Simple Techniques for Better Functionality with Your Brother MFC-J6555DW Printer

Simple Techniques for Better Functionality with Your Brother MFC-J6555DW Printer

To ensure your Brother MFC-J6555DW printer operates at its best, keeping its driver up-to-date is crucial. Printer drivers play a key role in facilitating communication between your printer and your computer. If the drivers are outdated, it could result in various operational hiccups. In this article, we will dive into why maintaining an updated printer driver is important, guide you through the various methods of updating it, and offer solutions to common problems you might face along the way.

Why It's Essential to Keep Your Brother MFC-J6555DW Printer Driver Updated

Regular updates to your printer’s driver bring several key advantages beyond just ensuring functionality:

1. Ensures Compatibility with Modern Operating Systems: As new versions of operating systems are released, older drivers may no longer support the necessary communication protocols, causing compatibility issues. Regular updates ensure your printer can work seamlessly with the latest versions of Windows or macOS.
2. Unlocks New Printer Features: Manufacturers often issue updates that improve printing capabilities, such as enhanced print quality or quicker processing times. An updated driver makes sure your printer benefits from all available features, optimizing your printing tasks.
3. Fixes Bugs and Enhances Stability: Older drivers can cause unexpected errors and crashes. By updating to the latest version, you can eliminate bugs and improve the printer's stability, ensuring smoother operations.
4. Boosts Security: Cyber threats can target outdated drivers. Keeping your driver updated protects your printer and connected devices from potential security breaches.
5. Ensures Reliable Connectivity: For those relying on wireless printing, an updated driver ensures robust communication between devices, reducing common issues like disconnections or failed print jobs.

Potential Issues Caused by Outdated Printer Drivers

Neglecting to update your printer’s driver can lead to several problems. If you're experiencing any of the following, it might be time to check for an update for your Brother MFC-J6555DW printer:

1. Deteriorating Print Quality: If your prints are blurry or have unwanted streaks, it could be a sign of an outdated driver. Updating it can restore print clarity and precision.
2. Unresponsive Printer: If the printer isn't reacting to commands, an old driver might be hindering communication between the printer and your computer.
3. Slow Printing: A sluggish printing speed might be caused by outdated drivers. Updating the driver can help the printer run more efficiently.
4. Network Issues: If the printer keeps losing connection to the Wi-Fi network, an old driver might be the culprit. Keeping the driver up-to-date will ensure consistent connectivity.
5. Missing or Limited Features: Certain advanced features, such as color adjustments or double-sided printing, may only be available through the latest driver updates.

How to Update the Brother MFC-J6555DW Printer Driver

There are several methods to update the printer driver. Choose the method that suits your preferences:

Method 1: Update Using DriverAssist (Recommended)

DriverAssist is an easy-to-use tool that automates the driver update process, saving you time and ensuring the installation of the correct driver.

1. Download and Install DriverAssist: Download DriverAssist here. Follow the installation steps to set it up on your computer.
2. Run a System Scan: Open DriverAssist and initiate a scan. It will identify any outdated drivers, including for your Brother MFC-J6555DW printer.
3. Update the Printer Driver: From the list of outdated drivers, select the Brother MFC-J6555DW and click “Update.” The software will automatically install the latest driver version.
4. Restart Your Computer: After the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the new driver is properly applied.

Method 2: Manual Update via Brother’s Website

If you prefer a manual approach, you can download the latest driver from Brother’s official website:

1. Go to the Brother Support Page: Visit the Brother support site and search for your model (MFC-J6555DW).
2. Select Your Operating System: Choose your operating system from the available options, such as Windows or macOS.
3. Download the Latest Driver: Click "Download" to get the newest driver that corresponds to your operating system.
4. Install the Driver: Locate the downloaded file, double-click it, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
5. Restart Your Computer: After installation, restart your computer to finalize the process.

Method 3: Update Using Windows Device Manager

You can also update your driver via Windows Device Manager, which checks for the latest updates automatically.

1. Open Device Manager: In the search box on your taskbar, type “Device Manager” and open the app.
2. Find Your Printer: Under the “Print Queues” section, locate your Brother MFC-J6555DW printer and right-click it.
3. Select Update Driver: Choose the “Update Driver” option and then click “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
4. Restart Your Computer: Once the update is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting Common Printer Driver Problems

After updating your driver, you may still encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:

1. Printer Not Detected: Try unplugging and reconnecting your printer. Restart both the printer and your computer to fix detection issues.
2. Driver Installation Failures: Ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer and temporarily disable any antivirus software that might be blocking the installation.
3. Print Quality Issues: If the print quality remains poor, try cleaning the print heads or adjust settings through the printer’s interface.
4. Error Codes During Update: If an error occurs, note the code and visit Brother’s support website for specific solutions.
5. Printer Offline: Verify the printer is connected to the correct network. Restart the router and the printer to fix connectivity issues.
6. Driver Compatibility Issues: If the new driver isn't working well, you can try installing an earlier version of the driver or reach out to Brother support.
7. Unresponsive Printer: If your printer stops working after a driver update, you can roll back to a previous version using Device Manager.

Conclusion

Regularly updating your Brother MFC-J6555DW printer’s driver ensures smooth functionality, access to new features, and protection against security threats. Whether you choose automatic methods like DriverAssist or prefer a manual approach, keeping your printer's driver current will resolve common issues like poor print quality or connectivity problems, enhancing your printing experience.