Experiencing a "brother printer in error state windows 11 computer can be frustrating, especially when you need to print something urgently. Fortunately, resolving this issue is usually straightforward. This guide provides you with clear, step-by-step instructions to get your Brother printer back to normal on Windows 11.

Step 1: Check the Printer's Physical Connections

Before diving into the software troubleshooting, it's essential to verify that all physical connections are secure.

• For USB Connections: Ensure the USB cable is properly connected to both your Brother printer and your Windows 11 computer. Try using a different USB port to rule out any port-related issues.
• For Wireless Connections: Confirm that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. You can check the connection status on your printer's display panel.

Step 2: Restart Your Printer and Computer

A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that cause the error state.

1. Turn off your Brother printer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Shut down your Windows 11 computer.
3. Wait for about 30 seconds.
4. Plug your printer back in and turn it on.
5. Restart your computer and check if the error message is gone.

Step 3: Set the Brother Printer as Default

If your Brother printer is not set as the default printer, Windows 11 might default to another device, causing an error state.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click on your Brother printer from the list.
4. Select Set as default to ensure all print jobs go to the correct printer.

Step 4: Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can cause your Brother printer to enter an error state. Clearing the print queue often resolves this issue.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
3. Scroll down to find Print Spooler in the list of services.
4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Stop.
5. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in this folder.
6. Return to the Print Spooler service, right-click, and select Start.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Brother Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause your Brother printer to show an error state on Windows 11.

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Printers section.
3. Right-click on your Brother printer and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
5. If no new drivers are found, consider uninstalling the current driver by selecting Uninstall device. Then, download and install the latest driver from the Brother support website.

Step 6: Run the Windows 11 Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common printer issues.

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find the Printer option and click Run.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and resolve the problem.

Step 7: Check for Windows 11 Updates

Keeping your operating system up to date can prevent compatibility issues that might cause a printer error state.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Step 8: Contact Brother Support

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your Brother printer is still in an error state, it might be time to contact Brother’s customer support. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting steps or arrange for repairs if needed.

Conclusion

A brother printer shows error state Mac can be a hindrance, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve the issue. From checking physical connections to updating drivers and running the Windows 11 troubleshooter, each step is designed to address the most common causes of this problem. If the issue persists, Brother’s support team is ready to help you get back to printing smoothly.