The Brother MFC 845CW driver helps Windows communicate with your all-in-one printer, enabling print jobs and access to supported device settings. Installing the appropriate Brother software can also provide scanning functions, depending on the package available for your operating system and connection type.

Key Features

• Printing controls: Access supported options such as paper size, print quality, orientation, and color settings directly from Windows applications.
• Scanner integration: A compatible scanner driver allows supported software to receive documents and images from the MFC 845CW.
• Connection support: Configure the printer for a supported USB or network connection using the options included in the selected driver package.
• Device recognition: Help Windows identify the correct Brother model rather than relying solely on a generic printer driver, which may offer fewer settings.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version. Confirm whether your computer runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, and check its system type where applicable. Driver availability and functionality can vary on this older model, so verify that the package explicitly supports your system before downloading.
2. Choose the appropriate package. Select a Brother MFC 845CW driver for your operating system. If you need scanning as well as printing, check whether the download includes scanner support or requires a separate component.
3. Prepare the printer. Turn the device on and clear any errors shown on its display. For a network installation, make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same local network. For USB setup, follow the installer’s instructions about when to connect the cable.
4. Run the installer. Open the downloaded file, approve the Windows permission prompt if requested, and follow the setup instructions. Select your connection method and the correct printer when prompted.
5. Test the setup. Restart the computer if requested, then print a test page from Windows printer settings. If scanner software was installed, try scanning a document to confirm that function works too.

If no package is listed for your Windows version, check Brother’s compatibility guidance before trying an older driver. Windows may offer a basic printing option, but advanced settings and scanning are not guaranteed.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or stalls: Disconnect the MFC-845CW, remove previous Brother MFC-845CW entries in Devices and Printers, restart Windows, then run the full Brother driver package as administrator before reconnecting USB.
• Device not detected: For USB, try another port/cable and avoid hubs. For wireless, confirm the MFC-845CW is on the same network, print a network configuration page, and add the printer by IP address.
• Version conflicts / duplicate queues: Uninstall old Brother software, remove stale MFC-845CW ports in Print Server Properties, reboot, and install only the current driver for your Windows version.