Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe
Warning
Multiple processes may occur
Launcher spawns child processes for print/scan tasks; high count is normal under heavy use
Can I Disable?
1 YES
You can disable or stop it by closing Canon software or disabling startup entry; ensure printers are not in use
What is canon-launcher.exe?
canon-launcher.exe is the executable that starts Canon printer software and related utilities when you connect a Canon device or launch Canon applications. It coordinates launcher tasks, initializes printer drivers, scans utilities, and background services so printing, scanning, and cloud features are ready to use.
canon-launcher.exe runs as a lightweight orchestrator. It spawns child processes for printing, scanning, and device management, and it loads necessary modules at startup. This design ensures Canon apps initialize quickly and stay synchronized with connected printers and scanners.
Quick Fact: Canon's launcher optimizes startup by loading essential components first, then progressively initializing peripheral utilities to improve responsiveness.
Types of Canon Launcher Processes
- Launcher Process: Main executable coordinating printer software (1 instance)
- Driver Loader: Loads printer driver DLLs for connected devices
- Scanner Utility: Starts scan-related components when scanning is invoked
- Cloud Service Bridge: Facilitates cloud print/scan features and account sync
- Update Checker: Verifies and applies Canon software updates
- Diagnostic Helper: Gathers status data for troubleshooting
Is canon-launcher.exe Safe?
Yes, canon-launcher.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Canon downloaded from official sources (canon.com or bundled with Canon printer software).
Is canon-launcher.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real canon-launcher.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may disguise itself with similar names; always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if canon-launcher.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Canon Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low when idle; unusually high CPU on startup or idle may indicate an issue.
- Behavior: Canon Launcher should launch with Canon software or when a printer is connected. Persistent activity when no Canon software is present can be a red flag.
Red Flags: If canon-launcher.exe is located outside the Canon directories (e.g., Temp or AppData), runs when no Canon software is active, lacks a valid signature, or consumes resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify with official Canon installers.
Why Is canon-launcher.exe Running on My PC?
The launcher runs to support Canon printer and scanner activities, initialize components at startup, and keep Canon utilities ready for use when you operate a Canon device.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Printer Use: A connected Canon printer or scanner triggers the launcher to load drivers and utilities for immediate operation.
- Background Tasks: Scanner utilities, firmware checks, or cloud service helpers may run in the background to maintain readiness.
- Startup Program: Canon software may be configured to start automatically, causing the launcher to run on login.
- Update and Validation: The launcher may start update checks or validation routines to ensure driver compatibility.
- Diagnostics and Logging: Launcher can collect logs and status data for troubleshooting when Canon utilities are active.
Can I Disable or Remove canon-launcher.exe?
Yes, you can disable canon-launcher.exe. It's safe to close Canon software when not in use, and you can uninstall Canon printer software if you no longer need it.
How to Stop canon-launcher.exe
- End Individual Tasks: Open Canon Task Manager (within Canon software) or Windows Task Manager to end launcher-related processes
- Close All Canon Applications: Close any open Canon printer or scanner utilities
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Canon Printer Launcher entry
- Stop Background Services: Canon Settings → Business or Device settings → Disable background tasks if available
- Uninstall Canon Software: Windows Settings → Apps → Google Canon Printer Software (or Canon Printer Utilities) → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Canon Software
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Canon Printer Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Canon Printer Software → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer after uninstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If canon-launcher.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Printer Driver/Utilities Heavy Activity: Close idle Canon applications and limit concurrent print/scan tasks to reduce launcher workload.
- Background Scanning or Cloud Services: Disable unnecessary background services in Canon software settings.
- Outdated Canon Software: Update Canon software via Canon's official updater or website.
- Corrupted Launcher Components: Repair or reinstall Canon Printer Software from official sources.
- Conflicting Printer Profiles: Remove conflicting printer profiles in Canon Printer Utility and re-add the device.
- Malware Impersonation: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify file location to canonical Canon directories.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Canon Task Manager or Windows Task Manager to identify high-usage launcher processes
2. Close unnecessary Canon apps and background tasks
3. Update Canon software to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary background services in Canon settings
5. Restart Canon services or reboot the PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is canon-launcher.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate canon-launcher.exe from Canon is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Canon\Canon Printer Utilities\CanonLauncher.exe and verify the digital signature from 'Canon Inc.'.
Why is canon-launcher.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage is usually caused by active print/scan tasks, heavy background scanning, or outdated drivers. Check Canon Task Manager, close unnecessary tasks, and update Canon software.
Can I delete canon-launcher.exe?
You can uninstall Canon printer software if you no longer need it. Deleting the launcher alone can destabilize printing or scanning functionality; use the official uninstall path via Windows Settings.
Can I disable canon-launcher.exe?
Yes. You can disable startup items and close Canon utilities. This may prevent printing/scanning until you manually start Canon software again.
Why does Canon Launcher start at startup?
Canon may configure software to launch at startup to ensure printers and scanning features are ready quickly when you log in.
How do I update Canon software?
Open Canon Printer Utilities or Canon Update utility and run the latest updates, or download the latest installer from canon.com and reinstall the printer software.