Brother Printer Driver Unavailable? Fix Driver Problems Fast (2026)

Introduction

Is your Brother printer showing a “Driver Unavailable” message?

This is one of the most common Windows printing errors and usually prevents the printer from working properly.

You may notice:

• Printer appears installed but cannot print
• Driver unavailable warning
• Printer shown as offline
• Print jobs fail immediately
• Windows cannot communicate with the printer

The good news is that this problem is usually software-related and can often be fixed within a few minutes.

This guide explains why Brother printer drivers become unavailable and the most effective ways to restore printing functionality.

If your printer has broader printing issues, visit our Brother Printer Not Printing? 15 Proven Fixes That Actually Work guide.

What Does “Driver Unavailable” Mean?

A printer driver is software that allows your computer and printer to communicate.

When Windows displays Driver Unavailable, it means the operating system cannot properly use the installed printer driver.

Without a functioning driver:

• print jobs cannot be processed
• communication fails
• printer settings become inaccessible
• printing stops completely

The issue is usually related to software rather than hardware.

Why Does My Brother Printer Driver Become Unavailable?

Common causes include:

• Corrupted driver files
• Failed Windows updates
• Incomplete printer installation
• Outdated drivers
• Compatibility issues
• Network communication problems
• Print spooler failures
• Incorrect driver versions

Most users can resolve the problem without replacing hardware.

Fix 1: Restart the Printer and Computer

Always start with a simple restart.

Temporary communication failures can trigger driver errors.

Steps

1. Turn off Brother printer
2. Restart computer
3. Turn printer back on
4. Test printing

Many temporary driver problems disappear after a restart.

Fix 2: Check Windows Printer Status

Windows may incorrectly flag the printer.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Select Bluetooth & Devices
3. Open Printers & Scanners
4. Select Brother printer
5. Check device status

If Windows still shows Driver Unavailable, continue troubleshooting.

Fix 3: Update the Printer Driver

Outdated drivers are one of the most common causes of this error.

Steps

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Printers
3. Right-click Brother printer
4. Select Update Driver
5. Search automatically for drivers

Restart your computer after installation.

Fix 4: Reinstall the Brother Printer Driver

If the driver is damaged, reinstalling often fixes the problem.

Steps

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click Brother printer
3. Select Uninstall Device
4. Restart computer
5. Install latest Brother driver
6. Reconnect printer

Fresh installation removes corrupted files.

Fix 5: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The print spooler controls printer communication.

When it stops working properly, Windows may report driver errors.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Press Enter
4. Find Print Spooler
5. Right-click
6. Select Restart

Then test printing again.

Fix 6: Remove and Re-Add the Printer

Sometimes Windows stores a corrupted printer profile.

Removing and reinstalling the printer refreshes communication settings.

Steps

1. Open Printers & Scanners
2. Remove Brother printer
3. Restart computer
4. Add printer again

Many driver problems disappear after reinstallation.

Fix 7: Check Windows Updates

Windows updates can affect printer compatibility.

Sometimes:

• drivers become outdated
• printer settings change
• compatibility issues appear

Fix

1. Open Windows Update
2. Check for updates
3. Install pending updates
4. Restart computer

This often resolves compatibility issues.

Fix 8: Verify USB or Network Connection

Windows may report driver issues when communication fails.

USB Printers

Check:

• cable damage
• loose connections
• faulty ports

Wireless Printers

Check:

• network connection
• WiFi signal
• router status

If your wireless connection is unstable, see:

Brother Printer WiFi Setup Guide (Windows, Mac & Mobile)
(Internal Link)

Fix 9: Install the Correct Driver Version

Many users accidentally install the wrong driver.

Examples include:

• Windows 10 driver on Windows 11
• Generic printer driver
• Incorrect Brother model driver

Always verify:

• Printer model number
• Operating system version
• Driver compatibility

Using the correct driver is essential.

Fix 10: Disable and Re-Enable the Printer

Refreshing the device can restore communication.

Steps

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click Brother printer
3. Disable device
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Enable device

Test printing afterward.

Fix 11: Check for Security Software Conflicts

Occasionally antivirus or firewall software blocks printer communication.

Symptoms include:

• Driver unavailable messages
• Network printer detection failures
• Installation problems

Temporarily test with security software disabled if appropriate.

Then reconnect the printer.

Fix 12: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in printer diagnostic tool.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Select Troubleshoot
3. Open Other Troubleshooters
4. Run Printer Troubleshooter

The tool may automatically identify driver issues.

When Driver Errors Cause Offline Problems

Many offline printer issues are actually driver-related.

If your printer frequently shows:

• Offline status
• Communication failures
• Connection interruptions

visit:

Brother Printer Offline? 10 Fast Fixes to Get It Back Online

for additional troubleshooting.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ restart printer
✅ restart computer
✅ check printer status
✅ update driver
✅ reinstall driver
✅ restart print spooler
✅ remove and re-add printer
✅ install Windows updates
✅ verify connection
✅ install correct driver version
✅ refresh device
✅ run troubleshooter

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Brother printer say Driver Unavailable?

The most common causes are corrupted drivers, outdated software, failed updates, or communication issues.

How do I fix a Brother printer driver error?

Update or reinstall the driver, restart the print spooler, and reconnect the printer.

Can Windows updates break printer drivers?

Yes. Major Windows updates sometimes create compatibility issues with older drivers.

Should I uninstall and reinstall my Brother printer?

Yes. Reinstalling is often the fastest solution for persistent driver errors.

Can WiFi issues cause Driver Unavailable errors?

Sometimes. Communication failures may cause Windows to incorrectly report driver problems.

Final Thoughts

Brother printer driver errors are usually software-related and rarely indicate hardware failure.

Most users solve the problem by:

• updating drivers
• reinstalling printer software
• restarting the print spooler
• reconnecting the printer
• installing the correct driver version

Start with the simplest fixes first.

If the Driver Unavailable message persists after troubleshooting, a complete driver reinstallation usually resolves the issue.

Following the steps above will restore communication between your Brother printer and computer and get you printing again.