Download Canon MP Navigator EX for CanoScan LiDE 90 (Windows & Mac)If you own a CanoScan LiDE 90 and want to use Canon’s MP Navigator EX software to scan, manage, and edit images and PDFs, this guide walks you through everything: where to get the software, compatibility considerations, step‑by‑step installation for Windows and macOS, troubleshooting common issues, and tips for getting the best scans.
What is Canon MP Navigator EX?
Canon MP Navigator EX is Canon’s utility for scanning, saving, and organizing images and documents with supported Canon flatbed scanners. It provides quick access to scan settings, preview and crop tools, OCR (text recognition) for creating searchable PDFs, and simple image editing features. For many CanoScan models, MP Navigator EX remains a familiar and easy-to-use interface.
Compatibility with CanoScan LiDE 90
- CanoScan LiDE 90 is a compact flatbed scanner designed for home and small-office use. It was commonly bundled with Canon’s scanning software including MP Navigator EX.
- Official support varies by operating system and Canon’s driver updates. For newer OS releases, Canon sometimes provides updated drivers or integrates scanning functions into system frameworks (e.g., Windows WIA/Twain or macOS Image Capture).
- Before downloading, check your OS version (Windows ⁄11 or macOS versions) and whether Canon still lists the LiDE 90 on its support site for that OS. If official MP Navigator EX installers are unavailable for very recent OS versions, the scanner may still work using generic TWAIN/WIA drivers or via macOS Image Capture.
Where to download (official source)
Always prefer Canon’s official support site to avoid malware and compatibility problems. Steps to find the correct download:
- Go to Canon’s official support website for your country/region.
- Search for “CanoScan LiDE 90” or locate it under the Scanners product category.
- Open the product’s support/downloads page and select your operating system.
- Download the available driver package and MP Navigator EX software (if listed). Some regions combine drivers and MP Navigator into a single installer; others list them separately.
If Canon’s site does not provide MP Navigator EX for your OS, look for:
- Updated TWAIN or WIA drivers for LiDE 90 (Windows).
- ICA or Apple‑compatible drivers (macOS) so that Image Capture or Preview can access the scanner.
Installing on Windows (step‑by‑step)
- Confirm your Windows version (Settings → System → About).
- Download the driver and MP Navigator EX installer labeled for your Windows version from Canon’s site.
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall if the installer is blocked (re-enable after install).
- Run the downloaded .exe as Administrator (right‑click → Run as administrator).
- Follow on‑screen prompts: accept license, select installation type (Typical recommended).
- Connect the CanoScan LiDE 90 to your PC using a USB cable when prompted. Use the USB cable that came with the scanner or a high‑quality replacement.
- Finish installation and restart the PC if requested.
- Launch MP Navigator EX from the Start menu. If it does not detect the scanner, open Windows Device Manager to confirm the scanner appears under “Imaging devices” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers.”
Troubleshooting tips:
- If MP Navigator EX won’t install, try installing the driver first, rebooting, then installing the MP Navigator package.
- If the scanner is detected by Windows (e.g., works in Windows Fax and Scan or Paint) but MP Navigator EX won’t open, reinstall MP Navigator EX with administrative rights.
- For USB connection problems, try a different USB port (preferably directly on the PC, not a hub) and a different cable.
Installing on macOS (step‑by‑step)
- Confirm your macOS version (Apple menu → About This Mac).
- Download the scanner driver and MP Navigator EX for macOS from Canon’s support page—choose the package matching your macOS release.
- Open the downloaded .dmg or .pkg file and run the installer. You may be prompted to allow system extensions or enter your admin password.
- Connect the CanoScan LiDE 90 to your Mac using USB when instructed.
- After installation, open MP Navigator EX from Applications. If not available, try Apple’s built‑in Image Capture or Preview app to test the scanner.
- If macOS blocks the installer or camera/scanner access, open System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow the necessary permissions (e.g., Camera/Files and Folders or approve the Canon extension).
Troubleshooting tips:
- On newer macOS versions, Canon may not provide MP Navigator EX. The scanner commonly works with Image Capture or Preview using ICA drivers.
- If Image Capture detects the scanner but MP Navigator EX doesn’t run, uninstall any previous Canon software versions and reinstall the latest packages from Canon.
- Reboot after installing drivers and allow any permission dialogs.
If Canon’s official download is unavailable
- Use macOS Image Capture (Applications → Image Capture) or Windows built‑in scanning (Windows Fax and Scan, or Photos/Scan apps) which can work with generic TWAIN/WIA/ICA drivers.
- Third‑party scanning applications such as NAPS2 (Windows; open source) or VueScan (paid) often support legacy scanners and can be a reliable alternative. VueScan frequently supports devices no longer maintained by manufacturers.
- When using third‑party software, first install any available manufacturer drivers for the LiDE 90 to maximize compatibility.
Optimizing scan settings in MP Navigator EX
- Choose the right resolution (DPI): 300 DPI for text/documents, 300–600 DPI for photos you may print, and 1200 DPI+ only for very detailed archival scans (files grow large).
- Color mode: Use Grayscale for black‑and‑white photos and Text mode (black and white) for OCR on high‑contrast documents.
- File formats: Save documents as PDF for multi‑page scans; use JPEG or PNG for images. Use TIFF for lossless archival images.
- Use OCR options in MP Navigator EX to create searchable PDFs. Verify OCR language settings match the document language.
- Use preview cropping to remove borders and deskew tools if available.
Common problems & fixes
- Scanner not detected:
- Ensure USB cable is connected directly to the computer (avoid hubs).
- Test another USB port and cable.
- Reinstall drivers and restart.
- MP Navigator EX crashes or won’t open:
- Reinstall with admin rights; remove older Canon software first.
- Check for OS compatibility—use Image Capture (macOS) or Windows scanning apps if needed.
- Poor scan quality:
- Clean the scanner glass with a lint‑free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
- Reselect proper DPI and color settings.
- Update drivers if available.
- OCR errors:
- Increase scan resolution to 300 DPI or higher for small text.
- Improve document contrast and remove shadows.
Alternative workflow examples
- Quick document scan (Windows): Use Windows Fax and Scan for a fast single‑page scan; convert to PDF with Print → Microsoft Print to PDF.
- Multipage PDFs (macOS without MP Navigator): Use Image Capture to scan multiple pages and save as PDF.
- Preservation scans: Use third‑party tools like VueScan with 600–1200 DPI and TIFF output for archival quality.
Safety and best practices
- Download only from Canon’s official support pages or reputable third‑party software vendors.
- Keep drivers and scanning software updated when Canon releases compatible versions.
- Back up important scanned documents and use lossless formats (TIFF) for archives.
Summary
- If available, download Canon MP Navigator EX and the LiDE 90 driver from Canon’s official support site matching your OS.
- On Windows, install drivers then MP Navigator EX with admin rights; on macOS, install the package and, if needed, use Image Capture.
- If Canon doesn’t offer MP Navigator EX for your OS, use system scanning tools or third‑party apps like VueScan or NAPS2.
If you tell me your operating system version (exact Windows or macOS release), I can provide direct download links and a tailored step‑by‑step installer walk‑through.
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