The Brother HL 5170DN driver helps Windows communicate with this network-ready monochrome laser printer, turning documents into print jobs the device can process. Installing a compatible driver gives you access to printer settings and helps you configure printing over a local network. For Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, choose a package that explicitly supports your operating system and architecture.

Key Features

• Network printing setup: Connects Windows to the Brother HL 5170DN over your local network when the printer’s network address and port are configured correctly.
• Duplex printing controls: Provides access to the printer’s automatic two-sided printing capability through compatible driver settings, helping reduce paper use.
• Paper and layout options: Lets you adjust supported settings such as paper size, orientation, copy count, and paper source before sending a document.
• Print quality preferences: Offers supported resolution and toner-saving options, allowing you to balance output quality with everyday printing needs. Available controls depend on the driver version.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version. Open your PC’s system information and confirm whether it uses a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. Verify that the selected driver lists support for your system; older printer packages may not support every Windows release.

1. Prepare the printer connection. Turn on the Brother HL 5170DN and connect its Ethernet port to your router or network switch. Make sure your computer can reach the printer on the same network. If necessary, print a network configuration page to find its IP address.

1. Download and extract the driver. Save the compatible package to your computer. If it arrives as a compressed archive, extract it before beginning installation.

1. Run setup or add the printer manually. Follow the installer’s prompts and select the network connection option if offered. If there is no installer, use Windows’ Add Printer function, enter the printer’s IP address, and point Windows to the extracted driver files when requested.

1. Confirm settings and test printing. Open the printer’s properties, check the selected port, and review paper and duplex preferences. Print a test page to confirm communication. If it fails, verify the IP address and network connection before reinstalling the driver.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Installer fails or rolls back on Windows 10/11: The HL-5170DN uses legacy Brother driver packages. Run the installer as administrator in Windows 7 compatibility mode; if it still fails, extract the driver and add the printer manually via a TCP/IP port using the HL-5170DN INF file.
• Printer not detected: The HL-5170DN uses wired Ethernet/USB, not Wi-Fi. Print a network configuration page to confirm its IP, ping it from the PC, and keep both on the same subnet. If auto-discovery fails, create a Standard TCP/IP port using RAW port 9100.
• Driver/version conflicts: Old Brother queues can cause duplicate printers or spooler errors. Remove existing HL-5170DN entries in Print Management, restart the Print Spooler service, then reinstall only the latest Brother package.