The Brother MFC 685CW Printer driver helps Windows communicate with this all-in-one device so you can send print jobs and adjust printing preferences. For a network setup, the correct Brother driver also allows your computer to use the printer over a properly configured wired or wireless connection. If you use Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, check the download’s compatibility details before installing, since available packages and features may differ between versions.

Key Features

• Network printing support: Connects Windows to the Brother MFC 685CW on your local network, allowing computers with a compatible driver to share access to the printer.
• Print preference controls: Provides settings for supported paper sizes, media types, print quality, and color output, depending on the installed driver.
• Application integration: Makes the printer available through the print menus in Windows applications for everyday documents, images, and other supported content.
• Optional scanning components: A full software package may include scanner drivers and utilities. A print-only download does not necessarily enable scanning or other multifunction features.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version. Confirm whether your computer runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 and identify its system architecture. Choose a package that explicitly supports your setup; do not assume an older installer is compatible with a newer version of Windows.

1. Prepare the printer connection. Turn on the Brother MFC 685CW and connect it to your router using its supported wired or wireless networking method. Ensure your computer can reach the printer on the same local network.

1. Download and open the driver package. Save the compatible Brother installer, extract it if required, and launch the setup program. Approve the Windows permission prompt if it appears.

1. Follow the setup instructions. Select the network connection option when prompted, then choose your printer from the detected devices. If it is not listed, check its network settings or enter its IP address if the installer offers that option.

1. Verify operation. Finish installation and restart Windows if requested. Print a test page, review the default printing preferences, and test scanning separately if you installed a package that includes scanner support.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or stalls: Disconnect USB, remove any prior Brother MFC-685CW entries in Printers & scanners, run the latest full driver package as administrator, and reboot before reconnecting.
• Printer not detected (USB/network): Try a direct USB connection first; for Wi-Fi, confirm the printer is on the same 2.4 GHz network, print a network config page for its IP, and temporarily allow Brother setup through Windows Firewall.
• Version conflicts / scanner missing: Uninstall old Brother software with the Brother Uninstall Tool, restart, then install the matching 32/64-bit driver and scanner package; avoid mixing Windows Update and Brother full-package drivers.