Setting up a multifunction printer like the Brother MFC-L8690CDW correctly is essential for ensuring a smooth start and long-term reliability in any office. This colour laser all-in-one device offers a wide range of features that support printing, copying, scanning and faxing. However, to take full advantage of its capabilities, proper installation, network configuration and usage planning are crucial.
This guide is intended for office managers, IT staff and anyone responsible for deploying new hardware in a business environment. It will walk through the necessary steps to prepare the Brother MFC-L8690CDW for daily office use, including physical setup, software installation, network integration and the customisation of settings to suit shared working environments.
By the end of this article, you should feel confident that the device is correctly configured, secure and ready for efficient use in your office.
Unboxing and Physical Placement
Before powering up the device, make sure the selected location can accommodate the size and ventilation needs of the printer. The Brother MFC-L8690CDW is larger than a typical desktop printer and requires a stable, flat surface capable of supporting its weight. Ideally, place the unit near a power outlet and network access point or router to reduce cable clutter.
Unbox the machine carefully, removing any tape, packaging inserts and protective plastic from both outside and inside the device. This includes the toner cartridge compartments and the paper tray area. Consult the enclosed start-up guide to check nothing has been left inside the machine that could interfere with operation.
Load paper into the tray, making sure it is aligned correctly and that the paper guides are firmly in place. At this stage, you can install the starter toner cartridges, which are supplied with the device. Shake each toner cartridge gently to distribute the toner evenly before inserting it into the correct slot.
Connect the power cord and press the power button to begin the initial boot sequence.
Initial Setup Wizard
When the Brother MFC-L8690CDW powers on for the first time, it launches a setup wizard via the touchscreen interface. This prompts you to select your language, date, time and paper settings.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this initial configuration. It is advisable to use the touchscreen stylus for more accurate input if available, though finger input works adequately.
At this stage, the device may check for firmware updates. If it is connected via Ethernet and an internet connection is available, allowing the update is recommended to ensure you have the latest security patches and software improvements.
Network Configuration
For most offices, connecting the printer to the local network is the preferred setup. The Brother MFC-L8690CDW supports both wired Ethernet and wireless connectivity. Wired connections are typically more stable and secure, making them the preferred option for larger or shared environments.
To connect via Ethernet, simply plug a network cable from your switch or router into the LAN port on the back of the printer. The device should automatically acquire an IP address via DHCP.
If connecting via Wi-Fi, use the touchscreen to navigate to the network settings and select the wireless setup wizard. Choose your office network from the available list and enter the password when prompted. A successful connection will display confirmation on the screen.
Once connected, make a note of the device’s IP address, which will be needed during driver installation.
Driver and Software Installation
Next, install the required drivers and software on each office workstation. Brother provides installation software on CD, but it is often better to download the most recent version from the Brother support website to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems.
During installation, select the network printer option and enter the printer’s IP address when prompted. The setup wizard will detect the printer and install the necessary drivers for printing and scanning.
For shared office use, consider installing Brother’s ControlCenter software or scanning utilities on relevant computers. This allows users to initiate scans directly from their desktops, saving time and improving flexibility.
It is also possible to set up scan-to-email, scan-to-folder or scan-to-cloud services, depending on your office’s IT infrastructure and security policies. These features are accessible through the machine’s web-based management interface, which can be reached by entering the printer’s IP address into a browser.
Configuring User Access and Permissions
In shared office environments, managing who can use which features can help prevent unauthorised access or unintended usage. The Brother MFC-L8690CDW includes user management tools that can be configured to suit your needs.
You can create user profiles using the printer’s embedded web server. From here, access can be limited for colour printing, scanning or administrative functions. For example, only management staff may be allowed to access fax functionality or advanced system settings.
The device also supports Secure Function Lock, allowing administrators to assign feature access based on PIN codes. This is particularly useful for small offices where multiple users share one machine but require separate tracking or permission levels.
For larger networks, Active Directory integration allows users to authenticate using their domain credentials, simplifying access control and audit logging.
Customising Device Settings
To streamline office workflows, it is worth customising the printer’s default settings. This includes setting default paper sizes, duplex printing, toner saving modes and default scan resolution.
The touchscreen interface allows you to create shortcuts to frequently used functions. For example, scanning to a shared folder or sending scans directly to an email address can be saved as one-tap functions. This reduces the number of steps for users and increases productivity.
Administrators can also enable notifications, such as low toner alerts, which can be sent by email or shown on-screen. This ensures timely replenishment and minimises downtime.
The printer’s energy-saving features can also be adjusted to suit office hours. Sleep mode settings, backlight timers and automatic shutdown features can help reduce energy usage outside working hours.
Security Considerations
Security is a vital aspect of any network-connected printer. The MFC-L8690CDW includes several features to protect documents, user data and network traffic.
Enable Secure Print to prevent unauthorised users from collecting confidential documents. With this function enabled, print jobs are only released when the user enters a PIN at the device.
Network protocols such as SSL, IPsec and SNMPv3 can be configured via the web interface to ensure data is encrypted during transmission. For offices handling sensitive or regulated information, these settings are critical.
Access to the device’s settings interface should be password protected. The default login credentials should be changed during setup to prevent unauthorised changes.
It is also advisable to disable unused features such as FTP or cloud storage access if they are not part of your workflow. This minimises exposure to potential vulnerabilities.
Testing and Training
After setup is complete, run several test prints, scans and copies to ensure everything is working correctly. Verify that devices on the network can print without error and that scan destinations are accessible.
Staff should be shown how to use the touchscreen interface, create scan jobs, and retrieve secure prints. A quick training session or user guide can prevent confusion and help avoid unnecessary support requests.
Monitor usage during the first week to ensure performance meets expectations and adjust any settings that need fine-tuning. If you are using a managed print service, this data can also be shared with your provider to optimise your service plan.
Conclusion
Setting up the Brother MFC-L8690CDW correctly from the outset ensures your office can make full use of its capabilities. From secure printing to streamlined scanning and low-maintenance operation, this device can provide consistent support to a busy workplace once it is properly installed and configured.
By following a structured setup process, you reduce the risk of downtime, support issues or user frustration. Whether you manage a small team or a mid-size office, investing the time to configure your printer properly will pay dividends in efficiency and ease of use.