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How to Fix Brother Printer Driver is Unavailable Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted: Jul 25, 2025
In today's tech-driven world, printers remain vital in both homes and offices. Brother is a well-respected name in the printing industry, known for its reliability, affordability, and high-quality output. However, even the best hardware can occasionally run into software problems. One of the most common issues faced by Brother printer users is the frustrating message: "Driver is unavailable." If you're experiencing this issue, don’t worry. This article will walk you through what this message means, why it happens, and how you can fix it.
And if you’d rather talk to a real person for assistance, you can always call 1-872-999-5616 for expert help with your Brother printer issues.
What Does "Driver Is Unavailable" Mean?
When your system shows that the Brother printer driver is unavailable, it simply means that your computer is unable to communicate properly with the printer. The "driver" is a piece of software that acts as a bridge between your printer and computer. If this bridge is broken — whether through corruption, incompatibility, or absence — your printer won’t function.
Why Does the "Driver Is Unavailable" Message Appear?
There are several reasons why this error might pop up:
1. Outdated or Corrupted Driver
Over time, software updates can make existing drivers incompatible or outdated. A corrupted driver can also cause communication issues between your PC and printer.
2. Windows Update Conflict
Sometimes a Windows update can disrupt printer functionality, especially if the printer manufacturer hasn’t released an updated driver yet.
3. Missing Driver
If you’ve recently reinstalled Windows or connected the printer to a new device, the appropriate driver may not be installed at all.
4. System File Issues
Errors in your operating system or conflicts with system files can lead to driver malfunctions.
5. USB or Network Connection Problems
Poor physical or wireless connection can sometimes mimic driver issues, misleading users.
How to Fix "Brother Printer Driver Is Unavailable"
Here are step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue:
Step 1: Restart Everything
It sounds simple, but many technical issues are fixed with a full restart of your computer and printer.
- Turn off your Brother printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Restart your computer.
- Plug in the printer and turn it back on.
- Try printing again.
If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Update the Printer Driver
- Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
- Locate your Brother printer under "Printers" or "Print queues."
- Right-click on it and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Alternatively, visit the official Brother website:
- Go to https://support.brother.com
- Enter your printer model
- Download and install the latest driver compatible with your operating system
Step 3: Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver
If updating doesn’t help, a clean reinstallation might solve the problem.
- Open Device Manager.
- Find your Brother printer, right-click, and select Uninstall device.
- Follow the prompts to remove the driver.
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall the driver from the Brother website or use the CD that came with your printer.
Step 4: Use the Built-in Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a helpful tool for diagnosing and resolving printer issues.
- Go to Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshoot.
- Select Printer, then click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Check Compatibility
Sometimes, older printers may not be fully compatible with the latest version of Windows or macOS.
- Check your operating system version.
- Visit Brother’s support page to verify if your printer model is still supported.
Step 6: Verify Connection
Whether you're connected via USB or Wi-Fi, it's important to ensure that the link between your printer and PC is stable.
For USB Printers:
- Try a different USB port.
- Use a different USB cable.
- Avoid using USB hubs.
For Network/Wireless Printers:
- Ensure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- Restart your router.
- Use the Brother iPrint&Scan app to detect and test the connection.
Additional Tips
- Always keep your system updated. Regularly check for Windows or macOS updates.
- Avoid third-party driver download sites. Always download from Brother’s official website to avoid malware or incompatible files.
- Use Brother’s software tools. Brother provides various utilities like the Driver Deployment Wizard and Printer Setting Tool that can automate much of the process.
When to Contact Brother Support
If none of these steps work, the issue could be more complex—possibly involving firmware, internal printer errors, or a malfunctioning driver registry.
Instead of spending hours troubleshooting on your own, it's best to get expert help. Call the Brother printer support number at 1-872-999-5616 to speak with a certified technician. They can diagnose and fix Brother printer driver issues remotely or walk you through effective solutions step by step.
Conclusion
The "Driver is Unavailable" error on Brother printers is a common but solvable issue. Whether caused by outdated software, a missing driver, or system incompatibility, the fixes are usually straightforward with the right guidance. Following the steps above will likely get your printer back to working condition quickly.
However, if you feel stuck or simply want quick and effective help, don’t hesitate to call 1-872-999-5616. The Brother printer support experts are available to help resolve any driver-related issue so you can get back to printing without frustration.
About the Author
Get reliable help with your Brother printer by calling our support team at 1-872-999-5616. Whether you need assistance with setup, driver installation, or connectivity, our Brother Printer Support is available 24/7 to handle your technical needs.