Brother HL-L2460DW Scanner Not Working – How to Fix It

Having trouble scanning with your Brother HL-L2460DW can be frustrating, especially when printing still works normally. You may find that Windows cannot detect the scanner, a scan job does not start, the scanner appears offline, or the computer shows an error when you try to scan. Outdated or missing printer software can sometimes cause these communication problems. A few simple checks can often get scanning working again.

Quick Fix Checklist

Try these steps before moving to more advanced troubleshooting:

1. Check that the Brother HL-L2460DW is powered on.
2. Confirm the printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
3. Restart the printer and Windows computer.
4. Check the USB or network connection if applicable.
5. Remove the printer and add it again in Windows.
6. Check Windows for scanner access.
7. Update the printer software.
8. Check for Windows updates.
9. Test scanning from another application.
10. Print a test page to confirm the printer is still connected.

If scanning still does not work, continue with the methods below.

Why Is My Brother HL-L2460DW Scanner Not Working?

Scanning requires communication between the printer, Windows, and the software used to start the scan.

A problem with any part of this connection can stop scanning.

For example, Windows may recognize the printer for printing but fail to recognize its scanning functions. This can happen when the required software is missing, outdated, or corrupted.

A network connection can also cause problems. Your computer and Brother HL-L2460DW generally need to be connected to the same network when scanning over WiFi.

Windows updates can sometimes change system components that interact with installed printer software. As a result, scanning may stop working even though it worked previously.

Other causes include incorrect Windows permissions, a disabled scanning service, an incorrect device selection, or a temporary communication problem.

Restart the Brother HL-L2460DW and Your Computer

Start with a simple restart.

Turn off the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Wait several seconds before turning it back on.

Allow the printer to finish starting up.

Then restart your Windows computer.

Once Windows loads, try scanning again.

A restart can clear temporary communication problems between the printer and computer.

If the scanner still does not respond, continue with the next steps.

Check the Connection

Your Brother HL-L2460DW needs a working connection to communicate with your computer.

For a network connection, make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same WiFi network.

If your computer is connected to one wireless network while the printer is connected to another, Windows may not be able to find the scanner.

Check the printer's network status.

Also check whether other devices on the same network can access the printer.

For a USB connection, inspect the cable and both connection points.

If possible, reconnect the cable and try scanning again.

Check Whether Windows Can See the Scanner

Windows may recognize the printer but not the scanner.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Find Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Open the device settings.
6. Look for scanning related options.
7. Check whether Windows recognizes the scanner.

On Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Find Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Open the device settings.
6. Check whether scanning options are available.

If Windows only shows printing functions, the required scanning software may not be installed correctly.

Try Windows Scan

Windows includes a scanning application that can help determine whether the problem is limited to another scanning program.

Open the Windows search box.

Type Scan.

Open the Windows Scan application if it is installed.

Select the Brother HL-L2460DW if it appears.

Place your document on the scanner.

Start a scan.

If Windows Scan works but another application does not, the issue may be related to that application rather than the printer itself.

If the scanner does not appear in Windows Scan, continue troubleshooting the printer connection and installed software.

Check the Brother HL-L2460DW Software

Printer software allows Windows to communicate with the device.

Different functions can rely on different software components.

This means that printing may continue to work even when scanning stops working.

An outdated or corrupted installation can cause Windows to communicate incorrectly with the printer.

This is especially worth checking if the scanner stopped working after a Windows update.

Method 1: Use DriverAssist to Check for Outdated Software

DriverAssist is the recommended first option for checking whether outdated software is causing communication problems.

Instead of searching through multiple software packages manually, DriverAssist can scan your computer and identify software that may need an update.

Follow these steps:

1. Download DriverAssist from the official download page.
2. Install the application on your Windows computer.
3. Open DriverAssist.
4. Start a scan.
5. Review the available results.
6. Look for software associated with the Brother HL-L2460DW.
7. Follow the instructions to update the required software.
8. Allow the update to finish.
9. Restart Windows.
10. Restart the Brother HL-L2460DW.
11. Open your scanning application.
12. Try scanning again.

Download DriverAssist here.

Updating the required software can help restore communication between Windows and the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Remember that software updates cannot fix a damaged scanner component or a disconnected cable. Physical and network checks should still be performed.

Method 2: Download the Software From Brother

You can also manually obtain the required software from Brother's official support website.

This method requires you to identify the exact printer model and your version of Windows.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Visit 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 your system type if requested.
9. Review the available software.
10. Find the scanning or full software package that applies to your printer.
11. Download the appropriate file.
12. Open the installer.
13. Follow the instructions.
14. Restart your computer.
15. Restart the Brother HL-L2460DW.
16. Try scanning again.

Selecting the correct model is important.

Brother offers many printer models with similar names. Installing software intended for another model can create additional problems.

Also make sure you select the correct Windows version.

Method 3: Check Windows Device Manager

Device Manager can help determine whether Windows detects the hardware.

To check it:

1. Right click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Review the device categories.
4. Look for the Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Check for a scanner, imaging device, or unknown device.
6. Look for a yellow warning symbol.
7. Right click the affected device.
8. Select Update driver.
9. Select Search automatically for drivers.
10. Follow any instructions provided by Windows.
11. Restart the computer.
12. Test the scanner.

Device Manager has limitations.

Windows may not find the newest manufacturer specific software.

It may also report that the best software is already installed even when a newer package is available.

For this reason, Device Manager is useful for troubleshooting but may not provide everything required for the scanner.

Check Windows Privacy Settings

Windows privacy settings can affect access to certain devices.

Open Windows Settings.

Search for privacy or device permissions.

Review settings related to camera, microphone, or device access if your scanning application requires them.

The exact options can differ between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Make sure the application you are using has the permissions it needs.

After changing a permission, close and reopen the scanning application.

Then try scanning again.

Remove and Reinstall the Printer

If Windows has an incorrect or damaged printer installation, removing and adding the printer again can help.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Select Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Choose Remove.
6. Restart Windows.
7. Return to Printers & scanners.
8. Select Add device.
9. Allow Windows to search for the printer.
10. Select Brother HL-L2460DW.
11. Complete the setup.
12. Test scanning.

On Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Devices.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Select Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Choose Remove device.
6. Restart the computer.
7. Return to Printers & scanners.
8. Select Add a printer or scanner.
9. Choose Brother HL-L2460DW.
10. Complete the setup.
11. Test scanning.

If Windows cannot find the printer automatically, check the network connection before trying again.

Check the WiFi Connection

Network scanning depends on a stable connection.

Check the WiFi status on the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Then check the network connection on your Windows computer.

Both devices should normally be connected to the same local network.

If your computer is connected through a different network, guest network, or isolated wireless connection, the scanner may not be visible.

Restarting the router can also help if several devices on the network are experiencing connection problems.

Check the Windows Firewall

A firewall can sometimes prevent applications from communicating with network devices.

If the Brother HL-L2460DW is connected to WiFi but Windows cannot find the scanner, check whether your security settings are blocking the scanning application.

Do not disable your firewall permanently just to test the scanner.

Instead, use Windows security settings to check whether the relevant application is allowed through the firewall.

If you are unsure which application or setting to change, avoid making unnecessary security changes.

Try Another Scanning Application

Testing another application can help identify where the problem is occurring.

Try Windows Scan or another trusted application that supports your scanner.

If one application scans correctly while another does not, the printer itself may be working normally.

The problem could be related to the original scanning application or its settings.

If no application can detect the scanner, focus on the connection and printer software.

Check the Scanner Settings

Your scanning application may be selecting the wrong device.

Open the application's scanner settings.

Check the selected device.

Make sure Brother HL-L2460DW is selected if it appears in the list.

If multiple scanners or printers are installed, Windows may select a different device by default.

Change the selected scanner and try again.

Brother HL-L2460DW Scanner Not Working on Windows 11

Windows 11 users should start by checking Settings, Bluetooth & devices, and Printers & scanners.

Confirm that Windows recognizes the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Then test the device with Windows Scan.

If the scanner is missing, check the connection and installed printer software.

If the problem started after a Windows update, updating the printer software is especially worth trying.

Removing and adding the printer again can also correct an incorrect Windows installation.

Brother HL-L2460DW Scanner Not Working on Windows 10

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

Make sure the Brother HL-L2460DW appears in the device list.

Test scanning with Windows Scan or another supported application.

If Windows cannot detect the scanner, check the network or USB connection.

Then review the installed printer software and update it if necessary.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

A scanner that repeatedly stops working can have an underlying software or connection problem.

An outdated printer installation can become incompatible after Windows changes.

Network settings can also change.

For example, a computer may connect to a different wireless network while the printer remains on the previous one.

Another possibility is having multiple copies of the same printer installed in Windows.

This can make it difficult for scanning applications to determine which device should be used.

Keeping only the correct printer installation can make troubleshooting easier.

Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Printer software can become outdated even when the printer itself is working normally.

You may not notice a problem until Windows receives a major update.

Regularly checking for software updates can help maintain communication between Windows and the Brother HL-L2460DW.

DriverAssist can scan your computer and help identify outdated software that may require an update.

You should also keep Windows current.

After installing a major Windows update, test both printing and scanning.

This can help you catch compatibility problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can my Brother HL-L2460DW print but not scan?

Printing and scanning can rely on different software components. Windows may recognize the printer for printing while the scanning software is missing, outdated, corrupted, or incorrectly configured.

How do I get my Brother HL-L2460DW scanner to work on Windows 11?

Check the printer connection, open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, and Printers & scanners, then confirm that Windows recognizes the device. Test it with Windows Scan and update the printer software if necessary.

Why is my Brother scanner not showing up in Windows?

A disconnected network, incorrect printer installation, missing software, or outdated software can prevent Windows from detecting the scanner. Check the connection first, then reinstall or update the printer software.

Can outdated printer software stop scanning?

Yes. Scanning requires communication between Windows and the printer. Outdated or corrupted software can prevent Windows from communicating correctly with the scanner.

Why did my Brother HL-L2460DW scanner stop working after a Windows update?

A Windows update can change system components that interact with existing printer software. Updating the printer software or reinstalling the printer can help restore communication.

Can Device Manager fix my Brother HL-L2460DW scanner?

Device Manager can search for available updates, but it may not locate the latest manufacturer specific software. It is useful for checking device recognition and basic software updates.

Conclusion

A Brother HL-L2460DW scanner that stops working does not always mean that the hardware has failed. Connection problems, Windows settings, incorrect installations, and outdated printer software can all prevent scanning from working correctly.

Start with the basics by restarting the printer and computer, checking the network or USB connection, and confirming that Windows recognizes the device.

Next, test the scanner with Windows Scan and check the printer settings. If Windows cannot detect the scanner, update the printer software or remove and reinstall the printer.

DriverAssist provides a simple way to check for outdated software, while the Brother support website and Windows Device Manager provide additional options.

Once scanning works again, keep both Windows and the printer software updated. This can help reduce communication problems and make it easier to keep the Brother HL-L2460DW working reliably for future scanning and printing tasks.