Brother Control Center 4: How to Change Printer in 5 Easy Steps

Are you struggling with the question of how to change printer in Brother Control Center 4? This handy guide is designed to help you navigate the process with ease. Whether you’re adding a new printer, switching between multiple devices, or simply need to update your default settings, we’ll walk you through every step.

Understanding Brother Control Center 4

Brother Control Center 4 is a powerful software suite that acts as a central hub for all your Brother printer functions. It allows you to manage various tasks, including printing, scanning, faxing, and even customizing your printer settings. The ability to switch seamlessly between different Brother printers is a core feature, making it a must-have tool for multi-device users.

Step 1: Launching Brother Control Center 4

Before you can change printers, you need to access Brother Control Center 4. Here’s how:
1. Locate the icon: Look for the Brother Control Center 4 icon on your desktop or in your start menu. It usually features the Brother logo and may be named “Brother Control Center 4” or “Brother iPrint&Scan.”
2. Double-click: Double-click the icon to launch the software.

Step 2: Accessing the Printer Selection Menu

Once Brother Control Center 4 is open, follow these steps to reach the printer selection menu:
1. Check the top bar: Look for a menu bar running horizontally across the top of the application window.
2. Find the “File” menu: Click on the “File” menu, usually located in the top left corner.
3. Select “Printer Settings”: From the dropdown menu, select “Printer Settings.”

Step 3: Choosing Your Desired Printer

The “Printer Settings” window will open, displaying a list of all connected Brother printers. To change the printer:
1. Identify your target printer: Scroll through the list until you find the specific Brother printer you want to use.
2. Select the printer: Click on the name of the desired printer to highlight it.
3. Confirm your selection: Click the “OK” button at the bottom of the window to apply your changes and close the “Printer Settings” window.

Step 4: Verifying the Change

After selecting your new printer, it’s always a good idea to verify that the change has taken effect.
1. Open a document: Open any document, image, or file you want to print.
2. Initiate printing: Click on the “Print” option in your document or application.
3. Check the printer selection: In the print dialog box, ensure that the correct printer is selected. If the printer you chose in Brother Control Center 4 is displayed, you’re all set!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While changing printers in Brother Control Center 4 is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues. Here’s how to address them:

• Printer not listed: Ensure your printer is connected to your computer via USB or network and is powered on. Try restarting both your computer and the printer.
• Printer not working: If the printer is listed but not responding, check the printer’s status lights for error indicators. Refer to your printer’s manual for troubleshooting steps.
• Drivers are outdated: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues. Visit the Brother website, select your printer model, and download the latest drivers.

Adding a New Printer

Adding a new Brother printer to Brother Control Center 4 is a simple process:
1. Launch Brother Control Center 4: Open the application as described in the earlier steps.
2. Select “Add Printer”: In the “File” menu, choose “Add Printer.”
3. Follow the prompts: The software will guide you through the process of adding your new printer. You might need to select your printer model, connect it to your computer, and install the necessary drivers.

Removing a Printer

If you need to remove a printer from Brother Control Center 4, follow these steps:
1. Access “Printer Settings”: Open Brother Control Center 4 and navigate to the “Printer Settings” window as described earlier.
2. Select the printer: Choose the printer you want to remove from the list.
3. Click “Remove”: Look for a “Remove” button or option within the window. Click it to initiate the removal process.
4. Confirm the removal: You might be asked to confirm the removal action. Click “Yes” or “OK” to complete the process.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips

For more advanced users, here are some additional tips:

• Set a default printer: You can designate a particular printer as your default, making it the automatic choice for all printing tasks.
• Customize printer settings: Brother Control Center 4 allows you to adjust various printer settings, such as paper type, print quality, and even create custom paper sizes.
• Manage printer queues: Monitor the status of print jobs and manage the order of printing tasks using the queue management feature.

Mastering Your Brother Printers

By following these steps and understanding the key features of Brother Control Center 4, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your Brother printers with ease. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned professional, this software provides the tools you need to optimize your printing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Brother Control Center 4 with non-Brother printers?
A: No, Brother Control Center 4 is specifically designed for Brother printers. It is not compatible with other brands.
Q: What if I don’t have a printer connected to my computer?
A: If you don’t have a printer connected, you won’t be able to use Brother Control Center 4. The software requires a connected Brother printer to function.
Q: Can I use Brother Control Center 4 with multiple computers?
A: Yes, you can install Brother Control Center 4 on multiple computers. However, each computer will need to have its own separate installation.
Q: What if I’m having trouble finding Brother Control Center 4?
A: If you can’t find the software on your computer, try searching for it using the Windows search bar. You can also download the latest version of Brother Control Center 4 from the Brother website.
Q: How do I update Brother Control Center 4?
A: Brother Control Center 4 typically updates automatically. However, you can manually check for updates by visiting the Brother website and looking for the latest version for your specific printer model.