Install or Add a Brother Printer on Windows (10 & 11)

Step-by-step instructions for setting up Brother USB, Wi-Fi, network, and Bluetooth printers on Windows, including driver installation tips for the Brother Printer Installer.

Visual walkthrough

A few screenshots or images can help — here are sample visuals to include on your blog or documentation page.

Windows settings

Quick overview

Windows can automatically detect most Brother printers. However, Brother recommends installing the official **Brother Printer Driver / Full Driver & Software Package** for best performance, scanning, and wireless features.

Note for ARM-based PCs
Many Brother installer packages are not optimized for ARM processors. If the Brother “Full Driver & Software Package” doesn’t install, use Windows built-in Printer Setup or Brother’s mobile/web setup alternatives.

Install a wired (local) printer

Most Brother USB printers install automatically once plugged in. If Windows doesn’t detect the device, use the steps below.

Check the basics

Ensure your Brother printer is powered on and the USB cable is securely connected to the PC.

Open Settings > Printers & scanners

Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and check if Windows has already added your Brother printer.

If not detected: Add device

If the printer doesn’t appear, click Add device and wait for Windows to detect your Brother printer.

Check Windows Update for drivers

After adding the printer, run Windows Update. Brother drivers, including scanning tools (for MFC models), may download automatically.

Install a network or wireless printer

Brother Wi-Fi and Ethernet printers must be on the same network as your PC. Use the printer’s panel (or Brother Mobile Connect app) to connect the printer to Wi-Fi first.

  1. Connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi using the printer’s control panel or WPS method.
  2. Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Click Add device and select your Brother printer from the list.

If the printer does not appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed and choose manual setup options such as IP address installation.

Install a Bluetooth printer

Pair the Brother portable printer using Settings > Bluetooth & devices. After pairing, add it again through Printers & scanners.

Remove a printer

To remove a Brother printer, go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the Brother printer model, and click Remove.

Troubleshooting & next steps

  • If printing fails, run the built-in Brother Printer Troubleshooter or reinstall the driver.
  • Brother scanners require the full Brother Driver & Software Package for full functionality.
  • If drivers won’t install on ARM PCs, use Windows built-in setup instead.
  • For wireless issues, reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi via control panel or reset network settings.
Quick commands (advanced) 
# Open Printers & scanners quickly (Windows 10/11) start ms-settings:printers
# Open Windows Update start ms-settings:windowsupdate