Problems connecting to printer after windows update

dotlang 45 Reputation points
2026-09-19T03:04:41.39+00:00

After removing 2 windows updates to resolve my File History problem, now my Windows 11 laptop won't connect to my Brother printer. Could the problem be related to recent Windows updates?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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AI answer

2026-09-19T03:04:59.7966667+00:00

Yes. Printer connection problems can happen after Windows updates, especially if the update changed the print subsystem or left the printer driver incompatible with the current Windows build. Brother printers are commonly affected by driver mismatch issues after updates.

Try this in order:

  1. Power cycle the printer
    • Turn off the printer.
    • Unplug it for 30 seconds.
    • Plug it back in and turn it on.
  2. Check the connection type
    • USB printer: reconnect the cable firmly and try a different USB port.
    • Wi‑Fi printer: make sure the printer is on the same Wi‑Fi network as the laptop.
  3. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter
    • In Windows 11, run the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
    • It can automatically diagnose and fix common printer connection problems.
  4. Restart the Print Spooler service
    • Press Windows key + R.
    • Type services.msc and press Enter.
    • Find Print Spooler.
    • Right-click it and select Restart.
  5. Update or reinstall the printer driver
    • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    • Select the Brother printer > Manage > Update driver.
    • If Windows does not fix it, download a Windows 11-compatible driver from Brother’s support site and install it.
  6. Remove and add the printer again
    • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    • Select the printer and choose Remove.
    • Restart the PC.
    • Return to Printers & scanners and select Add a printer or scanner.
  7. If the issue started right after a driver update, roll back the driver
    • Open Device Manager.
    • Expand Printers or Print queues.
    • Right-click the Brother printer > Properties.
    • On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if available.
    • Restart the PC.

If the problem began immediately after a recent Windows update and the steps above do not help, uninstalling the latest quality or cumulative update can be a temporary workaround. This changes system files, so use it only if the printer worked before the update and stopped immediately after.

References:

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  1. Ivan B 124.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-19T03:37:36.24+00:00

    Hi,

    If the Q&A Assist procedure didn't work, please tell me: what is your Brother printer model?

    What connection are you using—USB or network?

    Thanks.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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