I'm trying to set up my Canon MF656cdw printer with Kubuntu 25.10. My printer is detected on the network, but when I get to the driver selection page, it's not listed. Instead, it suggests drivers for entirely different models like the BJ and BJC series. I've been searching for setup guides, but most are for other brands or focused on scanning functionality (since I actually have a separate scanner). I checked OpenPrinting but couldn't find anything for this model. While Canon provides Linux drivers, I'm unsure whether I should install them directly from their site or if that's only for advanced users, like with NVIDIA drivers. I have a Windows partition if necessary, but I'd prefer to stick with Linux. Just to note, I managed to print a test page but nothing from LibreOffice so far. Sometimes the printer wakes up for a job, but other times it's completely unresponsive. I'm thinking this could be either a printer issue or specific to the Linux setup. Any advice would be helpful!
3 Answers
Actually, that printer supports driverless printing, which might be why you're having issues finding a specific driver. You shouldn't need one, but it seems Kubuntu isn't listing it as driverless in your setup.
You might be looking for the MF656Cdw model instead. Kubuntu does support it if that's the correct model. Just double-check your model number!
Whoops, that was a typo! I'm still not having any luck using generic drivers.
If all else fails, you might consider trying another Linux distribution. Some distros handle printer setups a bit differently and may have better support for your model.
I thought it was supposed to work like that on Windows, but Kubuntu isn't treating it the same. It's like the driverless option isn’t even there. I saw it pop up randomly when I tried other drivers, but I can't get it to print anything yet.