How to Fix Brother Printer Driver Unavailable Error on Windows?

Understanding the "Driver Unavailable" Error

The "Driver Unavailable" message usually appears when your computer cannot locate or use the correct driver software for the Printer. A driver acts as a bridge between the operating system and the Printer. If the driver is missing, outdated, or incompatible, the system won't be able to communicate with the Printer, making printing tasks impossible.

Why Does This Error Occur?

Several factors can lead to this issue. It often occurs after a Windows update, which might remove or replace existing Printer drivers. In other cases, a corrupted or partially installed driver can cause communication issues between your PC and Printer. Incompatibility with the latest Windows version or interference from third-party software can also trigger the error.

These same issues are not exclusive to Brother printers. Users working with Canon all-in-one printers can also encounter similar driver issues during Canon Printer setup.

Step 1: Reboot and Reconnect

Before diving into technical solutions, try restarting your computer and Printer. After rebooting both devices, reconnect the Printer to see if the error clears. This step is simple but sometimes effective, especially if a temporary glitch is causing the issue.

Step 2: Uninstall the Current Driver

If the issue persists, uninstall the existing Printer driver. Go to Device Manager, find your Brother Printer, and choose to uninstall the device. Remove any associated software if prompted. This step ensures that no corrupted driver files remain on your system.

Step 3: Download the Latest Driver from Brother's Website

The best solution is often a clean install using the most recent driver. Visit the official Brother website and navigate to the Brother Printer Support section. Enter your Printer model and download the latest complete software package for your version of Windows. This ensures compatibility and includes any firmware or utility updates that enhance performance.

Users who have faced issues with Canon Printer setup will find a similar process on Canon's support site when installing drivers for Canon all-in-one printers.

Step 4: Run Windows Update

Another critical step is making sure your operating system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for any pending updates. Installing them ensures that all necessary system files and compatibility patches are in place before installing the new Printer driver.

Step 5: Manually Add the Printer

If Windows still fails to recognize your Brother Printer, add it manually. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers and choose "Add a Printer." Follow the on-screen instructions, and when prompted for a driver, select the downloaded installation file. Manual installation is particularly effective for older printers or when automatic detection fails.

Step 6: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party security software may block driver installations. Temporarily turn off your antivirus or firewall during the installation process. Once the Printer is installed successfully, you can re-enable your security tools. Always ensure that drivers are downloaded from trusted sources, such as the Brother Printer Support website or Canon's official page.