Fix Brother MFC-J5730DW Installer Not Running on Windows 11 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Many Windows 11 users have reported issues where the Brother MFC-J5730DW printer installer simply refuses to run. You double-click the setup file, and either nothing happens, or the process closes silently. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need your printer for work or study.

Why the Brother Installer Fails on Windows 11

Several factors can prevent the Brother installer from running properly on Windows 11:

• Antivirus or security software interference (McAfee, Norton, etc.)
• Windows Protected Print Mode blocking third-party drivers
• Leftover driver files from older installations
• USB driver issues (known problem with Windows 11 and Brother printers)
• Installer corruption or missing permissions

How to Fix Brother MFC-J5730DW installer not running

1. Run the Installer as Administrator

Sometimes the installer doesn’t launch because of restricted permissions.

• Right-click the Brother installer file → select Run as Administrator.
• If it still fails, try running it in Windows 10 compatibility mode.
  • Right-click file → Properties → Compatibility tab → check Run in compatibility mode for Windows 10.

2. Disable Windows Protected Print Mode

Windows 11 introduced a feature called Protected Print Mode that may block Brother drivers.

• Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
• Scroll down and select Printer preferences.
• Turn Windows Protected Print Mode to Off.
• Reboot your PC and run the installer again.

3. Perform a Clean Uninstall of Brother Software

If you’ve previously tried to install drivers, remnants might cause conflicts.

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
2. Remove all Brother software.
3. Use the Brother Uninstall Tool (available on Brother’s support page).
4. Check Printers & scanners and Device Manager to ensure no Brother printer remains.
5. Reboot your system.

4. Try a Clean Boot

Background services can interfere with the installer.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Under Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab → open Task Manager → disable all startup apps.
• Restart your PC and try running the installer.

5. Switch from USB to Network Connection

Brother has confirmed that some printers, including the MFC-J5730DW, may not work properly when connected via USB on Windows 11.

• Disconnect the USB cable.
• Connect the printer via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
• Add the printer in Settings → Printers & scanners → Add device.
• Run the installer again.

6. Install Drivers Manually

If the full installer won’t open, you can manually install drivers:

1. Download the driver-only package from the Brother MFC-J5730DW support page.
2. Extract the files.
3. Open Settings → Printers & scanners → Add device → The printer I want isn’t listed → Add local or network printer → Have Disk.
4. Browse to the extracted driver folder and install manually.

7. Check Event Viewer for Hidden Errors

If the installer still fails, open Event Viewer:

• Press Win + X → Event Viewer.
• Under Windows Logs → Application, look for recent errors related to Brsetup or Brother installer.
• Errors like “Access Denied” or “Missing DLL” can reveal what’s blocking the installer.

Quick Tips: Brother MFC-J5730DW installer not running

• Re-download the installer in case the file is corrupted.
• Ensure you’re using the Windows 11 version of the driver, not an older Windows 10 package.
• If McAfee or Norton was previously installed, use their official cleanup tool to remove leftovers.
• Check for firmware updates by connecting the printer to another PC (if available).

If the Brother MFC-J5730DW installer won’t run on Windows 11, the issue is usually tied to driver conflicts, Windows Protected Print Mode, or USB connection problems. Following the above steps should help you resolve the problem and get your printer working again.

If all else fails, you can still install the driver manually or connect the printer via network instead of USB. That way, you won’t be stuck without printing and scanning.

FAQs: Brother MFC-J5730DW installer not running

Q: Does Windows 11 block Brother printer drivers?
Yes, Windows 11’s Protected Print Mode may block some third-party drivers, including Brother. Turning it off usually resolves this.

Q: Can I use my Brother printer without the full installer?
Yes, you can install drivers manually via Windows settings and still use print and scan functions.

Q: Why does the Brother installer not even open?
It could be blocked by antivirus remnants, corrupted installer files, or missing admin permissions.

Q: Is USB still supported for Brother printers on Windows 11?
Some Brother models, including the MFC-J5730DW, have known USB driver issues on Windows 11. Using Wi-Fi or Ethernet is recommended.