Before you start
- The HL-L2445DW already connected to the same home network as the Windows 11 computer.
- Paper and toner installed, and a small document for a print check.
Connect the printer before adding it to Windows
This guide starts after home-network setup. Adding a printer in Windows does not itself supply the printer with the home Wi-Fi password. Confirm the printer is on and connected to the same network as the PC.
The source also discusses USB and wired networking, but the steps here follow its network-discovery workflow. A local connection and an internet connection are different: Windows must reach the printer on the network, while downloads may also require internet access.
Step 1:Add the printer in Windows settings
Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners. Check whether the intended HL-L2445DW is already listed. If it is not, select Add device and allow discovery to finish. Choose Add device beside the correct printer and wait for installation.
Do not remove a working printer entry just to repeat setup. If the device does not appear, recheck the printer’s connection and network before considering manual addition.
The additional recording shows the same HL-L2445DW appearing in Windows 11, being added and reaching its ready state. The primary recording continues to selecting that printer in Notepad.
Step 2:Open the document and choose the printer
Open a small document. The source uses Notepad: File → Print opens its print dialog. Select the HL-L2445DW from the printer list. Other applications may arrange the dialog differently, so check the selected device rather than assuming an identical screen.
Step 3:Review the job and print
Check the intended pages, copies and paper size. Choose Print. The job is then sent to the selected printer. Confirm that a physical page emerges with the expected content; appearing in Windows is not the same as completing a print.
If the page does not print
Check the printer’s LCD for a specific paper or supply message and check that Windows is still using the correct printer. If it cannot be discovered, use Microsoft’s printer-connection troubleshooting and the exact-model Brother downloads page linked below. Do not assume that a factory reset is the next step.
Questions & troubleshooting
My printer is listed already. Should I add it again?
Use the existing entry if it is the intended printer and works. Adding duplicates can make choosing the correct device harder.
Does Add device connect the printer to my home Wi-Fi?
No. This network workflow assumes that connection already exists. Complete the printer’s Wi-Fi setup first.
Will Windows always install the newest Brother package?
Windows may install an available driver. That does not establish that the full Brother package or every optional feature is installed. Use the official model download page if a needed feature is missing.
