The Brother MFC J8700w driver helps Windows communicate with your printer so it can process print jobs and display the available printing options. When choosing a download for Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, confirm that the package matches both your operating system and the exact model shown on the device label.

Key Features

• Printer recognition: Provides the software Windows needs to identify the Brother printer and send documents to it correctly.
• Print settings access: Makes supported options available in the printer preferences, such as paper size, page orientation, and print quality.
• Connection support: Enables communication through the connection methods supported by your printer and the selected driver package.
• Additional functions where included: A full software package may provide scanning tools or maintenance utilities alongside the print driver. Check the package description if you need more than basic printing.

How to Install

1. Check the model and Windows version. Verify the Brother MFC J8700w model name on the printer label before downloading. Check whether your Windows installation is 32-bit or 64-bit, where applicable, and select a package explicitly listed for your system.

1. Prepare the printer. Connect it to power and make sure it is ready for setup. For a network installation, place the printer and computer on the same local network. If using USB, follow the installer’s instructions about when to connect the cable.

1. Download and open the installer. Save the compatible Brother driver package to your computer. Open the downloaded file, extract it if needed, and approve the Windows permission prompt only after confirming the publisher and source.

1. Follow the setup prompts. Choose the appropriate connection type, select your printer when detected, and complete the installation. If the package includes optional utilities, install only the components you need.

1. Verify the installation. Restart Windows if prompted, then locate the printer in Windows settings or Control Panel and print a test page. If scanning software was included, test that separately.

If setup cannot find the printer, check the cable or network connection first. Avoid installing a driver for a similarly named Brother model unless its documentation explicitly lists your device as compatible.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or stalls: Disconnect the USB/Wi-Fi cable, remove old Brother software from Programs and Features, reboot, then run the full MFC-J8700W package as administrator. Use the full package if you need scan/fax, not just the basic print driver.
• Device not detected: For USB, connect directly to a rear PC port with a known-good cable. For Wi-Fi, confirm the MFC-J8700W and PC are on the same network, print the network configuration report, and re-add the printer by IP address.
• Version conflicts or missing scan/fax: Remove older MFC-J8700W entries in Devices and Printers and Brother Utilities, then install the latest full driver matching your Windows version. If scanning still fails, reinstall the Brother scanner driver.