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Published Dec 30, 2025 in

Get Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Printing Again in Minutes

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By Katrina Mae

Mastering Drivers, Solving Issues
A Brother DCP-L2640DW printer next to a laptop showing a warning icon and a “Driver Required” message, representing printing issues caused by outdated or missing drivers.
7 mins

Get Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Printing Again in Minutes

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a dependable home and office printer, but like any device, it can suddenly stop responding, refuse to print, or display connection problems. Many people assume the printer itself is damaged, but very often the real cause is something simple: the computer is using outdated, missing, or broken software that helps the printer communicate properly. This software works quietly in the background, so most users never think about it. When it stops working, the printer cannot follow your computer’s instructions, which leads to common problems like blank pages, printer not found messages, or print jobs getting stuck.

In this guide, you will learn how to fix these issues and get your Brother DCP-L2640DW working again. The steps below use everyday language and are written for regular Windows users. You do not need technical skills, and every method is explained clearly. The goal is to help you quickly get your printer back to normal without confusion.

One of the simplest ways to solve these printer-related issues is to update the communication software your printer depends on. You can do this manually or automatically. Manual updating works, but it can take time, and it requires downloading the exact file that matches your specific device and Windows version. If you want the fastest and easiest method, the recommended option is to use DriverAssist, which can complete the process in a few minutes.

Why Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Might Not Print or Respond

Your printer and computer talk to each other using small communication files stored inside Windows. Think of these as the translator that ensures both devices understand each other. If these communication files become outdated, missing, or broken, the printer will not receive the correct instructions from your computer.

Here are a few common signs that this is happening:

• The printer refuses to print even though it shows as connected
• The printer appears offline even when it is turned on
• Print jobs get stuck and will not clear
• The printer responds slowly or randomly stops in the middle of printing
• Your computer shows error messages such as “printer not found” or “cannot communicate with printer”

These issues often build up over time. Changes in Windows, recent updates, new software, or corrupted files can all interrupt the link between your Brother DCP-L2640DW and your computer. Updating the communication software fixes this link and allows the printer to work smoothly again.

The Fastest and Easiest Way to Fix Brother DCP-L2640DW Problems

For most users, the quickest way to restore proper communication between the printer and the computer is to use DriverAssist. This tool checks your system, finds the correct file needed for your Brother DCP-L2640DW, and installs it for you. You do not need to go searching for anything or worry about choosing the wrong file.

You can download DriverAssist here.

If you prefer to fix the issue yourself, the next sections explain exactly how to update the needed file manually using two different methods.

How to Update the Communication Software Manually

Below are two complete step-by-step guides. Choose the method you prefer. Both methods work, but they require more time and attention than using DriverAssist.

Method 1: Update Through the Brother Support Website

This method involves downloading the correct update directly from Brother, then installing it on your computer.

Step 1: Visit the Brother Support Page for Your Printer

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Search for “Brother DCP-L2640DW support page”.
  3. Make sure you click the official Brother website in the search results.

Step 2: Select Your Windows Version

The website will ask you to choose your Windows version so it can show the correct download options. Select the exact version your computer is running. If you pick the wrong one, the update may not work.

Step 3: Download the File

Look for the communication software file for the Brother DCP-L2640DW. The page may list several downloads, so take your time and select the correct one. Click “Download” and wait for the file to finish saving.

Step 4: Install the File

  1. Open your Downloads folder.
  2. Double-click the newly downloaded file.
  3. Follow the steps displayed on your screen.
  4. Restart your computer after installation is complete.

Once the restart is done, try printing again. If everything went through properly, your Brother DCP-L2640DW should respond normally.

Method 2: Update Through Windows Device Manager

This method uses a built-in Windows tool called Device Manager, which lets you check for updates directly from your computer.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Type “Device Manager”.
  3. Click the Device Manager result when it appears.

Step 2: Find Your Printer

  1. Look for a section labeled “Printers”, “Print queues”, or something similar.
  2. Click the arrow to expand the list.
  3. Locate “Brother DCP-L2640DW”.

If you cannot find it, scroll through the list carefully. Sometimes the printer appears under “Other devices”.

Step 3: Start the Update

  1. Right-click “Brother DCP-L2640DW”.
  2. Select “Update”.
  3. Choose the option that allows your computer to search automatically.

Windows will look for available updates and install them if needed.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Like the first method, you must restart your computer. Once the restart is complete, check whether the printer works normally.

Which Method Should You Choose?

If you want a simple and fast fix that does not involve searching, downloading, or selecting the correct file, DriverAssist is the recommended method. It is especially helpful for users who are not comfortable navigating technical menus. You can get it here.

If you prefer a hands-on approach, the manual steps explained above will also restore proper communication between Windows and your Brother DCP-L2640DW, but they take more time and require attention to detail.

Final Tips to Keep Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Running Smoothly

• Restart the printer and computer occasionally to refresh the connection
• Keep Windows updated so your computer stays compatible
• Avoid unplugging the printer while a printing task is active
• If problems return later, repeat one of the update methods

Keeping the communication software updated ensures that your computer and printer understand each other correctly, which helps prevent future printing issues.

 

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