Brother HL-L2460DW Paper Jam Fix – How to Fix It

A paper jam can stop your Brother HL-L2460DW in the middle of an important print job. You may see a paper jam warning, hear the printer trying to feed paper, or find that pages are coming out partially before printing stops. A real obstruction is often the cause, but incorrect paper loading, damaged sheets, worn feed components, or outdated printer software can also contribute to printing problems. The good news is that most paper jams can be checked and cleared with a few simple steps.

Quick Fix Checklist

Start with these basic checks:

1. Stop the current print job.
2. Turn off the Brother HL-L2460DW.
3. Disconnect the power if you need to inspect inside the printer.
4. Remove loose paper from the paper tray.
5. Check the paper path for visible scraps.
6. Open the printer covers carefully.
7. Pull jammed paper out slowly and in the direction of the paper path.
8. Check the rear area if your printer has a jam there.
9. Reload a clean, properly aligned stack of paper.
10. Turn the printer back on.
11. Check Windows for any remaining printer error.
12. Update the printer software if the problem continues.

Avoid pulling paper aggressively. A torn sheet can leave small pieces inside the printer and cause another jam.

Why Does the Brother HL-L2460DW Keep Jamming?

Paper jams do not always happen because a large sheet is physically blocking the printer.

The paper tray may be overloaded or the paper guides may not be positioned correctly. Paper that is curled, damp, damaged, or stuck together can also feed incorrectly.

Using the wrong paper type can create additional problems. Paper that is too thick, too thin, or not suitable for the selected printing setup may not move through the printer properly.

Dust and small scraps of paper can also interfere with the paper path.

There is another issue that is easy to overlook. Windows communicates with the Brother HL-L2460DW through printer software. If that software is outdated, missing, or corrupted, Windows may send print commands incorrectly.

This does not mean outdated software physically causes every paper jam. However, software problems can create unusual printing behavior, failed jobs, or repeated errors that make the printer appear unreliable.

Windows updates can also change how installed printer software communicates with the operating system. Updating the printer software can help when paper related errors begin after a Windows update.

Turn Off the Printer Before Clearing a Jam

Safety should come first when removing jammed paper.

Cancel the current print job and turn off the Brother HL-L2460DW.

If you need to reach inside the printer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for powering down the device before removing paper.

Do not force a stuck sheet.

Pull the paper slowly and carefully. If it starts tearing, stop and reposition your hands before continuing.

Check the area for small scraps after removing the main sheet.

A tiny piece left inside the paper path can cause another jam the next time you print.

Check the Paper Tray

Start with the easiest area to inspect.

Remove the paper from the tray and look through the stack.

Check for:

1. Bent corners.
2. Folded sheets.
3. Torn paper.
4. Damp paper.
5. Pages stuck together.
6. Different paper sizes mixed together.
7. Excessive paper in the tray.

Replace damaged sheets with clean, flat paper.

Do not overload the tray.

Adjust the paper guides so they hold the paper securely without pressing too tightly against the stack.

The paper should sit evenly in the tray before you begin another print job.

Check the Paper Path

If the paper tray looks normal, inspect the rest of the paper path.

Look for paper that may have stopped partway through the printer.

Open the appropriate cover carefully and check for visible pieces.

Remove paper slowly.

If you see only a small portion of a sheet, do not yank it. Pull it carefully in the direction the paper normally travels.

After removing the paper, check again for scraps.

Close all covers securely before turning the printer back on.

Check the Rear Area

Some paper jams can occur toward the rear of the printer.

If your Brother HL-L2460DW provides access to the rear paper path, inspect this area according to the printer's instructions.

Look for:

1. Partially fed paper.
2. Torn pieces.
3. Multiple sheets stuck together.
4. Paper folded inside the path.

Remove any visible obstruction carefully.

Do not use sharp objects to reach inside the printer. A tool can damage internal components or leave additional debris behind.

Check the Toner and Internal Area

A toner cartridge that is not seated correctly can sometimes interfere with normal operation.

After powering down the printer, check that the toner and related components are positioned correctly.

Do not force anything into place.

If you are unsure about removing or reinstalling an internal component, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model.

Once everything is positioned correctly, close the printer and turn it back on.

Check whether the paper jam message has disappeared.

Method 1: Check for Outdated Printer Software With DriverAssist

If you have physically cleared the paper path but the Brother HL-L2460DW continues showing errors, check the software installed on your Windows computer.

DriverAssist can scan your computer for outdated software that may need updating.

This is useful when the printer started behaving differently after a Windows update or when you are unsure whether the installed printer software is current.

Follow these steps:

1. Download DriverAssist from the official download page.
2. Install DriverAssist on your Windows computer.
3. Open the application.
4. Allow it to scan your computer.
5. Review the scan results.
6. Look for software associated with the Brother HL-L2460DW.
7. Follow the instructions to update the required software.
8. Allow the installation to complete.
9. Restart Windows.
10. Restart the printer.
11. Check the printer status.
12. Print a test page.

Download DriverAssist here.

Updating the software can help resolve communication problems that may appear alongside paper related printing errors.

Remember that software updates will not remove a physical piece of paper. Always clear the actual obstruction first.

Method 2: Download the Correct Software From Brother

You can also manually update the printer software through Brother's official support website.

This requires you to select the correct printer model and Windows version.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Go to Brother's official support website.
3. Search for Brother HL-L2460DW.
4. Select the exact model.
5. Open the downloads or software section.
6. Choose Windows.
7. Select Windows 11 or Windows 10.
8. Select the appropriate system type if requested.
9. Review the available downloads.
10. Choose the appropriate package.
11. Download the file.
12. Open the installer.
13. Follow the instructions.
14. Restart Windows.
15. Restart the Brother HL-L2460DW.
16. Test the printer.

Be careful when choosing the model. Similar Brother printer names can make it easy to select the wrong package.

Also confirm whether your computer is running Windows 10 or Windows 11 before downloading the software.

Method 3: Use Windows Device Manager

Windows Device Manager provides another way to check for printer software updates.

To use it:

1. Right click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Look through the listed devices.
4. Find the Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Right click the printer device.
6. Select Update driver.
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
8. Wait for Windows to search.
9. Install an update if one is found.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Restart the printer.
12. Test printing.

If the printer is not listed by its exact model name, check for an unknown device or a device with a warning symbol.

Device Manager has limitations. Windows may not find the newest manufacturer specific package. It can also say that the best software is already installed even when a newer version exists.

For this reason, Device Manager is useful, but it may not resolve every printer problem.

Check the Paper Size in Windows

Incorrect paper settings can cause feeding problems.

Before printing, check the document's paper size.

For example, if your printer contains Letter size paper but the application is configured for another size, Windows may send instructions that do not match the paper loaded in the tray.

Open the print settings in the application you are using.

Check the selected paper size and make sure it matches the paper in the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Also review the paper type if the application provides that option.

Correct settings can help prevent unnecessary feeding problems.

Use Clean and Properly Stored Paper

Paper quality matters.

Avoid using sheets that have been exposed to moisture or stored in a place where they can become damp.

Do not mix heavily curled or damaged pages with clean paper.

Keep the stack flat.

If several sheets appear stuck together, separate them before placing them in the tray.

Using a consistent stack of clean paper makes it easier for the printer to feed individual sheets.

Do Not Overload the Tray

Adding too much paper can make feeding less reliable.

Check the tray's indicated capacity and avoid filling it beyond the recommended level.

Make sure the paper is positioned correctly.

The side guides should hold the paper in place without squeezing it.

After loading the paper, check that the stack is straight and not leaning to one side.

Restart the Printer After Clearing the Jam

Once you have removed the jam, restart the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Turn the printer off.

Wait several seconds.

Turn it back on and allow it to complete its startup process.

Check the printer display.

If the paper jam warning has disappeared, send a simple test document.

Do not immediately send a large multi-page document. A short test makes it easier to determine whether the problem has been resolved.

Clear Any Stuck Windows Print Jobs

A paper jam can leave a document waiting in the Windows print queue.

If you cleared the physical jam but the printer still does not print, check the queue.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Choose Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Open the print queue.
6. Cancel any failed jobs.

On Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Select Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Open the queue.
6. Cancel pending jobs.

After clearing the queue, restart the printer and send a new test document.

Brother HL-L2460DW Paper Jam on Windows 11

Windows 11 users should first determine whether the problem is physical or software related.

If paper is visibly stuck, turn off the printer and remove the sheet carefully.

If there is no visible obstruction, check the printer status in Settings, Bluetooth & devices, and Printers & scanners.

Clear any pending print jobs.

If the issue started after a Windows update, check the installed printer software as well.

Brother HL-L2460DW Paper Jam on Windows 10

Windows 10 users can check the printer through Settings, Devices, and Printers & scanners.

Clear any pending jobs after removing the physical obstruction.

If the paper jam warning remains even after the printer is clear, restart the printer and computer.

Persistent software related errors may require updating the printer software or reinstalling the printer.

What If the Paper Jam Warning Will Not Go Away?

A warning that remains after removing the paper can be caused by several things.

First, inspect the paper path again.

Look for tiny scraps that may have been left behind.

Check that every cover is completely closed.

Make sure the paper tray is inserted correctly.

Restart the printer and check the display again.

If the printer still reports a jam despite an empty paper path, the issue may require further manufacturer specific troubleshooting.

Avoid forcing internal components or using tools to reach areas that are difficult to access.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

A paper jam that happens repeatedly usually has an underlying cause.

Poor paper handling is one possibility. Curled, damaged, damp, or incorrectly loaded paper can repeatedly cause feeding problems.

Incorrect paper settings can also contribute.

A network or software issue may make the situation more confusing. Windows can report a printing error even when the physical paper path is clear.

Outdated printer software can cause communication problems between Windows and the Brother HL-L2460DW. This can be particularly noticeable after a Windows update.

If the same error appears after every restart, do not assume that removing another sheet of paper will solve it. Check the paper quality, tray setup, printer settings, and installed software.

Keep Printer Software Updated

Printer software can become outdated without obvious notification.

You may only notice an issue after Windows changes or after the printer begins behaving differently.

DriverAssist can scan your Windows computer for outdated software and help identify available updates.

Keeping Windows current is also important.

After a major Windows update, test your Brother HL-L2460DW if you notice new printing errors.

Regular software checks can help reduce communication problems that may accompany other printer issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear a paper jam on my Brother HL-L2460DW?

Turn off the printer and carefully remove visible paper from the tray and accessible paper paths. Check for small scraps, reload clean paper correctly, restart the printer, and test it with a simple document.

Why does my Brother HL-L2460DW keep getting paper jams?

Curled or damp paper, incorrect loading, an overloaded tray, incorrect paper settings, or debris in the paper path can cause repeated jams. Check these areas before assuming there is a serious hardware problem.

Why does my Brother printer say paper jam when there is no paper stuck?

A small paper fragment may still be inside the paper path, or a cover or tray may not be positioned correctly. Restart the printer and inspect the accessible paper paths carefully.

Can outdated printer software cause paper jam errors?

Outdated software does not normally create a physical paper obstruction, but it can cause communication or printing errors that may appear alongside paper related problems. Updating the printer software can help rule out software compatibility issues.

Why did my Brother HL-L2460DW start showing errors after a Windows update?

A Windows update can change components that interact with installed printer software. Updating the printer software can help restore compatibility if the printing behavior changed after the update.

Can Device Manager update my Brother HL-L2460DW software?

Device Manager can search for available updates, but it may not find the newest manufacturer specific software. It is one troubleshooting option rather than a guaranteed solution.

Conclusion

A paper jam can bring the Brother HL-L2460DW to a complete stop, but the problem is often manageable with careful troubleshooting. Start by turning off the printer, checking the paper tray and paper path, and removing any visible obstruction without forcing the paper.

After clearing the jam, reload clean and properly aligned paper. Check Windows for stuck print jobs and confirm that the printer is using the correct settings.

Persistent errors should also prompt you to check the printer software. DriverAssist can help identify outdated software, while Brother's support website and Windows Device Manager provide additional update methods.

If the printer repeatedly reports paper jams even when the paper path is clear, avoid forcing internal parts. Check the printer settings and software first, then seek manufacturer specific assistance if the warning continues.