Installing Brother printer drivers on Windows or macOS is straightforward with the right steps. This guide covers HL, MFC, and DCP series with USB and Wi-Fi installation for Windows 11/10 and the latest macOS versions.
Before You Begin: Preparation Checklist
- Identify your model: Check the label on the front or bottom for the exact model number (e.g. HL-L2350DW, MFC-L2710DW, DCP-L2550DW).
- Uninstall old software: Go to Settings → Apps (Windows) or Applications (macOS) and remove any existing Brother software.
- Check your connection: Have your Wi-Fi credentials ready or a USB cable available.
- Power on printer: Connect power cable and press the power button — wait for it to fully initialize.
Method 1: Full Driver & Software Package (Recommended)
The Full Driver & Software Package is the most complete installation method for all Brother models.
- Go to the Brother support website and search for your exact model number.
- Under Downloads, select your OS and download the Full Driver & Software Package.
- Double-click the downloaded file to start the installer.
- Select your connection type: Wireless, USB, or Wired LAN.
- Follow on-screen steps — the installer detects your printer automatically.
- Click Finish when complete.
Pro Tip: Always choose the Full Driver & Software Package, not the basic driver only. The full package includes the scanner driver, network utilities, and ControlCenter — essential for MFC all-in-one models.
Method 2: USB Cable Setup
For a direct wired connection without Wi-Fi:
- Do not connect the USB cable yet.
- Download the Full Driver Package for your model from the Brother website.
- Run the installer and select USB Connection when prompted.
- When prompted, connect the USB cable from printer to computer.
- Windows will detect the printer and complete driver installation automatically.
- Print a test page to verify setup.
Method 3: Wireless (Wi-Fi) Setup via Installer
- Run the Full Driver installer and select Wireless Network Connection.
- Temporarily connect a USB cable when prompted (for initial Wi-Fi configuration only).
- The installer will configure the printer's Wi-Fi settings automatically.
- Once connected to Wi-Fi, disconnect the USB cable.
- Complete the driver installation — your printer is now fully wireless.
Method 4: WPS (Push Button) Wi-Fi Setup
- On your Brother printer, press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the Wi-Fi LED blinks.
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router.
- Wait for the Wi-Fi LED to become solid (connected).
- Install the Full Driver Package on your computer — it will detect the printer on the network.
Brother Printer Model-Specific Tips
Brother HL Series (Single-Function Laser)
- HL-L2350DW, HL-L3270CDW, HL-L8360CDW and similar models.
- Print-only; no scan/copy — basic driver is sufficient, but full package recommended.
- Ethernet connection recommended for office environments.
Brother MFC Series (All-in-One)
- MFC-L2710DW, MFC-J995DW, MFC-L8900CDW — print, scan, copy, fax.
- Must install the full package to enable scan and fax functionality.
- Brother ControlCenter4 is included for managing scan destinations.
Brother DCP Series (Multifunction, No Fax)
- DCP-L2550DW, DCP-J1200W — print, scan, copy without fax.
- Full package enables the scanner and scanning utilities.
- Compact models ideal for home offices.
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
Printer Not Found on Network
- Ensure printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz recommended).
- Restart printer and router, then retry the installation.
- Disable VPN or firewall temporarily during setup.
- Print a network configuration page from the printer's menu to verify the IP address.
Driver Installation Failed
- Uninstall any previous Brother printer software completely.
- Download the latest Full Driver Package from the Brother support site.
- Run the installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
- Temporarily disable antivirus software during installation.
Printer Offline After Setup
- Go to Settings → Printers & Scanners, right-click your Brother printer.
- Select See what’s printing → Printer → uncheck Use Printer Offline.
- Clear any stuck print jobs from the queue.
- Restart the Print Spooler service via services.msc if the issue persists.
macOS Not Recognizing Printer
- Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
- Remove the existing Brother printer entry, then re-add it.
- Reinstall the full driver package first before re-adding.
- On macOS Ventura/Sonoma, allow the Brother software in Privacy & Security settings.
Conclusion
Brother printer driver installation is reliable when using the Full Driver & Software Package. For wireless setup, the installer handles all Wi-Fi configuration automatically. If you continue to experience issues, refer to our complete Brother printer troubleshooting guide or contact our expert team directly.