Forum Discussion

MSKPEE's avatar
MSKPEE
Copper Contributor
Jan 02, 2025

Latest Windows 10 build 10.0.19045 not recognizing Brother MFC-8440 printer

Windows recently did updates on my Desktop and two laptops. All of them have Windows 10 build 10.0.19045 as of this writing. I cannot make the Brother MFC-8440 printer working any of these computers.

  1. When I remove the USB printer and hook is back I hear the bell. In fact from Windows Scanner and Fax, I can scan a document from my MFC-8440 printer. But when I try to print something the printer is not listed.
  2. I see the MFC-8440 printer listed under Device Manager -> Software Devices - Which is very unusual. Shouldn't the printer be listed under Printers or Print Queues?
  3. I tried to add the Printer Driver under Settings->Printers and Scanners -> +Add a printer or scanner

        -Search does not bring up the MFC-8400 printer

         clicked 'The printer that I want isn't listed'

       -clicked 'Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings'

       -I can see the MFC-8400 listed in 'Choose a printer Port' list, and I selected that

       -Clicked the 'Windows Update' in the next 'Install the printer driver' screen

       MFC-8440 driver is not even getting listed 

This same thing happens in all 3 machines I have with Windows 10 build 10.0.19045 update.

3 Replies

  • printertales's avatar
    printertales
    Copper Contributor

    That printer’s just too old for Windows to grab the driver automatically now. Don’t use the Windows Update list, download the full MFC-8440 driver package straight from Brother’s website. Remove the printer from Device Manager, unplug it, reboot, then run Brother’s installer and plug it in only when prompted. That usually makes it show up properly under Printers instead of that weird Software Devices section.

  • printertales's avatar
    printertales
    Copper Contributor

    That printer’s just too old for Windows to grab the driver automatically now. Don’t use the Windows Update list, download the full MFC-8440 driver package straight from Brother’s website. Remove the printer from Device Manager, unplug it, reboot, then run Brother’s installer and plug it in only when prompted. That usually makes it show up properly under Printers instead of that weird Software Devices section.

  • Daryl West's avatar
    Daryl West
    Copper Contributor

    Can you see the printer in DM|Device and Printers?

    May want to also look at Settings|Bluetooth Device |Printers and Scanners