The Brother MFC L8850CDW driver connects this color laser all-in-one printer to your Windows PC, allowing applications to send print jobs with the correct settings. Installing the appropriate Brother software can also enable scanning functions and help you manage everyday document tasks on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7.

Key Features

• Model-specific print settings: Access options such as paper size, media type, print quality, and color or monochrome output rather than relying on basic Windows printing controls.
• Automatic two-sided printing: Configure duplex output for reports, handouts, and other multipage documents to reduce paper use.
• USB and network printing: Set up the printer through a USB connection or over a wired or wireless network, depending on your workspace and installation method.
• Scanning support with compatible software: A full driver and software package may include the components needed to scan documents to your computer. A print-only download will not necessarily provide scanning tools.

How to Install

1. Check your Windows version. Confirm whether your computer runs Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, and check whether it uses a 32-bit or 64-bit system where applicable. Select a Brother MFC L8850CDW package that explicitly matches your operating system.

1. Choose the right download. Use a printer driver if you only need printing, or select a compatible full software package if you also want scanning support and available Brother utilities. Package contents can vary by Windows version.

1. Prepare the connection. Turn on the printer. For network installation, connect it to the same local network as your PC. If installing by USB, leave the cable disconnected until the installer asks you to connect it, unless the package instructions say otherwise.

1. Run the installer. Open the downloaded file, approve the Windows permission prompt if shown, and follow the setup instructions. Choose your connection type and select the correct printer when it appears in the device list.

1. Verify the setup. Restart Windows if requested, then print a test page from the printer’s settings. If you installed scanning software, try a sample scan as well. Should network detection fail, check the printer’s connection and confirm that your PC can reach it on the local network.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Install fails or stalls: Uninstall any existing Brother MFC-L8850CDW driver via Apps & Features and Print Management, restart, then run the latest full Brother driver package as administrator. Temporarily disable antivirus if it blocks installer files.
• Device not detected: For USB, connect directly to a rear port with a known-good cable. For network, confirm the printer’s IP address and network discovery, then add it via Add Printer > TCP/IP using that IP.
• Driver/version conflicts: Remove duplicate or old print queues in Print Management, clear the spooler, and install only the Brother package matching your Windows version/architecture. Avoid mixing WSD and TCP/IP ports for the same queue.