What To Know
- Are you struggling with a Brother printer that seems to have a mind of its own, connecting wirelessly even when you don’t want it to.
- This guide will walk you through the process of how to disable WSD on your Brother printer, giving you back control over your printing experience.
- You can still connect to your printer using other methods, such as manually entering the printer’s IP address or using a wireless network setup wizard.
Are you struggling with a Brother printer that seems to have a mind of its own, connecting wirelessly even when you don’t want it to? The culprit might be WSD, or “Web Services on Devices,” a protocol that facilitates automatic network discovery and printing. While WSD can be convenient, it can also lead to unwanted connections and printing issues. This guide will walk you through the process of how to disable WSD on your Brother printer, giving you back control over your printing experience.
Understanding WSD: The Root of the Problem
WSD, short for “Web Services on Devices,” is a protocol designed to simplify network printing. It allows your printer to be automatically detected by your computer, making it easier to print without manually configuring network settings. However, this automatic discovery can sometimes become a nuisance, leading to unwanted connections and unexpected printing behavior.
Why Disable WSD?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable WSD on your Brother printer:
- Unwanted Connections: WSD can automatically connect your printer to devices on your network without your explicit permission, potentially leading to security concerns.
- Printing Issues: WSD can sometimes interfere with other printing methods, causing printing errors or slowdowns.
- Control: Disabling WSD gives you more control over your printer’s network connections, allowing you to choose when and how it connects to your devices.
Disabling WSD on Your Brother Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of disabling WSD varies slightly depending on your Brother printer model and its interface. Here’s a general guide that covers common methods:
1. Access the Printer’s Web Interface:
- Find the IP Address: Locate your printer’s IP address by checking its display, the network settings on your computer, or your router’s connected devices list.
- Open a Web Browser: Enter the IP address into your web browser’s address bar and press Enter. This will open the printer’s web interface.
2. Locate WSD Settings:
- Navigation: The specific location of the WSD settings may vary depending on your printer model. Look for a section labeled “Network,” “Settings,” “Advanced,” or “Wireless.”
- Search: If you can’t find it directly, use the web interface’s search function to look for “WSD” or “Web Services.”
3. Disable WSD:
- Toggle Switch: You will likely find a toggle switch, checkbox, or option to enable or disable WSD. Select the “Disable” or “Off” option.
- Confirmation: Some printers may require you to confirm your choice by clicking a button or entering a password.
4. Apply and Save:
- Apply Changes: Once you’ve disabled WSD, click “Apply” or “Save” to confirm your settings.
- Restart: Your printer may need to restart for the changes to take effect.
Alternative Methods for Disabling WSD
If you can’t find the WSD settings in your printer’s web interface, you can try these alternative methods:
- Using the Control Panel: Some Brother printers allow you to disable WSD through their control panel. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions specific to your model.
- Using Brother’s iPrint&Scan Application: Download and install Brother’s iPrint&Scan application on your computer. This application may provide options to manage WSD settings.
Troubleshooting WSD Issues
If you’re still experiencing printing problems after disabling WSD, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Restart Your Devices: Restart your printer and computer to clear any temporary issues.
- Check Network Connectivity: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your network and that your network connection is stable.
- Update Printer Drivers: Download and install the latest drivers for your printer from Brother’s website.
- Reset Printer Settings: Resetting your printer to factory defaults can sometimes resolve network issues. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions.
The Final Word: Reclaiming Control Over Your Printing Experience
Disabling WSD on your Brother printer can help you regain control over your printing experience. By eliminating automatic connections and potential conflicts, you can ensure a smoother and more reliable printing workflow.
What You Need to Know
Q: Will disabling WSD affect my ability to print wirelessly?
A: Disabling WSD will not prevent you from printing wirelessly. It simply disables the automatic discovery and connection feature. You can still connect to your printer using other methods, such as manually entering the printer’s IP address or using a wireless network setup wizard.
Q: Is it safe to disable WSD?
A: Disabling WSD is generally safe and can even improve security by preventing unauthorized connections. However, if you rely on WSD for specific printing tasks, you may need to find alternative solutions.
Q: Can I re-enable WSD later if I need it?
A: Yes, you can re-enable WSD at any time by following the same steps outlined in this guide, but selecting the “Enable” or “On” option.
Q: Why is my Brother printer connecting wirelessly even after I disabled WSD?
A: If you’ve disabled WSD but your printer is still connecting wirelessly, there might be other settings or services on your network that are causing the issue. Check your router’s settings or consult your network administrator for further troubleshooting.
