# 1-866-203-7571 How to Fix Driver Unavailable for Brother Printer?
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
Brother printers are known for their reliability, print quality, and efficient performance. However, like any device, they can run into software-related issues from time to time. One of the most common—and frustrating—errors users experience is the **“Driver Unavailable”** error on their Brother printer. This issue typically appears on Windows computers but may also occur on macOS when the system fails to recognize or install the necessary printer driver.
When the Brother printer driver becomes unavailable, you may notice symptoms such as:
* Your Brother printer not responding
* The printer showing offline
* Inability to print, scan, or copy
* Error pop-ups related to software or drivers
* Brother Printer status: “Driver is unavailable”
Thankfully, this issue is **easy to fix** with the right guidance. This comprehensive 3000-word guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the causes, step-by-step solutions, tips for preventing future issues, and when to seek professional help.
If you want *immediate live assistance*, contact **Brother Printer Support at 1-866-203-7571**.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **What Does “Driver Unavailable” Mean for Brother Printer?**
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what the message actually means.
The **driver** is software that allows your computer and Brother printer to communicate. Without it, the printer cannot follow commands such as print, scan, or copy.
“**Driver Unavailable**” typically means:
### ❌ The driver is outdated
### ❌ The driver is missing
### ❌ The driver is corrupted
### ❌ The driver is incompatible with your system
### ❌ Windows Update replaced or removed the driver
### ❌ System files related to the printer driver are damaged
This issue is *not a hardware problem*—it is almost always software-related.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Common Causes of Brother Printer Driver Unavailable Error**
Here are the most common reasons you may see this error:
### ✔ **1. Outdated or corrupt driver**
If your driver files are damaged or outdated, the printer cannot operate normally.
### ✔ **2. Incompatible Windows update**
Windows 10/11 updates sometimes remove essential printer driver files.
### ✔ **3. Wrong driver installed**
Installing a driver meant for a different Brother model can trigger this error.
### ✔ **4. Connectivity issues**
If the printer is not properly connected (USB, network, or wireless), the driver may not load.
### ✔ **5. Interrupted driver installation**
If installation is incomplete, the system may report the driver as unavailable.
### ✔ **6. Corrupted system files**
OS corruption prevents Windows from recognizing the printer.
### ✔ **7. Firmware incompatibility**
If the Brother printer firmware is outdated, it may not register with newer drivers.
Understanding the cause can help you determine the right solution.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **How to Fix “Driver Unavailable” for Brother Printer — Complete Step-by-Step Guide**
Below are **the most effective methods** to fix this issue. Follow them in order for best results.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 1: Restart Your Printer and Computer**
Before trying advanced fixes, perform a simple restart.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Turn OFF the Brother printer
2. Disconnect it from the power outlet
3. Turn OFF your computer
4. Wait 30 seconds
5. Turn ON both devices
6. Reconnect the printer (USB or Wi-Fi)
This clears temporary glitches affecting driver recognition.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 2: Update Windows to Ensure Compatibility**
Sometimes the OS blocks old printer drivers.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Open **Settings**
2. Click **Windows Update**
3. Select **Check for Updates**
4. Install all pending updates
5. Restart your computer
Then check if the printer appears in **Devices and Printers**.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 3: Reinstall Brother Printer Driver (Most Effective Solution)**
This method fixes 80% of all driver issues.
### ✔ Steps:
### **1. Uninstall the existing Brother driver**
* Press **Windows + R**
* Type: `control printers`
* Right-click your Brother printer
* Select **Remove Device**
* Open **Apps & Features**
* Uninstall anything named *Brother*
* Restart your computer
### **2. Download the correct driver**
Go to the official Brother support page:
* Search your printer model
* Download the **Full Driver & Software Package**
### **3. Install the downloaded driver**
* Run the installer
* Connect your printer only when prompted
* Complete the installation
### **4. Restart the system**
Check if the error is resolved.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 4: Use Brother Printer Driver Deployment Wizard**
Brother provides an automatic tool to install the correct driver.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Visit Brother Support website
2. Search for *Driver Deployment Wizard*
3. Download and install the tool
4. Run it and follow on-screen steps
This tool automatically fixes driver conflicts.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 5: Install Driver via Windows Device Manager**
If Windows fails to detect the driver, manually install it.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Right-click **Start Menu**
2. Select **Device Manager**
3. Find your Brother printer under:
* Printers
* Other Devices
* USB Printing Support
4. Right-click → **Update Driver**
5. Choose → **Browse my computer for drivers**
6. Navigate to the Brother driver folder you downloaded
7. Install
Restart your system afterward.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 6: Use Windows Troubleshooter**
Windows includes a built-in printer diagnosis tool.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Open **Settings**
2. Choose **Update & Security**
3. Select **Troubleshoot**
4. Choose **Additional Troubleshooters**
5. Click **Printer**
6. Run the troubleshooter
It automatically fixes common printing and driver-related errors.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 7: Check and Repair System File Corruption**
Corrupt Windows system files may cause the driver unavailable error.
### ✔ Steps:
#### **1. Run SFC Scan**
* Open Command Prompt as Administrator
* Type: `sfc /scannow`
* Press Enter
#### **2. Run DISM Tool**
* Type:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
* Press Enter
Restart your computer.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 8: Reset the Printer Spooler Service**
The Print Spooler manages printing tasks and drivers.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Press **Windows + R**
2. Type: `services.msc`
3. Scroll to **Print Spooler**
4. Right-click → **Stop**
5. Go to:
`C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS`
6. Delete all files (do not delete folders)
7. Go back to **Print Spooler**
8. Right-click → **Start**
Now reconnect your Brother printer.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 9: Reinstall USB Controllers (USB Printers Only)**
USB port issues can cause driver errors.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Open **Device Manager**
2. Expand **Universal Serial Bus controllers**
3. Uninstall:
* USB Printing Support
* Unknown USB Device
4. Restart your computer
Windows will reinstall the controllers automatically.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 10: Update Brother Printer Firmware**
Outdated firmware may cause the printer to fail driver authentication.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Go to Brother Support website
2. Search your printer model
3. Download the latest firmware
4. Connect your printer
5. Run the update tool
Do not turn off your printer during the update.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 11: Ensure Network Connection Is Stable (Wi-Fi Printers)**
Network-related issues can interrupt driver recognition.
### ✔ Checklist:
* Ensure Wi-Fi is working
* Position router closer to printer
* Connect printer to 2.4 GHz band
* Check for IP conflicts
* Disable VPN temporarily
* Restart the router
After network stabilization, reinstall the printer driver.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 12: Remove Duplicate Printer Entries**
Multiple printer instances confuse Windows.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Go to **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**
2. Right-click any duplicate Brother printer
3. Select **Remove Device**
Only keep the one with a green checkmark.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 13: Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily**
Security programs sometimes block driver files.
### ✔ Steps:
* Temporarily disable antivirus
* Disable Windows Firewall
* Install the driver
* Re-enable both after installation
Do not keep them disabled permanently.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 14: Install Brother Printer Using IP Address (Advanced Fix)**
If Windows cannot auto-detect your printer:
### ✔ Steps:
1. Open **Control Panel → Devices and Printers**
2. Click **Add Printer**
3. Choose **The printer I want isn’t listed**
4. Select **Add a printer using a TCP/IP address**
5. Enter your printer IP address
6. Select your Brother driver
This bypasses driver detection issues.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 15: Create a New Windows User Profile**
A corrupt user profile may lead to driver issues.
### ✔ Steps:
1. Open **Settings**
2. Go to **Accounts**
3. Select **Family & other users**
4. Create a new user account
5. Log into the new profile
6. Reinstall the Brother driver
Check if the error disappears.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Method 16: Perform a System Restore (Last Resort)**
If the issue started recently:
### ✔ Steps:
1. Press **Windows + R**
2. Type: `rstrui.exe`
3. Select a restore point when the printer was working
4. Click **Next → Finish**
Your system will reboot with previous settings.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **When Should You Contact Brother Printer Support?**
If the error persists after trying all methods, you may need specialized help.
### **Call Brother Printer Customer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
You should call if:
* Driver fails to install repeatedly
* Printer does not show in Device Manager
* Windows keeps deleting printer drivers
* You face wireless/WPS connection issues
* You need assistance with driver compatibility
* Printer is not detected on network
* Firmware update fails
Brother experts can remotely diagnose and fix your issue.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Tips to Prevent Brother Driver Issues in the Future**
Follow these tips to avoid the "Driver Unavailable" error again:
### ✔ Always keep Windows updated
### ✔ Regularly update Brother printer drivers
### ✔ Avoid installing third-party driver tools
### ✔ Use correct drivers for your exact model
### ✔ Avoid unplugging the printer during driver installation
### ✔ Keep printer firmware updated
### ✔ Restart your system after major updates
### ✔ Ensure stable power and network connection
These practices ensure smooth printer operation.
**Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
# **Conclusion**
Fixing the **“Driver Unavailable”** error on your Brother printer is usually simple when you know where to look. In most cases, reinstalling the correct driver or updating Windows resolves the issue. However, network problems, system file corruption, or outdated firmware may also contribute to the error.
This guide walked you through **16 tested and proven methods** to fix the issue and get your Brother printer working again. Whether you're using USB, Wi-Fi, or network printing, these solutions will help restore smooth communication between your computer and your Brother printer.
If you still face issues or need *expert live support*, call:
📞 **Brother Printer Support: 1-866-203-7571**
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