Is your Brother MFC-9120CN printer acting up? Are you struggling to get it to communicate properly with your computer? The most common culprit behind these issues is often an outdated, corrupted, or missing printer driver.
Don't worry, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Brother MFC-9120CN printer drivers, including how to find, download, install, and troubleshoot them.
Also read this article: How to Find HP Color LaserJet MFP and E77830 Printer Default Password, admin Password
What is a Printer Driver and Why is it Important?
Think of a printer driver as a translator. Your computer speaks one language (its operating system), and your printer speaks another.
The driver acts as the intermediary, converting the commands from your computer into a language the printer understands.
Without the correct driver, your printer simply won't be able to function correctly. You might experience problems like:
- Inability to print at all
- Garbled or incomplete printouts
- Error messages on your computer or printer
- Slow printing speeds
- Incorrect color reproduction
- Problems with scanning or faxing (if your MFC-9120CN is used for these functions)
Keeping your printer driver up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance, security, and compatibility. Manufacturers like Brother regularly release updated drivers to fix bugs, improve performance, and add support for new operating systems.
Identifying the Correct Driver for Your System
Before you start searching for a driver, you need to gather some information about your system. This will ensure you download the correct driver, preventing compatibility issues. Here's what you need to know:
- Your Printer Model: You already know it's the Brother MFC-9120CN, but double-check to be absolutely sure.
- Your Operating System: Are you using Windows (and which version: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, etc.)? Or are you using macOS (and which version: Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, etc.)? Knowing the specific version is critical.
- Your System Architecture: Is your operating system 32-bit or 64-bit? This is particularly important for Windows users. You can find this information in your system settings. In Windows 10, for example, go to Settings > System > About. Look for System type.
Once you have this information, you're ready to start your search.
Where to Find Brother MFC-9120CN Printer Drivers
There are several places you can find the driver for your Brother MFC-9120CN printer:
- Brother's Official Website: This is the safest and most reliable source for printer drivers. Go to the Brother support website (usually brother.com or brother-usa.com, depending on your region). Navigate to the Support or Downloads section. Search for your printer model (MFC-9120CN). The website will typically automatically detect your operating system, but it's always a good idea to double-check and select the correct version manually. Download the recommended driver package.
- Windows Update: In some cases, Windows Update can automatically detect and install printer drivers. However, this isn't always the most reliable method, as the drivers offered through Windows Update might not be the latest version. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- macOS Software Update: Similar to Windows Update, macOS can sometimes automatically find and install printer drivers. Go to System Preferences > Software Update to check for updates.
- Third-Party Driver Download Sites: While these sites might seem convenient, they can be risky. They often bundle drivers with unwanted software or even malware. It's generally best to avoid these sites and stick to Brother's official website. If you absolutely must use a third-party site, make sure it's a reputable one and scan the downloaded files with a virus scanner before installing them.
Downloading the Driver from Brother's Website: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's walk through the process of downloading the driver from Brother's official website:
- Go to the Brother Support Website: Navigate to the Brother support website for your region.
- Search for Your Printer Model: Use the search bar to find MFC-9120CN.
- Select Your Operating System: The website should automatically detect your operating system. If it doesn't, or if it's incorrect, manually select the correct operating system and version from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the Driver Package: You'll typically see several driver options. Look for the Full Driver & Software Package or a similar option. This package usually includes the printer driver, scanner driver (if applicable), and other utilities.
- Download the Driver: Click the Download button next to the driver package. You might be prompted to accept a license agreement.
- Save the File: Choose a location on your computer to save the downloaded file. Remember where you saved it!
Installing the Brother MFC-9120CN Printer Driver
Once you've downloaded the driver, it's time to install it. The installation process can vary slightly depending on the driver package, but here are the general steps:
- Locate the Downloaded File: Find the file you downloaded in the previous step. It's usually an executable file (with a .exe extension for Windows) or a disk image file (with a .dmg extension for macOS).
- Run the Installer: Double-click the file to run the installer.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. Read the instructions carefully and follow them step-by-step. You might be asked to connect your printer to your computer via USB cable during the installation.
- Restart Your Computer (if prompted): Some installations require you to restart your computer to complete the process. If prompted, restart your computer.
- Test the Printer: After the installation is complete, test the printer to make sure it's working correctly. Print a test page or try scanning a document.
Troubleshooting Common Driver Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter problems with your printer driver. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:
- Printer Not Found: If your computer can't detect your printer, make sure the printer is turned on and connected to your computer (either via USB or network). Check the USB cable or network connection. Try restarting both your computer and your printer.
- Driver Installation Failed: If the driver installation fails, try downloading the driver again. Make sure you've selected the correct operating system and version. Temporarily disable your antivirus software, as it might be interfering with the installation.
- Printer Prints Garbled Text: This usually indicates a driver problem. Try reinstalling the driver. Make sure you're using the correct driver for your printer model and operating system.
- Slow Printing: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause slow printing. Update to the latest driver version. Also, check your printer settings to make sure you're not using a high-resolution setting that's slowing down the printing process.
- Error Messages: Pay attention to any error messages that appear on your computer or printer. These messages can provide clues about the problem. Search online for the error message to find possible solutions.
Updating Your Brother MFC-9120CN Printer Driver
It's a good idea to periodically check for driver updates, even if your printer is working fine. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. You can check for updates by:
- Visiting Brother's Website: Regularly check the Brother support website for your printer model to see if there are any new drivers available.
- Using Brother's Update Utility: Some Brother printers come with a utility that automatically checks for and installs driver updates. Check your installed programs to see if you have this utility.
- Checking Windows Update or macOS Software Update: As mentioned earlier, Windows Update and macOS Software Update can sometimes automatically find and install printer driver updates.
Uninstalling a Printer Driver
If you're having persistent problems with your printer driver, or if you're upgrading to a new printer, you might need to uninstall the old driver. Here's how to uninstall a printer driver in Windows:
- Open the Control Panel: Go to the Control Panel (in Windows 10, you can search for Control Panel in the Start menu).
- Go to Devices and Printers: Click on Devices and Printers.
- Find Your Printer: Locate your Brother MFC-9120CN printer in the list of devices.
- Right-Click and Select Remove Device: Right-click on the printer and select Remove device.
- Confirm the Removal: You might be prompted to confirm the removal. Click Yes or OK.
- Remove the Driver Package (if necessary): In some cases, you might also need to remove the driver package from your system. To do this, open Device Manager (search for Device Manager in the Start menu). Expand the Print queues section. Right-click on your printer and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
After uninstalling the driver, you can then install the latest version from Brother's website.
The Importance of Using Genuine Brother Supplies
While this guide focuses on printer drivers, it's also important to use genuine Brother ink or toner cartridges in your MFC-9120CN printer. Using non-genuine supplies can lead to:
- Poor print quality
- Leaking ink or toner
- Damage to the printer
- Voiding your warranty
Genuine Brother supplies are designed to work optimally with your printer, ensuring the best possible performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Keeping your Brother MFC-9120CN printer driver up-to-date is essential for ensuring optimal performance, compatibility, and security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily find, download, install, and troubleshoot your printer driver. Remember to always download drivers from Brother's official website to avoid potential risks. And don't forget to use genuine Brother supplies for the best possible printing experience. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your Brother MFC-9120CN printer running smoothly for years to come.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. The information provided is believed to be accurate, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Always consult the official Brother documentation for the most up-to-date information and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know if my printer driver is outdated?
A: Common signs of an outdated printer driver include printing problems (garbled text, slow printing, etc.), error messages, and incompatibility with your operating system. You can also check the Brother support website for your printer model to see if there are any new drivers available.
Q: Can I use a driver from another Brother printer model?
A: No, you should only use the driver specifically designed for your Brother MFC-9120CN printer. Using a driver from another model can cause compatibility issues and may damage your printer.
Q: What if I can't find a driver for my operating system?
A: If Brother doesn't offer a driver for your operating system, you might be able to use a generic printer driver. However, this might not provide all the features and functionality of a dedicated driver. You might also consider upgrading to a newer operating system that is supported by Brother.
Q: Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites?
A: It's generally best to avoid downloading drivers from third-party websites, as they can be risky. They often bundle drivers with unwanted software or even malware. Stick to Brother's official website for the safest and most reliable drivers.
Q: How often should I update my printer driver?
A: You should check for driver updates periodically, especially if you're experiencing problems with your printer or if you've recently upgraded your operating system. A good rule of thumb is to check for updates every few months.
Q: What do I do if I accidentally installed the wrong driver?
A: If you accidentally installed the wrong driver, uninstall it immediately and then install the correct driver from Brother's website. Follow the instructions in the Uninstalling a Printer Driver section of this guide.
Q: My printer is connected to my network. Do I still need to install a driver?
A: Yes, you still need to install a driver, even if your printer is connected to your network. The driver allows your computer to communicate with the printer over the network.
Q: I'm still having problems with my printer driver. What should I do?
A: If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps in this guide and you're still having problems, contact Brother support for assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on your situation.
Table of Common Brother MFC-9120CN Driver Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|
| Printer Not Found |
|
| Driver Installation Failed |
|
| Prints Garbled Text |
|
| Slow Printing |
|
| Error Messages |
|