USB setup: what you need
The whole setup runs from your own computer over USB. You need a cable that carries data, a Windows 10/11 PC, and a minute to close the apps that like to grab the camera.
Cable and connection
Use a USB cable that transfers data — plenty of cheap cables only charge. Plug straight into the computer rather than an unpowered hub. On compacts like the G7 X Mark III, set the camera’s USB mode the way our instructions say. On EOS cameras, quit EOS Utility if it opens by itself and takes over the connection.
Windows 10 and 11
If Windows offers to install a driver for the camera, let it. Allow MenuLang Unlock if your antivirus asks. Close EOS Webcam Utility, Sony Imaging Edge, Lightroom tethering and anything else that might be using the camera. Keep the battery above 50%, or use a mains adapter if your camera takes one.
macOS 12 and later
Allow USB access if macOS asks. Quit Image Capture, and close the Photos import window if it pops up when you plug the camera in. The battery advice is the same as on Windows — steady power means fewer interruptions.
Once you’re connected
When the camera is recognised, follow the steps we send you after the free check. Most setups take under 15 minutes. Then open Menu → Setup → Language and check that your language is there. If the list is still short, get in touch before trying again — and if you’re stuck at any point, we can connect remotely for free.
Frequently asked questions
Does USB-C work?+
Yes, on cameras with a USB-C port — just use a cable rated for data. Not sure which port your model has? Ask us.
Can I use a virtual machine?+
We don’t recommend it. Virtual machines often have trouble passing USB through to the camera, so use Windows 10/11OS directly unless we’ve agreed otherwise.
The camera isn’t detected — what now?+
Try another cable and another USB port, turn the camera off and on, and make sure EOS Utility or Imaging Edge isn’t starting automatically. Still nothing? Send us your camera model and computer’s operating system.
Related cameras
Related guides
Firmware Checklist Before Adding Menu Languages
Whether we can add languages depends on the exact model and firmware version — “Canon G7 X” isn’t quite enough. Gather these few details before you write to us and we can confirm much faster.
→Is Adding Menu Languages Safe? What Changes and What Doesn’t
We only change the camera’s language menu settings — not the sensor, the lens mount or the card slots. Still, no modification is completely risk-free. Here’s what changes, what we don’t touch, and how to keep things smooth.
→Canon From Japan Only in English and Japanese? The Fix
Bought a Canon in Japan or from a grey importer, and Menu → Setup → Language shows only English and Japanese? Nothing is broken. The camera simply has firmware for the Japanese market. The same model sold in Europe or the US has many more languages — and on supported models we can add them over USB.
→Tell us your camera model — we'll check for free whether we can add your language
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