How to get your Brother DCP-L2640DW printing again

If your Brother DCP-L2640DW suddenly stops printing, shows an error, or says it’s “not responding,” you’re not alone. Many users think it’s a paper jam or a printer malfunction, but in most cases, the real reason is that the printer and computer are not communicating properly. This often happens when the software that helps them “talk” to each other becomes outdated, goes missing, or gets damaged.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand why these issues happen and how to fix them step-by-step, even if you’re not a tech expert. You’ll learn how to get your Brother DCP-L2640DW working again by using three simple methods—starting with the easiest one first.

Why Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Might Stop Working Properly

When your printer suddenly won’t print, it might show messages like “Printer Not Responding,” “Driver Missing,” or “Cannot Communicate with Printer.” These messages are your computer’s way of saying that it can’t send the print job correctly.

Here’s why this happens:

1. Outdated software – The small program that helps your printer communicate with your computer (called a “driver”) may be outdated.
2. Corrupt or missing files – Sometimes, Windows updates or antivirus tools can damage or remove printer files accidentally.
3. Wrong software version – If you’ve recently reinstalled Windows or connected your printer to a new computer, it might not have the right version of the printer software.

When this happens, your printer may appear “offline,” print only blank pages, or stop responding entirely. The good news is that you can easily fix this by updating or reinstalling the software that allows your computer and printer to connect properly.

The Easiest Fix: Use DriverAssist to Automatically Repair the Problem

If you want the quickest and simplest way to get your Brother DCP-L2640DW printing again, the DriverAssist tool is the best option. You don’t need to search manually or guess which software to install.

Here’s how to use DriverAssist:

1. Go to the official download page.
2. Download and install the program on your Windows computer.
3. Open DriverAssist, and it will automatically check your printer connection.
4. The tool will identify any missing or outdated software related to your Brother DCP-L2640DW.
5. Click Fix Now or Update, and let the program handle the rest.

Once it’s done, restart your computer and try printing again. Most users find that this completely resolves their “not responding” or “missing driver” issues.

This method is especially helpful if you don’t want to spend time browsing support pages or managing file downloads manually.

How to Manually Update Your Brother DCP-L2640DW Using the Brother Support Website

If you prefer to do things manually, you can update your printer using Brother’s official support page. This takes a little more time, but it’s still simple if you follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Visit the Brother Support Website

1. Open your internet browser.
2. Go to the official Brother website.
3. Look for the Support or Downloads section.

Step 2: Find Your Printer Model

1. In the search bar, type Brother DCP-L2640DW.
2. Select your printer from the results.

Step 3: Choose Your Operating System

1. You’ll be asked to select your Windows version (for example, Windows 10 or Windows 11).
2. Make sure to pick the version that matches your computer.

Step 4: Download the Printer Software

1. Find the latest “Full Software Package” or “Printer Software” listed on the page.
2. Click Download and wait for it to finish.

Step 5: Install the Software

1. Open the file you downloaded.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
3. Restart your computer once the installation is complete.

Step 6: Reconnect Your Printer

1. Turn off your Brother DCP-L2640DW, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
2. Connect it to your computer using a USB cable or Wi-Fi.
3. Try printing a test page to confirm it’s working properly.

If everything was done correctly, your printer should now respond and print without any issues.

How to Update the Software Using Windows Device Manager

If you’re comfortable using Windows tools, you can also fix the connection problem through Device Manager. This method lets Windows search for the right software on its own.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Device Manager

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Type Device Manager in the search bar and open it.

Step 2: Find Your Printer

1. Look for a section called Printers or Print queues.
2. Find Brother DCP-L2640DW in the list.

Step 3: Update the Software

1. Right-click on your printer name.
2. Select Update Driver (or Update Software on older versions).
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will check for updates online. If it finds the correct software, it will download and install it automatically.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer
After Windows installs the update, restart your computer and try printing again.

If the message “Printer Not Responding” disappears, your problem is solved.

Other Helpful Tips if the Printer Still Won’t Print

If you’ve updated the software but your Brother DCP-L2640DW still isn’t working properly, try these quick checks:

1. Restart both the printer and computer – This refreshes the connection.
2. Check your cables or Wi-Fi connection – Loose cables or weak wireless signals can interrupt communication.
3. Set your Brother printer as the default – Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners, click your Brother printer, and select Set as default.
4. Run the Windows Troubleshooter – In the same settings menu, click Run the troubleshooter to let Windows check for problems automatically.

Why Keeping Your Printer’s Software Updated Matters

Even if your printer seems to be working fine, updating its software regularly helps prevent problems before they start. New updates often fix bugs and help your computer recognize the printer more easily after Windows updates or system changes.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to do this. By following the steps above—or by using the DriverAssist tool—you can make sure your Brother DCP-L2640DW always works smoothly whenever you need it.

Final Thoughts

If your Brother DCP-L2640DW suddenly stops printing or shows confusing error messages, don’t panic. The issue is usually just outdated or missing communication software between your printer and computer.

For the fastest and easiest solution, use DriverAssist to automatically check and fix everything for you. If you prefer a hands-on approach, follow the manual steps using Brother’s website or Windows Device Manager.

No matter which method you choose, you’ll be back to printing your important documents in no time.