Brother MFC-J4335DW Not Responding – How to Fix It

The Brother MFC-J4335DW can be frustrating when Windows suddenly stops communicating with it. You may see the printer not responding, documents stuck in the queue, the printer showing offline, or nothing happening after you click Print. In many cases, the problem is related to outdated, missing, or damaged printer software. The good news is that you can often fix the connection with a few simple steps.

This guide explains how to get your Brother MFC-J4335DW responding again on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It starts with a quick solution, followed by manual methods if you prefer to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

Quick Fix Checklist

• Restart the Brother MFC-J4335DW and your Windows computer.
• Check that the printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.
• Remove documents stuck in the Windows print queue.
• Check whether Windows shows the printer as offline.
• Update the printer software if it is outdated or missing.
• Try printing a Windows test page.
• Restart the Print Spooler service if documents remain stuck.

If the printer still does not respond after these basic checks, updating the printer software is one of the first things to try.

Why Is My Brother MFC-J4335DW Not Responding?

The Brother MFC-J4335DW needs printer software to communicate correctly with Windows. This software helps Windows understand how to send print jobs to the printer and how to communicate with its features.

If the software is outdated, missing, corrupted, or no longer compatible with the current Windows setup, communication problems can occur. Windows may show the printer as offline, fail to send documents, or report that the printer is not responding.

Windows updates can also affect printer connections. A major Windows 10 or Windows 11 update may change system components that printers rely on. In some cases, an existing printer installation may need to be updated or reinstalled after Windows changes.

Other causes can include a weak WiFi connection, a changed network password, a paused print queue, a stopped Print Spooler service, or the printer being connected to a different network.

Method 1: Use DriverAssist to Fix the Problem

The quickest approach is to use DriverAssist to check for the correct printer software. This can be helpful if you are unsure which software package is required for your Brother MFC-J4335DW.

Instead of searching through different downloads and trying to determine which version is correct, DriverAssist can help identify the required software for your Windows computer.

How to use DriverAssist

1. Open the DriverAssist download page.
2. Download and install the DriverAssist application.
3. Follow the instructions shown on your screen.
4. Allow the tool to scan your computer for outdated or missing printer software.
5. Review the results and follow the recommended update steps.
6. Restart Windows after the installation is complete.
7. Try printing a test document from the Brother MFC-J4335DW.

You can get DriverAssist here:

Download DriverAssist

After updating the software, make sure the Brother MFC-J4335DW is selected as your default printer and try printing again.

Method 2: Download the Software From the Manufacturer Website

If you prefer to update everything manually, you can download the appropriate software from Brother's official support website.

First, identify your exact printer model. The model in this guide is the Brother MFC-J4335DW. Avoid selecting a similar model because printer software can differ between models.

Step 1: Find the Brother MFC-J4335DW support page

Open Brother's official support website and search for MFC-J4335DW.

Check the model number printed on the front or top of the printer if you are unsure. Make sure the model shown on the support page matches your printer exactly.

Step 2: Select your operating system

Choose the Windows version installed on your computer.

For Windows 11, select Windows 11 if it is available.

For Windows 10, select Windows 10 and choose the appropriate system type if requested.

If you are not sure which Windows version you have, right click the Start button, select System, and look under Windows specifications.

Step 3: Download the recommended software

Look for the printer software or full software package recommended for your model and Windows version.

Read the description before downloading. Some pages may provide separate packages for printing, scanning, utilities, or other functions.

Step 4: Install the software

Open the downloaded installation file and follow the instructions.

The installer may ask you how the printer is connected. Select the appropriate option, such as WiFi or USB.

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

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not install software for a different Brother model.

Do not select Windows 10 if you are actually running Windows 11 simply because the names look similar.

Do not connect the printer to a guest WiFi network if your computer is connected to a different network. Some network configurations prevent devices from communicating with each other.

If you previously installed several versions of the printer software, you may also have multiple copies of the printer listed in Windows. This can make it difficult to know which printer entry should receive the print job.

Method 3: Update the Printer Through Windows Device Manager

Windows Device Manager provides another way to check for an available software update. This method is useful when you want to troubleshoot the printer without downloading a package manually.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Right click the Start button.

Select Device Manager.

Look through the device categories for the Brother printer. Depending on the Windows setup, it may appear under categories such as Printers, Print queues, or other related device sections.

Step 2: Identify the Brother printer

Look for an entry associated with the Brother MFC-J4335DW.

A warning icon beside a device can indicate that Windows has detected a problem.

Right click the printer or related device and select Update driver.

Step 3: Search for an update

Choose the option that allows Windows to search automatically for available software.

Follow the instructions provided by Windows.

After the process finishes, restart your computer and test the printer.

What are the limitations of Device Manager?

Device Manager does not always find the newest software available for a specific printer. Windows may report that the best software is already installed even though the manufacturer's website has a newer package.

Device Manager is therefore useful for troubleshooting, but it may not provide the complete software package needed for all printing and scanning functions.

Check the Windows Print Queue

A printer can appear to be working normally while an old print job prevents new documents from being processed.

Open Settings in Windows 11, then select Bluetooth & devices, followed by Printers & scanners. Select the Brother MFC-J4335DW and open the print queue.

On Windows 10, open Settings, select Devices, then Printers & scanners. Choose the Brother printer and open the queue.

Cancel documents that are stuck and try printing again.

If the queue refuses to clear, restarting the Print Spooler service may help.

Check the WiFi Connection

If the Brother MFC-J4335DW is connected wirelessly, confirm that the printer and computer are using the same network.

A changed WiFi password can disconnect the printer. A router restart or network change can also leave the printer connected to an old network.

Check the network information on the printer's display and reconnect it if necessary. After reconnecting, try printing a test page.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Recurring printer problems can happen when the underlying software or connection is not kept up to date.

Windows updates can change how devices communicate with the operating system. Printer software that worked correctly before an update may need to be updated afterward.

Network changes can also cause repeated problems. Moving the printer to another WiFi network, changing the router, updating the wireless password, or using a different computer can require the printer to be configured again.

Another common reason is having multiple printer entries installed. Windows may send a document to an old or disconnected copy instead of the active Brother MFC-J4335DW.

Keep Your Printer Software Updated Automatically

Keeping printer software current can help reduce recurring connection problems. Instead of waiting until the printer stops responding, check periodically for available updates.

An automatic update tool can make this easier by checking the computer for outdated or missing device software. This is particularly useful for users who do not want to manually search for the correct package every time Windows changes.

For the Brother MFC-J4335DW, keeping both Windows and the printer software current can help maintain reliable communication between the computer and printer.

FAQ

Why is my Brother MFC-J4335DW not responding?

The printer may not respond because of outdated or missing printer software, a disconnected WiFi connection, a stuck print queue, or a Windows configuration problem. Updating the printer software is a good first troubleshooting step.

How do I fix my Brother printer when it says offline?

Check that the printer is powered on and connected to the same network as your computer. Then check Windows printer settings, clear any stuck documents, and update the printer software if needed.

How do I update the Brother MFC-J4335DW on Windows 11?

You can update it using the manufacturer's support website, DriverAssist, or Windows Device Manager. Make sure you select the Brother MFC-J4335DW and the correct Windows 11 software.

How do I update the Brother MFC-J4335DW on Windows 10?

Search for the exact MFC-J4335DW model on the manufacturer's support website and select Windows 10. You can also check Device Manager for an available update.

Why does my Brother printer say it is connected but not print?

The printer may be connected to WiFi but still have a communication problem with Windows. Check the print queue, confirm the correct printer is selected, and update the printer software.

Why does my Brother printer keep going offline?

Repeated offline problems can be caused by WiFi interruptions, network changes, Windows updates, outdated printer software, or multiple printer installations. Checking these areas can help identify the source of the problem.

Final Thoughts

A Brother MFC-J4335DW that is not responding does not always have a hardware problem. Outdated or missing printer software, Windows changes, network issues, and stuck print jobs can all prevent Windows from communicating with the printer correctly.

Start with the Quick Fix Checklist, then try DriverAssist for a simpler update process. If you prefer to troubleshoot manually, download the correct software from the manufacturer or check Device Manager.

Once the printer is responding again, keeping its software updated can help prevent the same issue from returning.