Brother MFC-J4355DW Not Recognized After Update

Is your Brother MFC-J4355DW suddenly not recognized after a Windows update? Maybe your computer says the printer is not connected, shows it as unavailable, or refuses to print even though everything looks fine. This problem is common, and in many cases, the fix is simple.

Your printer depends on a small piece of software that allows your computer and printer to talk to each other. When that software is outdated, missing, or damaged, printing problems can appear without warning. The good news is that updating this software can often restore printing quickly.

This guide will walk you through the easiest solution first, then show you how to update it manually using the Brother support website and Windows Device Manager.

Why Your Brother MFC-J4355DW Is Not Recognized

Your printer and computer do not automatically understand each other. They rely on special instructions installed on your PC. These instructions tell Windows how to send print jobs correctly.

If those instructions are:

• Outdated
• Deleted during a Windows update
• Damaged due to system errors
• Replaced with a generic version

Your Brother MFC-J4355DW may:

• Not appear in your printer list
• Show as offline
• Display “Printer not responding”
• Print blank pages
• Refuse to scan
• Stop working after a Windows update

Windows updates are helpful, but sometimes they change system files. When that happens, the communication between your printer and computer can break.

Updating the printer software restores that communication.

Fastest and Easiest Fix: Use DriverAssist

For most home users, the simplest way to fix printer recognition problems is to use an automatic update tool.

DriverAssist scans your computer, finds outdated or damaged printer software, and installs the correct version for you. This removes the guesswork and saves time.

Why this is the easiest option

• No need to search for files
• No need to choose the correct version manually
• Avoids installing the wrong file
• Quick setup process
• Ideal for non technical users

You can download DriverAssist directly here.

How to use DriverAssist

1. Click the link above.
2. Download and install DriverAssist.
3. Open the program.
4. Let it scan your computer.
5. Follow the on screen steps to update your Brother MFC-J4355DW software.

After restarting your computer, check if your printer is recognized again.

For many users, this resolves the issue within minutes.

If you prefer to update it yourself, follow the manual methods below.

How to Update Using the Brother Support Website

This method involves downloading the correct file directly from the manufacturer.

Step 1: Identify Your Windows Version

1. Press Windows key + I.
2. Click System.
3. Select About.
4. Look for your Windows version, for example Windows 10 or Windows 11.
5. Note whether it says 64 bit or 32 bit.

You will need this information before downloading.

Step 2: Visit Brother’s Official Support Page

1. Open your web browser.
2. Go to the official Brother support website.
3. Search for Brother MFC-J4355DW.
4. Select your exact model from the results.
5. Choose your Windows version.

Make sure the version matches your system exactly.

Step 3: Download the Full Software Package

Look for the full driver and software package. This usually includes printing and scanning support.

1. Click Download.
2. Save the file to your computer.
3. Once downloaded, double click the file.
4. Follow the installation instructions on screen.

Restart your computer after installation.

Now reconnect your printer and check if it appears in Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners.

How to Update Using Windows Device Manager

Device Manager is a built in Windows tool that allows you to update hardware software directly.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Right click the Start button.
2. Click Device Manager.

Step 2: Locate Your Printer

1. Expand Printers.
2. If you do not see it, check under Other devices.
3. Look for Brother MFC-J4355DW or an unknown device.

Step 3: Update the Software

1. Right click the printer.
2. Click Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will check for a newer version and install it if available.

If Windows says the best version is already installed but the printer still does not work, you may need to uninstall it first.

Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall

1. Right click the printer in Device Manager.
2. Click Uninstall device.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Reconnect the printer.

Windows may reinstall it automatically. If not, use the Brother website method described earlier.

Signs the Update Worked

After updating, your Brother MFC-J4355DW should:

• Appear normally in printer settings
• Respond quickly when you send a print job
• Stop showing offline errors
• Allow scanning again
• Print clearly without missing pages

If the issue continues, check the following:

• Make sure the USB cable is secure
• Restart your router if using WiFi
• Confirm the printer is connected to the same network as your computer
• Remove duplicate printer entries in Windows settings

In many cases, printer recognition issues are software related, not hardware problems.

Why Windows Updates Often Cause This Problem

Windows updates sometimes replace existing printer software with a basic version. This version may allow limited printing but does not fully support all features.

Sometimes the update removes key files needed for communication. This makes the printer appear disconnected even when it is plugged in.

Keeping your printer software current ensures compatibility with the latest Windows changes.

Manual vs Automatic Update: Which Is Better?

Manual updates work well if you are comfortable navigating support websites and system settings.

However, common mistakes include:

• Downloading the wrong version
• Choosing the incorrect Windows edition
• Installing outdated files
• Skipping restart steps

Automatic tools like DriverAssist reduce these risks by handling everything for you.

For most everyday users, this is the simpler option.

Final Thoughts

Brother MFC-J4355DW not recognized after update issues are usually caused by outdated or damaged printer software. The printer itself is often not broken.

Updating the software restores communication between your computer and printer. The fastest solution is to use DriverAssist, which scans your system and installs the correct files automatically.

If you prefer a manual approach, downloading the correct file from the Brother support site or using Windows Device Manager can also solve the problem.

Taking a few minutes to update can save hours of frustration and help you get back to printing normally.