The Complete Guide to Updating Your Brother MFC-J1170DW Printer Driver

Your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer needs a current driver to function smoothly with your computer. Printer drivers enable your devices to communicate correctly, and an outdated driver can cause inefficiencies, connectivity issues, or a lack of access to the newest features. In this guide, we’ll explore how to update your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer driver in various ways, helping you enhance the functionality of your printer and resolve any issues caused by outdated software.

Why You Should Update Your Brother MFC-J1170DW Printer Driver

Driver updates are crucial for improving your printer’s functionality and keeping it compatible with newer operating systems. Here's why it's important to update your printer driver:

1. Operating System Compatibility

New operating system releases, such as Windows 11, often render older drivers incompatible. Keeping your printer driver up to date ensures that it works seamlessly with these updated systems, preventing errors and connection issues.

2. Better Printer Efficiency

Driver updates often provide new features or improve existing ones. These updates can include enhanced paper handling, quicker printing, or improved print quality, offering a more efficient printing experience.

3. Bug Fixes and Stability

An outdated driver can lead to glitches that disrupt your printing tasks. Updating your driver helps to maintain a stable connection between the printer and your PC, reducing errors and delays.

4. Security Enhancements

Outdated drivers can pose security risks. By keeping them up to date, you ensure that your system is protected from potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware.

5. Improved Network Communication

If you use your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer on a network, the latest driver ensures stable communication, minimizing dropped connections and failed print jobs.

Common Issues Caused by Outdated Printer Drivers

Using an outdated driver can result in several frustrating issues, including:

1. Low-Quality Prints

Outdated drivers can lead to blurry prints or other defects, making it difficult to get sharp, clear results.

2. Printer Not Responding

If your printer stops responding to commands, it’s possible that the outdated driver is preventing communication between the device and your computer.

3. Slow Printing Speed

An outdated driver can slow down the printing process, causing delays and hindering your productivity.

4. Connectivity Problems

A poor connection between your printer and computer could be caused by an outdated driver, especially in networked or wireless printing setups.

5. Inaccessible Features

New drivers unlock advanced functions like duplex printing and color management. If your driver is outdated, you may not be able to access these features.

How to Update Your Brother MFC-J1170DW Printer Driver

There are three main ways to update your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer driver: using DriverAssist, manually downloading it from Brother’s website, or using Device Manager. Let's explore each method in detail.

Option 1: Update Using DriverAssist (Recommended)

DriverAssist simplifies the process of updating your drivers. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and Install DriverAssist
   Download the DriverAssist software here. Install it on your PC by following the on-screen instructions.
2. Run a System Scan
   Launch DriverAssist and click on "Scan Now." The software will search for outdated drivers, including your Brother MFC-J1170DW driver.
3. Update the Printer Driver
   Select the outdated Brother driver from the list and click "Update." DriverAssist will automatically download and install the latest version.
4. Restart Your Computer
   Once the update is complete, restart your PC to ensure the changes take effect.

Option 2: Manual Update via Brother’s Website

If you prefer to update your driver manually, follow these steps:

1. Visit Brother’s Support Website
   Go to the official Brother support site and search for the Brother MFC-J1170DW printer.
2. Select Your Operating System
   Choose your operating system from the drop-down menu (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).
3. Download the Latest Driver
   Click the download link to get the most recent version of the driver compatible with your system.
4. Install the Driver
   Locate the downloaded file and double-click it. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Restart Your Computer
   Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Option 3: Use Device Manager in Windows

The Device Manager in Windows can also help you update your printer driver:

1. Open Device Manager
   Search for "Device Manager" in the search bar and click on it to open the app.
2. Find Your Printer
   Expand the "Print queues" section, and locate your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer.
3. Update the Driver
   Right-click on the printer’s name, select "Update Driver," and then click "Search automatically for updated driver software."
4. Restart Your Computer
   If the update is found and installed, restart your computer to complete the process.

Troubleshooting Common Printer Driver Issues

Even after updating your driver, you might encounter issues. Here are some solutions:

1. Printer Not Recognized
   Unplug your printer and reconnect it. Restart both your printer and computer to resolve recognition issues.
2. Driver Installation Fails
   Make sure you're logged in with administrative privileges. Temporarily disable any antivirus software that may be blocking the installation.
3. Persistent Print Quality Problems
   If your print quality is poor, clean the print heads and adjust the settings on your printer’s control panel.
4. Error Messages
   Take note of any error messages and visit Brother’s support page for troubleshooting tips.
5. Printer Offline
   Check the printer’s connection to the network. Restart both the printer and your router to fix network-related issues.
6. Incompatible Driver
   If the latest driver doesn’t work with your operating system, download a previous version from Brother’s website or contact their support.
7. Unresponsive Printer
   If your printer becomes unresponsive after updating the driver, roll back to the previous version using Device Manager.

Conclusion

Ensuring your Brother MFC-J1170DW printer is equipped with the latest driver is essential for smooth and efficient printing. Whether you prefer using DriverAssist for a quick update or doing it manually, staying current with your driver will help you avoid common issues like slow printing, connectivity problems, and reduced functionality. Regular driver updates also give you access to the latest features, improving your overall printing experience.