The Brother MFC 845CW driver connects this multifunction printer to your Windows PC, allowing applications to send print jobs and use the settings available for the device. Choosing the right driver helps Windows recognize the printer correctly; scanning features may require a separate scanner driver or Brother software.

Key Features

• Printer recognition: Helps Windows identify the Brother MFC 845CW and communicate with it over a supported USB or network connection.
• Print settings: Provides access to options such as paper size, media type, orientation, and print quality, depending on the installed driver.
• Scanning support: A compatible scanner driver enables document and photo scanning through supported Windows applications.
• Connection setup: The appropriate Brother software can assist with locating and configuring the printer on your network, where supported.

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 required. This is an older printer, so verify that the selected download explicitly supports your version of Windows. A package intended for an earlier release is not guaranteed to work on a newer one.

1. Choose the appropriate package. Download a compatible printer driver, or select a full software package if available and you also need scanning tools. Use an official Brother source or a trusted download source with clearly identified compatibility information.

1. Prepare the connection. Turn on the Brother MFC 845CW. For USB installation, leave the cable disconnected until the installer requests it unless the package instructions say otherwise. For network installation, make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same local network.

1. Run the installer. Open the downloaded file, approve the Windows permission prompt, and follow the setup instructions. Select the correct connection method and choose your printer when it appears. Restart the computer if prompted.

1. Test the setup. Open Windows printer settings and print a test page. If you installed scanning software, try a test scan as well. If the printer is not detected, check its connection and confirm that the installed package matches your Windows version before reinstalling.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or stalls: Disconnect the MFC-845CW’s USB cable, run Brother’s uninstall/cleanup tool, reboot, then install the full driver package as administrator. Reconnect USB only when the installer prompts.
• Device not detected: Try another USB port/cable and power-cycle the MFC-845CW. For wireless, confirm the PC and printer are on the same 2.4 GHz network, print a network configuration report, and use Brother’s Network Connection Repair Tool or add the printer by IP.
• Version conflicts / scan-fax missing: Remove old MFC-845CW printer, scanner, and fax entries in Devices and Printers, then install the latest full package for your Windows version. Avoid mixing older WIA/TWAIN scanner drivers; reboot after installation.