How do I reset my Brother printer driver?

Resetting your Brother printer driver can resolve many issues, such as printing errors, communication problems, or simply refreshing the connection between your printer and computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your Brother printer driver effectively.

Step 1: Uninstall the Current Printer Driver

The first step in resetting your Brother printer driver is to uninstall the current driver. This will remove any corrupt files or settings that may be causing issues.

Windows:

To access Devices and Printers, open the Control Panel and choose it.

Right-click on your Brother printer and select Remove device.

Go to Programs and Features in the Control Panel, find your Brother printer software, and click Uninstall.

Go through the given directions.

Mac:

Open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners.

Select your Brother printer from the list and click the — (minus) button to remove it.

Go to Finder, open Applications, and find any Brother software.

Step 2: Download the Latest Printer Driver

Once you’ve uninstalled the old driver, it’s time to download the latest version from Brother’s official website.

Visit the Brother Support Website.

Enter your printer model in the search bar and select it from the results.

Go to the Downloads section and select your operating system (Windows or macOS).

Download the latest printer driver available for your device.

Step 3: Install the New Printer Driver

Now that you have the latest driver, it’s time to install it.

Windows:

Locate the downloaded driver file (usually in the Downloads folder) and double-click to run the installer.

Installing the driver requires according to the on-screen directions.

After installation, restart your computer to ensure the driver is properly integrated.

Mac:

Open the downloaded driver file (usually a .dmg file) and follow the prompts to install the driver.

After installation, restart your Mac to complete the process.

Step 4: Reconnect Your Printer

With the new driver installed, it’s time to reconnect your Brother printer to your computer.

Windows:

Go back to Devices and Printers in the Control Panel.

Click Add a printer and follow the prompts to detect and install your Brother printer.

Choose your Brother printer from the list and complete the setup.

Mac:

Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

Click the + (plus) button to add a new printer.

Click Add after choosing your Brother printer from the list.

Step 5: Test the Printer

Finally, test your Brother printer to ensure that the reset driver works correctly.

Open any document and select Print.

Choose your Brother printer and try printing a test page.

If the print job is successful, your reset was a success.

FAQs

Why should I reset my Brother printer driver?

Resetting the printer driver can help resolve issues such as communication errors, print quality problems, or unresponsiveness.

Will I lose my printer settings if I reset the driver?

Yes, resetting the driver may erase any custom settings, so you’ll need to reconfigure your printer preferences afterward.

What should I do if my Brother printer still doesn’t work after resetting the driver?

Try checking for additional software updates, resetting your printer’s network settings, or contacting Brother support for further assistance.

How often should I update my Brother printer driver?

It’s a good practice to update your printer driver whenever a new version is available to ensure optimal performance.

Can I reset the Brother printer driver without uninstalling it?

While you can update the driver without uninstalling it, a complete reset typically requires uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

Conclusion

Many common printer difficulties may be resolved with ease by resetting your Brother printer driver. By following these steps, you can ensure that your printer and computer communicate effectively, leading to a smoother printing experience.