, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Access Your Printer Settings
First, you need to navigate to your printer settings in Windows. If you’re unsure how to get there, simply open your PC settings menu. A quick way to do this is to go to your Apps screen and use the search function. Type “settings,” and “PC Settings” should appear as the top result. Click on it.
Once in PC Settings, look for and select “PC and Devices.” This option is usually located on the left side of the settings window.
Next, within the “PC and Devices” menu, select “Devices,” again on the left-hand side. This will display a list of all devices connected to your computer, including your printers. Here, you should be able to see the two Canon printer listings, one with “WS” and one without.
Step 2: Clear the “WS” Printer Queue
The next crucial step is to check and clear any pending print jobs in the queue associated with the “WS” printer. This is because if a print job is stuck in this queue, it can trigger the “used by another computer” error, even if no other computer is actively using it.
To access the print queue, look at the bottom right corner of your screen in the system tray. Click on the small triangle to show hidden icons, and you should find a printer icon. Click on this printer icon to open the print queue manager.
In the print queue window, identify if there are any pending print jobs listed under the “Canon MG5500 series printer WS” (or similar name with “WS”). If there are, cancel all of them. You might need to do this for every user profile on your computer, as each profile can have its own print queue.
Step 3: Select the Correct Printer for Printing
Finally, when you initiate a print job from any application, ensure you consciously select the correct printer from the printer selection dropdown. Choose the “Canon MG5500 series printer” option that does not have “WS” at the end of its name.
By consistently using the printer option without “WS,” you should bypass the error and be able to print normally. This simple selection adjustment often resolves the “printer is used by another computer” message without needing to delve into more technical troubleshooting steps.
Conclusion
The “printer is used by another computer” error on Canon printers in Windows environments can be easily fixed by understanding the dual printer listing issue. By correctly identifying and using the non-“WS” printer option and clearing any stuck print jobs in the “WS” queue, you can quickly resolve this problem. This solution avoids unnecessary driver reinstallation or complex network configurations, getting you back to printing documents in no time. Share this guide with anyone facing similar printer frustrations and simplify their printing experience!
