brother printer driver for windows 8.1 pro

---

Brother Printer Driver for Windows 8.1 Pro: Your Ultimate Guide

Ensuring your Brother printer functions flawlessly on your Windows 8.1 Pro system requires the installation of the correct and official drivers. Drivers act as the essential bridge between your operating system and your printer, allowing them to communicate effectively. Without the proper drivers, your printer may not perform optimally, or might not work at all. This comprehensive guide will walk you through finding, downloading, and installing the official Brother printer drivers for Windows 8.1 Pro, along with helpful troubleshooting tips.

Why Official Brother Drivers are Crucial for Windows 8.1 Pro

While Windows 8.1 Pro includes generic or ‘built-in’ drivers for many devices, utilizing the full driver and software package from Brother is highly recommended. Brother original drivers are developed by Brother and offer full functionality, including advanced features such as specific print quality settings, duplex printing options, scanning capabilities (for multifunction devices), and access to utility software like Brother’s ControlCenter. Using these official drivers ensures compatibility, enhances performance, and provides access to all your printer’s features.

Finding and Downloading Official Brother Printer Drivers

The most reliable source for Brother printer drivers is their official support website. Here’s how to navigate it to find the driver specifically for your Windows 8.1 Pro system:

1. Identify Your Printer Model: Before anything else, locate the exact model name of your Brother printer. This is typically found on a label on the printer itself.
2. Visit the Official Brother Support Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Brother support portal.
3. Search for Your Model: On the support website, look for a ‘Product Search’ or ‘Downloads’ section. Enter your specific Brother printer model name into the search bar.
4. Select Your Operating System: Once you find your product page, you’ll be prompted to select your operating system. Choose ‘Windows 8.1’ (and specify 32-bit or 64-bit if applicable). Brother provides a compatibility list for Windows 8/8.1 models.
5. Download the Full Driver & Software Package: Brother generally recommends downloading the ‘Full Driver & Software Package.’ This package includes all necessary drivers, utilities, and applications to get the most out of your printer.

Note: The direct download URL provided in the ‘drivers’ section of this JSON output leads to the general Brother support page. You will need to select your specific model and OS from there.

How to Install Brother Printer Drivers on Windows 8.1 Pro

Method 1: Using the Full Driver & Software Package (Recommended)

This method provides the most comprehensive installation and unlocks all printer features.

1. Prepare Your System: Close all other applications before beginning the installation. If connecting via USB, do NOT connect the USB cable until instructed by the installer.
2. Run the Downloaded File: Locate the ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ file you downloaded (it’s usually a self-extracting .exe file) and double-click it to start the installation.
3. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the process. You’ll typically need to agree to the End-User License Agreement (EULA).
4. Choose Connection Type: Select your connection method (e.g., USB, Wired Network, Wireless Network). If choosing a network connection, the installer will help detect your printer on the network.
5. Connect Your Printer (if USB): If you selected a USB connection, the installer will prompt you to connect the USB cable between your printer and computer at the appropriate time.
6. Complete Installation: Follow the remaining prompts to finalize the installation. Once complete, you may be asked to print a test page.

Method 2: Using Built-in Windows Drivers

If you only need basic printing functionality or are experiencing issues with the full package, Windows 8.1 Pro often includes built-in drivers.

1. Connect Your Printer: Connect your Brother printer to your computer via USB or ensure it’s on the same network.
2. Access Devices and Printers: Open the Control Panel (press Windows key + X, then select ‘Control Panel’), then go to ‘Hardware and Sound’ > ‘Devices and Printers’.
3. Add a Printer: Click ‘Add a printer’.
4. Let Windows Search: Windows will attempt to find available printers. If your printer appears, select it and follow the prompts.
5. Manual Installation (if not found): If your printer isn’t listed, click ‘The printer that I want isn’t listed’.
6. Choose a Connection Option: Select how you want to add it (e.g., ‘Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings’ or ‘Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname’).
7. Select Brother from Manufacturers: In the ‘Install the printer driver’ window, select ‘Brother’ from the ‘Manufacturer’ list. Then, choose your printer model from the ‘Printers’ list. If your model isn’t there, click ‘Windows Update’ to refresh the list (this may take a few minutes).
8. Finish Installation: Complete the remaining steps, including naming your printer and optionally printing a test page.

Troubleshooting Common Brother Driver Issues

• “Driver is Unavailable” Error: This often indicates a corrupted or missing driver. Try reinstalling the driver by following Method 1 above, making sure to uninstall any existing Brother software first from ‘Programs and Features’ in the Control Panel.
• Printer Not Recognized: Ensure your printer is powered on and properly connected (USB cable securely plugged in, or printer connected to the correct Wi-Fi network). Restart both your computer and printer.
• Printing is Slow or Features Missing: This might mean you’re using a generic or built-in driver that doesn’t offer full functionality. Reinstall the ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ from the Brother website.
• Installation Fails (Kernel-Mode Error): While rare, this can occur. Ensure your Windows 8.1 Pro is fully updated. Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that might be interfering, then try the installation again.
• Unable to Scan/Fax (Multifunction Printers): The built-in drivers for network connections might only support printing. Ensure you’ve installed the ‘Full Driver & Software Package’ as it includes scanning and faxing utilities. Check if ControlCenter4 is installed and functioning.
• Windows Update Issues: Ensure your Windows 8.1 Pro operating system is fully updated, as some driver components or fixes can come through Windows Update.

By following this guide, you should be able to successfully install your Brother printer driver for Windows 8.1 Pro and enjoy seamless printing. Always prioritize downloading drivers directly from the official Brother support website for the best performance and security.