Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Should be in Program Files\Brother\Updater with valid signature
Warning
Update checks and background tasks
Normal activity includes periodic checks for printer firmware and driver updates
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling stops automatic updates; can be re-enabled via Brother software
What is BrotherUpdater.exe?
BrotherUpdater.exe is the executable for Brother's updater utility. It runs to detect, download, and apply firmware and driver updates for Brother printers and devices, often launching on startup or when devices connect.
The updater periodically communicates with Brother's update servers, downloads firmware packages, and applies compatible updates to connected devices. It uses a small service, respects user settings, and can run with Windows startup.
Quick Fact: Brother's updater helps ensure your printers stay current, reducing compatibility issues and security risks from outdated firmware.
Types of Brother Updater Processes
- Updater Service: Background service that checks for updates
- GUI Client: User-facing interface for manual checks and installation
Is BrotherUpdater.exe Safe?
Yes, BrotherUpdater.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Brother Industries, downloaded from official sources (brother-usa.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is BrotherUpdater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real BrotherUpdater.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names; always verify path and signature.
How to Tell if BrotherUpdater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Brother\Updater\BrotherUpdater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Brother\Updater\BrotherUpdater.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Brother Industries, Ltd." as signer.
- File Details:: Check the Product name and Company; should read 'Brother Updater' and 'Brother Industries, Ltd.'
- Network Activity:: The updater should contact official Brother update servers (e.g., https://updates.brother.com) for updates.
Red Flags: If the file is not in the standard Brother updater paths, lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual network activity to untrusted domains, scan for malware.
Why Is BrotherUpdater.exe Running on My PC?
BrotherUpdater.exe runs to keep Brother devices up to date by checking for firmware, driver updates, and software improvements, often launching on startup or when devices connect.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Checks: The updater actively searches for available firmware and driver updates for connected Brother devices.
- Background Services: Runs as a background service to silently monitor for updates and apply them when approved.
- Startup Automation: Configured to start with Windows to ensure timely updates without user action.
- Device Connection: Detects connected Brother printers over USB or network and fetches device-specific updates.
- Policy and Settings: Follows user preferences for automatic install, deferred updates, and update notifications.
Can I Disable or Remove BrotherUpdater.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove it. You can stop automatic checks or uninstall the updater if you don't want Brother device updates.
How to Stop BrotherUpdater.exe
- Pause or disable notifications: Open Brother updater settings and turn off automatic checks or notifications
- Exit the updater: Use the system tray icon (if present) to exit the updater gracefully
- Disable startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Brother Updater
- Stop services: In Services, locate BrotherUpdateService and stop it
- Uninstall updater: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall Brother Updater
How to Uninstall Brother Updater
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Brother Updater → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Brother Updater → Uninstall
- ✔ If you only want to stop updates, adjust settings in the Brother software instead of uninstalling.
Common Problems: High CPU, Memory, or Update Failures
If BrotherUpdater.exe is consuming excessive resources or failing to update, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Pending Updates: Clear update queue in the updater and retry; ensure devices are connected.
- Background Scans: Disable background scans or reduce check frequency in settings.
- Outdated Updater: Update the updater to latest version from Brother's site.
- Network Restrictions: Ensure firewall allows outbound connections to updates.brother.com and BDS servers.
- Device Driver Conflicts: Reinstall the printer drivers to resolve conflicts with the updater.
- Corrupted Update: If a firmware file is corrupted, re-check and re-download the update.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Brother Updater and run a manual check for updates
3. Restart the updater service or reboot the PC
4. Ensure network access to https://updates.brother.com
5. Reset updater settings to defaults
6. Reinstall Brother Updater if issues persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BrotherUpdater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate BrotherUpdater.exe from Brother Industries is not a virus. Verify path: C:\Program Files\Brother\Updater\BrotherUpdater.exe and signature from Brother Industries, Ltd.
Why is BrotherUpdater.exe using CPU?
CPU usage occurs during update checks or firmware downloads. If persistently high, review running updates in the updater and check for conflicting software.
Can I disable BrotherUpdater.exe?
Yes, you can disable automatic checks or uninstall updater from Windows Settings. You can also disable startup and background services.
How do I uninstall Brother Updater?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Brother Updater → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs.
What happens to printers after uninstall?
Uninstalling the updater does not remove installed printer drivers. You may need to re-install or update drivers separately from Brother's site.
How can I fix update failures?
Check network access to Brother update servers, ensure USB/network connection to printers, and run the updater with administrative privileges.