# 1-866-203-7571 How to Fix Driver Unavailable for Brother Printer?
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Brother printers are widely recognized for their efficiency, reliability, and excellent print quality. However, like any technology, they are not immune to errors. One of the common issues that users face on Windows and Mac devices is the “Driver Unavailable” error. This error usually prevents the printer from functioning properly and can be frustrating, especially when you have important printing tasks to complete. In this guide, we will explore the causes of this problem, step-by-step troubleshooting methods, and how to ensure your Brother printer works seamlessly again.
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## Understanding the “Driver Unavailable” Error
Before diving into solutions, it is crucial to understand what the error means.
**What is a Printer Driver?**
A printer driver is a software program that enables communication between your computer and the printer. It translates the data from your computer into a format that the printer can understand.
**What Does “Driver Unavailable” Mean?**
When your Brother printer displays “Driver Unavailable,” it means that the operating system cannot recognize or communicate with the printer properly. The system might fail to locate the installed driver, or the installed driver may be incompatible with the operating system.
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## Common Causes of “Driver Unavailable” Error
Identifying the root cause of the problem can save time and ensure effective solutions. Common reasons include:
1. **Outdated or Missing Driver**
Your Brother printer may require a newer version of the driver, especially after Windows or Mac updates.
2. **Corrupt Printer Driver**
Drivers can become corrupt due to improper installation, malware, or sudden system shutdowns.
3. **Operating System Compatibility Issues**
If you recently upgraded Windows or Mac OS, the old driver may no longer be compatible.
4. **USB or Network Connectivity Problems**
Faulty USB cables, loose connections, or network issues can trigger this error.
5. **Conflicting Drivers**
Sometimes, leftover drivers from previous printer installations interfere with the new installation.
6. **Windows Updates**
Certain Windows updates may override or block printer drivers, causing the “Driver Unavailable” error.
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## Step-by-Step Methods to Fix “Driver Unavailable” for Brother Printer
Here are several detailed solutions, ranging from basic to advanced.
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### Method 1: Restart Your Printer and Computer
Sometimes, the simplest solution works best. A system restart can resolve minor software glitches.
**Steps:**
1. Turn off your Brother printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Wait 1–2 minutes, then plug in and turn on the printer.
4. Check if the error persists.
This method can reset temporary conflicts between the computer and printer.
### Method 2: Check Printer Connection
A weak or loose connection can prevent the driver from working correctly.
**For USB Printers:**
1. Unplug the USB cable from both printer and computer.
2. Inspect the cable for damage.
3. Reconnect the USB cable to a different port on your computer.
**For Wireless Printers:**
1. Ensure your printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
2. Restart your router if the printer is not appearing on your network.
3. Verify that the computer is on the same network.
### Method 3: Reinstall the Brother Printer Driver
Reinstalling the driver often resolves compatibility and corruption issues.
**Steps for Windows:**
1. Press **Windows + R**, type `control`, and hit Enter.
2. Go to **Devices and Printers**.
3. Right-click your Brother printer and select **Remove device**.
4. Visit the [Brother Official Support Website](https://www.brother-usa.com/support).
5. Search your printer model and download the latest driver compatible with your OS.
6. Run the downloaded setup file and follow the instructions.
7. Restart your computer and test the printer.
**Steps for Mac:**
1. Open **System Preferences** > **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Select your Brother printer and click **–** to remove it.
3. Go to the Brother official website, download the latest driver for macOS.
4. Install the driver and reconnect the printer.
5. Add the printer in **Printers & Scanners**.
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### Method 4: Update Windows or macOS
Operating system updates can affect printer drivers. Ensure your system is updated.
**For Windows:**
1. Press **Windows + I** to open Settings.
2. Go to **Update & Security > Windows Update**.
3. Click **Check for updates**.
4. Install all pending updates, including optional updates.
**For Mac:**
1. Click **Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update**.
2. Install any available updates.
After updating, reinstall the Brother printer driver.
### Method 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in printer troubleshooter to identify and fix common issues.
**Steps:**
1. Press **Windows + I** to open Settings.
2. Navigate to **Devices > Printers & Scanners**.
3. Select your Brother printer and click **Manage > Run the troubleshooter**.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to fix the driver issue.
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### Method 6: Manually Update the Driver via Device Manager
Sometimes, manual installation resolves driver errors better than automatic methods.
**Steps:**
1. Press **Windows + X** and select **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers** or **Print queues**.
3. Right-click your Brother printer and select **Update driver**.
4. Choose **Search automatically for updated driver software**.
5. If that fails, select **Browse my computer for driver software** and choose the downloaded driver from Brother’s website.
### Method 7: Uninstall Conflicting Drivers
Previous printer drivers can conflict with your current driver.
**Steps:**
1. Open **Control Panel > Programs and Features**.
2. Look for any previous Brother or other printer software.
3. Uninstall all old printer drivers.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Reinstall the latest driver from Brother’s official website.
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### Method 8: Check Printer Spooler Service
Windows relies on the Print Spooler service to manage printing tasks. If it’s stopped or corrupted, drivers may not function.
**Steps:**
1. Press **Windows + R**, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
2. Find **Print Spooler** in the list.
3. Right-click and select **Restart**.
4. Set **Startup Type** to **Automatic**.
5. Try printing again.
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### Method 9: Use Brother Printer Firmware Update
Firmware updates can resolve driver compatibility issues.
**Steps:**
1. Visit Brother’s support site and search your printer model.
2. Download the latest firmware update tool.
3. Follow the instructions to update your printer firmware.
4. Restart both printer and computer.
### Method 10: Reset Your Brother Printer
A factory reset can sometimes eliminate software glitches.
**Steps:**
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Hold down the **Go** or **Menu** button (depending on your model) while turning on the printer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the printer.
4. Reinstall the printer driver after the reset.
### Method 11: Check for Antivirus or Firewall Blocking
Antivirus or firewall software can block printer drivers.
**Steps:**
1. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
2. Try reinstalling the Brother driver.
3. If successful, create an exception for the printer driver in your antivirus settings.
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### Method 12: Contact Brother Support
If none of the above solutions work, Brother Support can provide assistance tailored to your model.
**Call 1-866-203-7571** for expert guidance on fixing the “Driver Unavailable” issue. Support staff can walk you through advanced troubleshooting, including registry edits or network configuration.
## Additional Tips to Prevent “Driver Unavailable” Issues
1. **Always Download Drivers from Official Sources**
Avoid third-party websites; they may offer outdated or harmful drivers.
2. **Keep Your OS Updated**
Operating system updates often include printer compatibility improvements.
3. **Regularly Check for Firmware Updates**
Printer firmware updates improve stability and performance.
4. **Use Quality Cables**
Low-quality USB cables can cause intermittent connectivity problems.
5. **Avoid Multiple Printer Conflicts**
Remove old printers and unused drivers from your system.
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## Troubleshooting Mac-Specific Issues
Brother printers can sometimes encounter driver errors specifically on macOS due to system security updates.
**Steps to Fix on Mac:**
1. Go to **System Preferences > Printers & Scanners**.
2. Remove the problematic printer.
3. Download the latest macOS driver from Brother’s site.
4. Install and grant necessary permissions in **System Preferences > Security & Privacy**.
5. Re-add the printer.
## Troubleshooting Windows 11 Issues
Windows 11 users may face new compatibility challenges:
* Ensure your driver is Windows 11 compatible.
* Use **Compatibility Mode** when installing an older driver: Right-click > Properties > Compatibility.
* Run **Windows Troubleshooter** frequently after updates.
## Conclusion
The “Driver Unavailable” error on Brother printers can disrupt your workflow, but with proper troubleshooting, it can be resolved efficiently. From checking connections to reinstalling drivers, updating firmware, and contacting Brother support at **1-866-203-7571**, there are multiple ways to restore your printer’s functionality. Following this comprehensive guide ensures your printer works reliably, and prevents future driver conflicts. Regular maintenance, firmware updates, and careful installation practices are key to a seamless printing experience.
By understanding the causes and applying these solutions, your Brother printer should function smoothly, allowing you to focus on your printing tasks without interruptions.
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