Brother HL-L2460DW Stuck in Queue – How to Fix It

Waiting for a document to print only to see it sitting in the queue can be frustrating. The Brother HL-L2460DW may appear powered on and ready, but Windows can still leave a print job stuck on “Printing,” “Pending,” or “Deleting.” Connection problems, a frozen Windows Print Spooler, incorrect printer settings, or outdated printer software can all cause this issue. In many cases, you can clear the queue and restore printing by working through a few simple fixes.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before trying the more detailed solutions, work through these quick checks:

1. Make sure the Brother HL-L2460DW is turned on.
2. Check the printer screen for any warnings.
3. Confirm that paper is loaded correctly.
4. Check that the toner is installed properly.
5. Verify the WiFi or USB connection.
6. Make sure your computer is connected to the correct network.
7. Open the print queue and cancel pending jobs.
8. Restart the printer.
9. Restart your Windows computer.
10. Check for outdated printer software.

Try printing a small test document after completing these steps. If the job remains stuck, continue with the methods below.

What Causes a Brother HL-L2460DW Print Job to Get Stuck?

Windows does not send a document directly from an application to the printer. Instead, it uses the Print Spooler to temporarily manage print jobs before sending them to the selected printer.

This process normally happens in the background. However, a failed connection, damaged print job, or Windows service problem can interrupt it.

A wireless printer can become stuck if the computer and printer are no longer communicating over the same network. USB users can experience similar problems when a cable or USB port stops communicating correctly.

The printer software installed in Windows can also affect the process. This software helps Windows understand how to communicate with the Brother HL-L2460DW.

An outdated or corrupted installation may cause print commands to fail. Windows updates can sometimes make these problems more noticeable because system components involved in printing may change.

Method 1: Check for Outdated Printer Software With DriverAssist

If your Brother HL-L2460DW repeatedly gets stuck in the queue, outdated printer software is worth checking early in the troubleshooting process.

DriverAssist can scan your Windows computer for software that may require an update. This can be useful when you are unsure which software needs attention or do not want to search manually for the correct package.

Follow these steps:

1. Download DriverAssist from the official download page.
2. Install the application on your Windows computer.
3. Launch DriverAssist.
4. Allow the program to scan your computer.
5. Review the results.
6. Look for software associated with the Brother HL-L2460DW.
7. Follow the provided instructions to update the required software.
8. Wait for the installation to finish.
9. Restart your Windows computer.
10. Turn the Brother HL-L2460DW off and back on.
11. Open the print queue.
12. Try printing a small test document.

You can download DriverAssist here.

Updating the relevant printer software can help restore communication between Windows and the Brother HL-L2460DW when an outdated installation is contributing to the queue problem.

Method 2: Download the Correct Software From Brother

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

This option requires you to identify the exact printer model and Windows version before downloading anything.

Follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser.
2. Go to Brother's official support website.
3. Search for Brother HL-L2460DW.
4. Select the exact printer model.
5. Open the software or downloads section.
6. Select Windows as the operating system.
7. Choose Windows 11 or Windows 10.
8. Select the appropriate system type if requested.
9. Review the available software.
10. Download the package that matches your system.
11. Open the downloaded installation file.
12. Follow the instructions provided.
13. Restart your computer.
14. Restart the printer.
15. Open the print queue and test printing.

Be careful when selecting the model. Brother offers many printers with similar model numbers, so choosing a different device can result in an incorrect installation.

You should also confirm your Windows version before downloading the software. Installing a package intended for a different system can create additional compatibility problems.

How to Check Windows 11

If you use Windows 11:

1. Right click the Start button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Choose System.
4. Select About.
5. Look under Windows specifications.
6. Check System type.

How to Check Windows 10

If you use Windows 10:

1. Right click Start.
2. Select System.
3. Select About.
4. Review the Windows specifications.
5. Check System type.

Use this information when selecting the appropriate software.

Method 3: Use Windows Device Manager

Windows includes Device Manager, which can search for available software updates.

It is worth trying if you prefer to troubleshoot directly through Windows.

Follow these steps:

1. Right click Start.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Look through the available device categories.
4. Locate the Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Right click the printer.
6. Select Update driver.
7. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
8. Allow Windows to complete the search.
9. Install an update if one is found.
10. Restart your computer.
11. Restart the printer.
12. Test the print queue again.

If the Brother HL-L2460DW does not appear by name, check for an unknown device or a device marked with a warning icon.

Device Manager has some limitations. Windows does not always locate the newest manufacturer specific software through its automatic search. It may also report that the best software is already installed even though a newer package is available.

Because of this, Device Manager can be useful, but it should not be your only option when troubleshooting a recurring queue problem.

Cancel the Print Job From Windows

The first thing to try when a document is stuck is canceling it from 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. Select the document that is stuck.
7. Choose Cancel.

On Windows 10:

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

Give Windows a few moments to remove the document.

If the job disappears, send a small test file.

If it remains listed as “Deleting” or “Printing,” move on to the next solution.

Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler is a Windows service responsible for managing print jobs. Restarting it can help when Windows is unable to remove or process a queued document.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Print Spooler.
5. Right click it.
6. Select Restart.
7. Wait for the service to restart.
8. Close the Services window.
9. Open the Brother HL-L2460DW queue again.
10. Check whether the stuck document has disappeared.

If Restart is not available, select Stop and then Start.

After the service starts again, send a simple test document.

Restart Both Devices

Temporary communication problems can sometimes make a print job appear permanently stuck.

Turn off the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Wait several seconds, then turn the printer back on.

Allow it to finish starting before using Windows.

Next, restart your computer.

Once Windows loads, check the printer queue. If it is empty, try printing a short document.

Restarting both devices can reset temporary communication issues without requiring changes to your printer configuration.

Check Your Printer Connection

A printer cannot process a job if Windows cannot communicate with it.

For WiFi printing, check that the Brother HL-L2460DW is connected to the correct wireless network.

Your Windows computer should normally be connected to the same network.

Think about any recent changes. Did you change your WiFi password? Replace your router? Rename your network? Move the printer to another location?

Any of these changes can affect a wireless printer.

For USB connections, inspect the cable and make sure both ends are securely connected.

You can also reconnect the cable or try another USB port.

Make Sure Windows Is Using the Correct Printer

A computer with multiple printers installed can sometimes send a job to the wrong device.

Open Windows printer settings and locate Brother HL-L2460DW.

Check whether there are multiple entries for the same printer.

An old printer entry may point to a previous configuration, especially if the printer was previously connected through another network or port.

Select the active Brother HL-L2460DW before printing.

Removing outdated printer entries can also help reduce confusion if several copies are listed.

Check the Printer for Physical Warnings

Do not focus only on Windows.

Look at the Brother HL-L2460DW itself and check for warnings or messages.

Make sure:

1. Paper is loaded.
2. The paper tray is seated correctly.
3. The toner cartridge is installed correctly.
4. There is no paper jam.
5. The printer cover is closed.
6. The printer is ready to receive a job.

A printer error can prevent Windows from completing a queued job.

Resolve any message shown on the printer before testing again.

Try a Different File

Sometimes the printer is working correctly and the problem comes from the document being printed.

Open Notepad and type a short sentence.

Print that document to the Brother HL-L2460DW.

If the simple document prints, the original file may be the cause.

Try another file from the same application. You can also test another application.

For example, if a document from one program becomes stuck but a Notepad document prints normally, the printer may not be the underlying problem.

Check Whether the Printer Is Offline

Windows may show the Brother HL-L2460DW as offline even though it is powered on.

Open the printer settings and review its status.

If it is offline, check the network or USB connection first.

For a wireless printer, confirm the printer is connected to the expected WiFi network.

For a USB printer, reconnect the cable and check whether Windows detects the device.

Once Windows recognizes the printer again, clear the old queue before sending a new print job.

Remove and Add the Printer Again

If the Brother HL-L2460DW continues to create stuck jobs, removing the printer from Windows and adding it again can refresh its configuration.

On Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices.
3. Choose Printers & scanners.
4. Select Brother HL-L2460DW.
5. Select Remove.
6. Confirm the removal.
7. Restart Windows.
8. Return to Printers & scanners.
9. Select Add device.
10. Follow the setup instructions.

Windows 10 users can open Settings, select Devices, and then choose Printers & scanners.

Before removing the printer, make sure you know whether it uses WiFi or USB. Wireless users should also confirm that the printer is connected to the correct network before adding it again.

Brother HL-L2460DW Stuck in Queue on Windows 11

Windows 11 users should first open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.

Select Brother HL-L2460DW and open the print queue.

Cancel pending documents and restart the Print Spooler if necessary.

If jobs continue getting stuck, check the printer connection and installed software.

A software update can be particularly important if the issue started after a recent Windows update.

Brother HL-L2460DW Stuck in Queue on Windows 10

Windows 10 users can open Settings, select Devices, and then choose Printers & scanners.

Find the Brother HL-L2460DW and open its queue.

Cancel pending documents. If Windows cannot remove them, restart the Print Spooler service.

Then check the printer connection and make sure the correct printer software is installed.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

A print queue that repeatedly becomes stuck usually indicates that something is causing the same failure again.

Network instability is one possibility. Wireless printers depend on communication between the printer, router, and computer. Changes to your network can interrupt that connection.

Another possibility is a particular document or application. A damaged file can repeatedly create a print job that Windows cannot process.

Printer software should also be considered. Outdated or corrupted software can interfere with communication between Windows and the Brother HL-L2460DW.

Windows updates can introduce additional compatibility issues when older printer software remains installed.

Multiple printer entries can create another source of confusion. An old configuration may remain in Windows even after the printer has been moved to a new network or connection.

Identifying the cause is more useful than simply deleting the same stuck job every time.

Keep Your Printer Software Updated

Printer software can become outdated without giving you a clear warning.

You may only notice a problem after printing stops working, documents become stuck, or Windows receives a major update.

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

It is also a good idea to keep Windows current.

After a major Windows update, test the Brother HL-L2460DW if you notice changes in how print jobs are processed.

Regular checks can help reduce recurring printer communication and queue problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Brother HL-L2460DW stuck in the print queue?

A print job can become stuck because of a connection problem, a frozen Print Spooler, incorrect printer settings, a damaged document, or outdated printer software.

How do I remove a stuck print job from my Brother HL-L2460DW?

Open the printer queue in Windows and cancel the pending document. If it refuses to disappear, restart the Windows Print Spooler and then check the queue again.

Why does my Brother printer stay on “Deleting”?

Windows may be unable to remove the print job because the Print Spooler is not processing it correctly. Restarting the Print Spooler can often clear the problem.

Can outdated printer software cause jobs to get stuck?

Yes. Windows relies on printer software to communicate with the Brother HL-L2460DW. Outdated or corrupted software can interfere with the processing of print jobs.

Why did my Brother HL-L2460DW queue problem start after a Windows update?

Windows updates can change components involved in printing. If the installed printer software is outdated, updating it may help restore communication.

Can I fix the stuck queue through Device Manager?

Device Manager can search for available software updates, but it may not locate the newest software supplied by the manufacturer. It is useful as one troubleshooting option, but it may not resolve every queue problem.

Conclusion

A Brother HL-L2460DW stuck in the print queue can be caused by something as simple as a failed print job or as complex as a communication problem between Windows and the printer. Start by canceling the pending document, checking the connection, and restarting the printer and computer.

If Windows refuses to remove the job, restart the Print Spooler service. You should also check the printer for physical warnings and confirm that Windows is using the correct Brother HL-L2460DW entry.

Outdated printer software is another possible cause, particularly if the problem started after a Windows update. DriverAssist offers a convenient way to check for outdated software, while the Brother support website and Device Manager provide additional ways to update the installation.

Once the queue is clear, print a simple test document before sending larger files. Keeping Windows and printer software current can help reduce recurring queue problems and keep your Brother HL-L2460DW ready for everyday printing.