Step-by-Step Guide: How to Allow Brother Printer Through Firewall Windows 10

Tired of your Brother printer refusing to cooperate with your Windows 10 computer? You’re not alone. Many users encounter issues where their firewall blocks their printer, leading to frustrating print errors. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to allow your Brother printer through the Windows 10 firewall, ensuring smooth printing every time.

Understanding the Firewall and Printer Communication

Windows 10’s firewall acts as a security guard, protecting your computer from malicious intrusions. However, sometimes this protection can get a little overzealous, blocking legitimate applications, including your printer. When you try to print, the firewall might prevent the necessary communication between your computer and the printer.

Identifying the Problem: Symptoms of Firewall Interference

Before diving into troubleshooting, let’s pinpoint the issue. Here are common signs that your firewall might be blocking your Brother printer:

• Print jobs fail to complete: You send a document to print, but nothing happens, or the printer shows an error message.
• “Printer offline” or “Printer unavailable” errors: Windows displays these messages, indicating the computer can’t connect to the printer.
• Network connectivity issues: The printer appears on your network but doesn’t respond when you try to print.

Method 1: Allowing Brother Printer Through Windows Firewall

The most straightforward way to resolve this issue is to manually allow your Brother printer through the Windows Firewall. Here’s how:
1. Open Windows Firewall: Search for “Windows Firewall” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
2. Choose “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall“: On the left-hand side of the window, click this option.
3. Click “Change settings“: This will enable you to modify the firewall’s settings.
4. Locate your Brother printer: Scroll through the list of apps and look for your Brother printer model. If it’s not listed, click “Allow another app…” and browse to the printer’s installation folder to select the executable file.
5. Check the boxes for “Private” and “Public” networks: This ensures your printer is allowed on both your home network and any public Wi-Fi networks you connect to.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes: The firewall will now allow communication with your Brother printer.

Method 2: Using Brother’s Printer Utility

Brother provides a dedicated utility for managing and configuring their printers. This tool can help you troubleshoot firewall issues and ensure your printer is properly connected.
1. Download and install the Brother utility: Visit the Brother support website and search for your printer model. Download the latest driver and software package.
2. Launch the Brother utility: Open the installed software. The specific interface may vary depending on your printer model.
3. Check for firewall settings: Look for a “Firewall” or “Network” section within the utility. This area might include options to automatically configure firewall settings for your printer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The utility will guide you through the necessary steps to configure the firewall for your Brother printer.

Method 3: Restoring Default Firewall Settings

If the above methods don‘t work, you can try restoring the Windows Firewall to its default settings. This will reset any custom rules that might be blocking your printer.
1. Open Windows Firewall: Search for “Windows Firewall” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
2. Click “Restore defaults“: This option is usually located in the left-hand menu.
3. Confirm the action: Windows will prompt you to confirm that you want to restore the default settings.
4. Restart your computer: After restoring the default settings, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 4: Checking for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows drivers or operating system updates can sometimes cause printer connectivity issues. Ensure your system is up-to-date:
1. Open Windows Update: Search for “Windows Update” in the Windows search bar and open the application.
2. Check for updates: Click “Check for updates” to see if any new updates are available.
3. Install updates: If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

If you’re still facing issues, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:

• Check your printer’s network connection: Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Verify the printer’s connection status and troubleshoot any network issues.
• Restart your computer and printer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary connectivity problems.
• Disable your antivirus software temporarily: Antivirus software can sometimes interfere with printer communication. Temporarily disable your antivirus and see if it resolves the issue.
• Run a network troubleshooter: Windows includes a built-in network troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common network problems.

Final Thoughts: Printing Freedom

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can successfully allow your Brother printer through the Windows 10 firewall, ensuring smooth printing for all your documents and photos. Remember, if you’re still experiencing difficulties, consult Brother‘s support website or contact their customer service for assistance.

Popular Questions

Q: What if I don’t see my Brother printer listed in the Firewall settings?
A: If your printer isn’t listed, you can manually add it. Click “Allow another app…” in the Firewall settings and browse to the printer’s installation folder. Select the executable file for your printer.
Q: Is it safe to disable the firewall temporarily?
A: Temporarily disabling your firewall can increase your computer’s vulnerability to security threats. Only disable it for a short time if necessary and re-enable it as soon as possible.
Q: Why does my printer work sometimes but not others?
A: Intermittent connectivity issues could be caused by network problems, temporary firewall glitches, or outdated drivers. Check your network connection, restart your computer and printer, and ensure your drivers are up-to-date.
Q: Can I use a different firewall instead of Windows Firewall?
A: Yes, you can use a third-party firewall. However, you’ll need to configure the new firewall to allow communication with your Brother printer. Refer to the firewall’s documentation for instructions.