Revolutionize Your Printing: How to Easily Disable WSD on Brother Printers!

Have you ever encountered the dreaded “WSD” error message on your Brother printer? It’s frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a crucial printing task. WSD, or Web Services on Devices, is a protocol that allows your printer to communicate with your computer over your network. While it’s generally helpful, it can sometimes cause problems, leading to slow printing speeds or even network connectivity issues.
This guide will walk you through the process of how to disable WSD on your Brother printer, offering a solution to these frustrating problems.

Understanding WSD and Why You Might Want to Disable It

WSD, short for Web Services on Devices, is a technology that enables your printer to communicate with your computer over your network using a standard web protocol. This allows for seamless printing and scanning directly from your computer without requiring specific drivers. However, this technology can sometimes lead to issues, such as:

• Slow printing speeds: WSD can sometimes cause delays in printing, especially if you’re using a large file or have a weak network connection.
• Network connectivity problems: WSD can interfere with other network devices, causing connection issues or slowdowns.
• Compatibility issues: Older operating systems or software might not be fully compatible with WSD, leading to printing errors.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, disabling WSD might be the solution you need.

Disabling WSD on Your Brother Printer: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of disabling WSD on Brother printers varies slightly depending on your printer model and the operating system you’re using. However, the general steps are similar:
1. Accessing the Printer’s Settings:

• Using the Control Panel: Locate the “Settings” or “Configuration” button on your printer’s control panel. This is usually a small button with an icon resembling a gear or a wrench.
• Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your smartphone or tablet. Connect your printer to your device’s Wi-Fi network and launch the app. You should find options to access the printer’s settings within the app.

2. Navigating to the Network Settings:

• Using the Control Panel: Once you’ve accessed the settings menu, look for the “Network” or “Wireless” option. This section will contain settings related to your printer’s network connection.
• Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: The app will usually have a dedicated section for network settings, often labeled “Network” or “Wireless”.

3. Disabling WSD:

• Using the Control Panel: The exact wording for the WSD setting might vary, but look for options like “WSD Protocol,” “Web Services on Devices,” or “Enable/Disable WSD.” Select the “Disable” option.
• Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: Within the network settings, you should find an option to disable WSD. It might be labeled “WSD Protocol,” “Web Services on Devices,” or “Enable/Disable WSD.”

4. Saving the Changes:

• Using the Control Panel: After disabling WSD, confirm the changes by pressing the “OK” or “Save” button.
• Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App: The app will usually save the changes automatically.

Troubleshooting Common WSD Issues

Even after disabling WSD, you might still encounter some problems. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Printer Not Connecting to Network: Ensure your printer is connected to the correct network. Check the network settings on your printer and router to confirm the connection.
• Printer Not Responding: Restart your printer and computer. If the problem persists, try reinstalling the printer driver.
• Printing Errors: If you’re experiencing printing errors, try disabling and re-enabling WSD again. You can also try using a different printing method, such as printing directly from a USB connection.

Alternatives to WSD for Printing

If you’re encountering persistent issues with WSD, there are alternative methods for printing from your computer:

• USB Connection: Print directly from your computer using a USB cable. This eliminates network dependency and often provides a more stable connection.
• Network Printing: Use the standard network printing protocol, typically TCP/IP, for a more reliable connection. You can configure this setting within your printer’s network settings.
• Cloud Printing: Utilize cloud printing services like Google Cloud Print or Brother’s own cloud printing solution, which allows you to print from anywhere with an internet connection.

Printing Without WSD: A Smoother Experience

Disabling WSD can improve your printing experience, leading to faster printing speeds, fewer network conflicts, and a more reliable connection. While WSD can be a convenient feature, it’s not always the most reliable option. By understanding the alternatives and following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smoother printing experience without the hassle of WSD.

Beyond Disabling: Optimizing Your Brother Printer

Disabling WSD is just one step in optimizing your Brother printer for optimal performance. Here are some additional tips to enhance your printing experience:

• Keep Your Printer Drivers Updated: Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and slow printing speeds. Regularly check for driver updates on the Brother website.
• Maintain Your Printer: Regularly clean your printer’s rollers and print heads to prevent paper jams and ensure consistent print quality.
• Use High-Quality Paper: Using high-quality paper can significantly improve print quality and prevent paper jams.

What People Want to Know

Q: What is the difference between WSD and TCP/IP printing?
A: WSD is a web-based protocol that allows printers to communicate with computers over a network. TCP/IP is a more traditional network protocol used for communication between various devices, including printers. While both can be used for printing, TCP/IP is generally considered more reliable and less prone to issues.
Q: Can I disable WSD without affecting other network devices?
A: Disabling WSD on your Brother printer should not affect other devices on your network. It only disables the WSD protocol on your specific printer.
Q: I’m still experiencing printing problems after disabling WSD. What should I do?
A: If you’re still experiencing issues, try restarting your printer and computer. You can also try reinstalling the printer driver or contacting Brother customer support for further assistance.
Q: How do I enable WSD again if I need it in the future?
A: Follow the same steps outlined in this guide to access your printer’s network settings and enable WSD. Remember to save the changes after enabling the protocol.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a smoother printing experience with your Brother printer, free from the hassle of WSD issues.