Upgrading to the latest macOS Ventura can bring a host of improvements, but for some Canon printer owners, it’s also bringing unexpected headaches. Like many, I recently discovered that the Canon IJ Scan Utility Lite, a tool I relied on heavily, is not compatible with macOS Ventura. This revelation came after purchasing a new Canon Pixma inkjet printer, expecting seamless integration with my updated Mac system. While basic printing and scanning functions worked as advertised, the crucial “scan-to-computer” button function, which depends on the Scan Utility Lite software, was completely unresponsive.
After spending considerable time troubleshooting and engaging with Canon tech support, the disappointing truth emerged: the Canon IJ Scan Utility Lite is simply not compatible with macOS Ventura. Even more frustrating was the tech support’s stance, attributing the issue to Apple rather than acknowledging any responsibility on Canon’s part. This lack of support for the latest macOS, particularly for a function as fundamental as scan-to-computer, is a significant oversight.
While Canon may eventually update the aging IJ Scan Utility Lite, there’s no guarantee, and users are left in limbo. For users like myself, running Ventura 13.5 on an M2 Mac connected via WiFi, and testing versions 4.0.4 and 4.0.1 of the utility, the incompatibility is clear and present. Standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling software, restarting devices, and tweaking network settings proved futile.
The inability to utilize the scan button feature might seem minor, but it disrupts workflow and diminishes the overall user experience. Canon’s failure to clearly communicate this compatibility issue in their product information is misleading and has led to wasted time, effort, and ultimately, customer dissatisfaction. Prospective buyers should be aware of this limitation if they rely on a fully Compatible Scan Tool experience with their Canon printers on macOS Ventura.
