Strange problem with printer driver

compiler · Apr 23, 2022

Strange issue. Bought a new W11 Dell laptop.

Installed my Brother wireless printer. Let Microsoft install own driver. Worked well for awhile, then suddenly printer started printing when I didn't tell it to. So, installed driver from Brother site and all was fine. But recently random printing started again. I was surprised to see the MS. Driver was back again. So I reinstalled the Brother driver, but MS. Driver is not replaced. Ideas?

Is there a way to uninstall the MS driver and THEN install the Brother driver? The only thing I saw was to uninstall the Device.

Mel

glasskuter · Apr 23, 2022

What is the model of your printer?

Sir_George · Apr 23, 2022

compiler said:
Strange issue. Bought a new W11 Dell laptop.

Installed my Brother wireless printer. Let Microsoft install own driver. Worked well for awhile, then suddenly printer started printing when I didn't tell it to. So, installed driver from Brother site and all was fine. But recently random printing started again. I was surprised to see the MS. Driver was back again. So I reinstalled the Brother driver, but MS. Driver is not replaced. Ideas?

Is there a way to uninstall the MS driver and THEN install the Brother driver? The only thing I saw was to uninstall the Device.

Mel

If you haven't yet looked at the Device Manger setting for printers, see if the Brother Driver is listed. If it is, go to settings and select the Devices and Printers Folder (see screenshot attachment) then set it as the default.

glasskuter · Apr 23, 2022

The reason I wanted your printer model number is so I could see if there is a new Win11 driver on Brother site. Usuallly, if you install the full software package for your printer (which includes the driver) Windows will not overide the driver with it's own.

compiler · Apr 23, 2022

Thanks for the responses.

Model: mfc-J1205w

I check drivers via the device manager. It only lists a MS driver.

I may not be d/l the right item from the Brother site.

Mel

glasskuter · Apr 23, 2022

Turn off the printer. Uninstall the printer from settings>printers and faxes>click on the printer>select remove. Uninstall any brother software. In device manager, make sure it's gone. Restart.
Download full printer package here and install. Do not turn printer on until the install wizard tells you to.

Full Software Package | Downloads | MFC-J1205W | United States | Brother

support.brother.com

compiler · Apr 25, 2022

All very strange. So, I followed your instructions. I again ended up with the MS printer driver. I then called Brother. He had me do it step-by -step (same procedure). Once again, same MS Driver. Then he said, basically, oh yeah we get that driver from MS; it's the correct driver.

Well, we shall see.

Mel