Brother Printer Not Printing Windows 11: A Definitive Fix
Introduction
A brother printer not printing windows 11 is a frustrating issue that can halt your workflow, but it is often solvable with a systematic approach. This problem can stem from various sources, including driver conflicts after a Windows update, corrupted print jobs stuck in the queue, network communication errors, or even incorrect port settings. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to diagnose and resolve the communication breakdown between your Windows 11 PC and your Brother printer, getting you back to printing quickly and efficiently.
Table of Contents
- Tools & Parts
- Step-by-Step Instructions for the brother printer not printing windows 11
- Technical Profile & Risk
- Safer Alternatives & No-Parts Fixes
- Deployment & Testing
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage, Backups & Maintenance
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Tools & Parts
Fortunately, you won’t need a physical toolbox for most of these fixes. The primary tools required are software-based and readily available within your Windows 11 operating system.
- Administrator Access: You will need an account with administrative privileges on your Windows 11 computer to modify system settings, manage services, and install drivers.
- Stable Internet Connection: This is crucial for downloading the latest drivers and firmware updates directly from the official Brother support website.
- USB Printer Cable: Even for a wireless printer, having a USB cable on hand can be invaluable for establishing a direct connection during firmware updates or troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the brother printer not printing windows 11
Follow these steps in order. This sequence starts with the simplest, most common fixes and progresses to more involved solutions. This methodical process helps isolate the problem without performing unnecessary complex actions.
| Step | Action | Why it helps | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power Cycle and Check Basics | Resets temporary glitches in both the PC and printer, clearing minor communication errors. | 5 min |
| 2 | Clear the Print Queue | Removes stuck or corrupted print jobs that are blocking all subsequent documents. | 5 min |
| 3 | Run the Windows Troubleshooter | Uses Windows 11’s built-in diagnostic tool to automatically find and fix common printing issues. | 5 min |
| 4 | Reinstall Printer Drivers | Replaces corrupted or outdated driver files with a fresh set, ensuring proper communication. | 15 min |
| 5 | Check and Configure the Port | Verifies the printer is using the correct communication port (WSD vs. TCP/IP), a frequent issue. | 10 min |
| 6 | Update Brother Printer Firmware | Installs the latest operating software on the printer itself, fixing bugs and improving compatibility. | 20 min |
Step 1: Power Cycle and Check Basics
Before diving into complex settings, perform a full power cycle. Turn off your Brother printer and your Windows 11 computer completely. Unplug both devices from their power source for at least 60 seconds. This action drains residual power and clears temporary memory, which often resolves transient glitches. While they are off, check that all cables (USB or Ethernet) are securely connected. Plug everything back in and power on the computer first, followed by the printer.
Step 2: Address a brother printer not printing windows 11 by Clearing the Queue
A single corrupted document can jam the entire print queue, preventing any other jobs from processing. You must manually clear it.
- Type « Services » into the Windows search bar and open the app.
- Scroll down and find « Print Spooler. » Right-click it and select « Stop. »
- Open File Explorer and navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. - Delete all files within this folder.
- Return to the Services window, right-click « Print Spooler, » and select « Start. »
This forces a complete reset of the print queue, providing a clean slate for new print jobs.
Step 3: Use the Built-in Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a powerful tool designed to diagnose and fix printer problems automatically.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find « Printer » in the list and click the « Run » button next to it.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, selecting your Brother printer when asked. The tool will check for common issues like service failures and connectivity problems and attempt to apply fixes automatically.
Step 4: Fix a brother printer not printing windows 11 with a Driver Reinstall
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a primary cause of printing failures, especially after a major Windows update. A clean reinstallation is the best solution.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your Brother printer and click « Remove. »
- Go to the official Brother support website and find the page for your specific model.
- Download the « Full Driver & Software Package » for Windows 11.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the instructions carefully to set up the printer again.
Step 5: Check and Configure the Printer Port
Windows sometimes assigns printers to a WSD port, which can be unreliable. Manually configuring a Standard TCP/IP port can create a more stable connection for network printers.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your Brother printer and choose « Printer properties. »
- Go to the « Ports » tab.
- Click « Add Port, » select « Standard TCP/IP Port, » and then « New Port. »
- Follow the wizard, entering your printer’s IP address when prompted. You can usually find this on the printer’s network configuration report.
Step 6: Update the Printer’s Firmware
Firmware is the internal software that runs your printer. Updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility with new operating systems like Windows 11. Visit the Brother support page for your model and look for the « Firmware » section. Download the Firmware Update Tool and follow the included instructions precisely. It is often recommended to connect the printer via USB during this process to prevent connection loss.
Technical Profile & Risk
When performing these fixes, you are interacting with core system services, device drivers, and the printer’s internal software. The primary risk involves firmware updates; if the update process is interrupted by a power outage or disconnection, it can potentially « brick » the printer, rendering it unusable. Reinstalling drivers carries a low risk but requires careful attention to ensure you download the correct software for your specific model. Altering printer ports is also low-risk and easily reversible if it doesn’t solve the issue.
Safer Alternatives & No-Parts Fixes
Before reinstalling software, always explore the simplest fixes. Check the printer’s display panel for any error messages. It might be as simple as a paper jam, low toner, or an open cover. Many Brother printers have a built-in « Print Test Page » function accessible from the control panel. If it can print this page, the printer hardware is likely fine, and the problem lies within Windows 11. Using the official Brother iPrint&Scan app from the Microsoft Store can also be a good diagnostic tool.
Deployment & Testing
After each major step, such as reinstalling drivers or updating firmware, you must test the fix. Do not wait until you have tried everything. The best method is to print a simple test page. In Windows, go to « Printers & scanners, » select your Brother printer, click « Printer properties, » and on the « General » tab, click « Print Test Page. » A successful print confirms that the communication link is restored. If it fails, you know the last action was not the solution and you can proceed to the next step.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Users often make simple mistakes that prolong the troubleshooting process. Be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Downloading the wrong drivers: Always double-check your exact printer model number on the Brother support site. A driver for a similar model may not work.
- Ignoring printer error messages: The printer’s LCD screen provides vital clues. Don’t assume the problem is only on the computer.
- Skipping the restart: Rebooting your PC and printer is a critical step that finalizes many changes. Don’t skip it.
- Connecting to a guest network: Ensure both your PC and wireless printer are connected to the same, primary Wi-Fi network, not a guest or isolated network.
Storage, Backups & Maintenance
To prevent future issues, practice good maintenance. Periodically check the Brother support website for new drivers and firmware, especially after a significant Windows 11 update. If you have custom printer settings or profiles, consider taking screenshots of the configuration pages as a simple backup. Regularly printing a page can also help prevent ink nozzles from clogging. Following our guide to understanding printer error codes can also help you diagnose issues faster in the future.
FAQs
Why did my Brother printer stop printing after a Windows 11 update?
Windows updates can sometimes overwrite or corrupt existing printer drivers. The new version of the driver may have a conflict with the updated operating system. The most reliable fix is to completely uninstall and reinstall the latest official Brother driver package for your model.
How do I find my Brother printer’s IP address for port configuration?
You can usually print a Network Configuration or System Settings report directly from your printer’s control panel. The report will list the current IPv4 or IP address, which you can then use to configure a TCP/IP port in Windows.
Can low toner or an old drum cause a brother printer not printing windows 11 issue?
Yes. While it seems like a hardware issue, some models will refuse to accept any print jobs and may not send a clear error message to the computer if a consumable like toner or the drum unit is at the end of its life. Always check the printer’s status on its display panel first.
Conclusion
Resolving a situation where your brother printer not printing windows 11 requires a logical and patient approach. By working through these steps—from basic power cycles and queue clearing to more advanced driver reinstalls and firmware updates—you can systematically eliminate potential causes. In most cases, the issue is rooted in a software or communication conflict, not a hardware failure. Following these proven instructions will restore your printer’s functionality and get your productivity back on track.