Printing double-sided, or duplex printing, saves paper and helps the environment while reducing printing costs. Brother printers offer duplex printing on many models, but setting it up correctly in Windows 10 or 11 can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the steps. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking compatibility to troubleshooting common issues.
Check Printer Duplex Compatibility
Before you begin, verify if your Brother printer supports duplex printing. Not all models have an automatic duplexer.
- Check the printer’s specifications in the user manual or on Brother’s official website.
- Look for terms like “Automatic Duplex,” “Duplex Printing,” or “Double-sided Printing.”
- If your model does not support automatic duplex printing, you can still print double-sided manually (more on this later).
Install or Update Brother Printer Driver
A proper printer driver ensures all features, including duplex printing, work correctly.
- Visit Brother’s Support Website.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest full driver and software package compatible with Windows 10 or 11.
- Install the driver by following on-screen instructions.
- If your driver is outdated, uninstall the old version first for best results.
Enable Duplex Printing in Windows 10/11
Once your printer supports duplexing and the driver is installed:
- Open Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
- Select your Brother printer and click Manage.
- Click Printing preferences.
- Look for a tab or section labeled Finishing or Layout.
- Find and enable Two-sided printing or Duplex printing (it may be called “Print on both sides”).
- Choose the binding option (e.g., long edge or short edge) based on your preference.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Configure Duplex Printing in Application Settings
Many applications like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or web browsers have their own print dialog:
- When printing, open the print dialog.
- Click Printer Properties or Preferences.
- Enable Two-sided printing or Duplex printing.
- Confirm settings and print.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Duplex Option Visible: Confirm your printer model supports duplex printing. Update or reinstall the driver if necessary.
- Driver Settings Reset: Some apps reset print settings; always check the duplex option before printing.
- Manual Duplex Printing: If your printer lacks an automatic duplexer, select “Manual Duplex” in the settings, which prompts you to reinsert pages for double-sided printing.
- Paper Jams or Misfeeds: Make sure to use the recommended paper type and size for duplex printing to avoid jams.
Conclusion
Enabling duplex printing on your Brother printer in Windows 10 or 11 helps save paper, costs, and supports eco-friendly practices. By checking compatibility, installing the correct drivers, and configuring settings both in Windows and your applications, you can effortlessly print double-sided documents. If you face any issues, follow our troubleshooting tips or consult Brother’s support.
FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I see the duplex printing option in Windows 10/11?
A: Your Brother printer may not support duplex printing or the driver might be outdated. Ensure you have the correct driver installed and the model supports this feature.
Q2: Does my Brother printer support double-sided printing?
A: Check your printer’s manual or Brother’s website for specifications. Many models support automatic duplexing, while others offer manual double-sided printing.
Q3: How do I print double-sided manually on a Brother printer?
A: Choose “Manual Duplex” in print settings. The printer will print one side first, then prompt you to reinsert the paper to print the other side.