How to Automatically Print a Test Page Daily on a Brother Inkjet Printer

Brother inkjet models might show the drying or clogging of the inkjet if not used from longer time. Try to print one test page every day, and it could save you from this problem, and this way your printer will stay in good working condition. In this guide, you will learn the steps to configure your Brother inkjet printer to print a test page every day automatically using the Task Scheduler on your Windows 10 computer.

The Problem

An inkjet printer that has been idle for too long runs the risk that the ink in its nozzles will dry up, resulting in patchy print quality, with a potential need for expensive repairs. This is easily preventable, however, by creating a simple daily print.

The Solution: Automate Daily Printing of a Test Page

You can schedule printing a test page with the help of Task Scheduler. This functionality is key to eliminating the need for manual intervention and to allowing constant use of the printer.

To overcome that issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Test Page File

1. Use some text editor like Notepad.
2. Write a basic message, like: This is a daily test page for maintenance.
3. Add some colored text or graphics, at your discretion, to exercise all of the printer’s ink nozzles.
   
4. Save the file with a descriptive name, such as TestPage.txt, in an easily accessible location on your computer.

Step 2: Access Task Scheduler

1. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and click OK to open Task Scheduler.
2. In the right-hand menu, select Create Basic Task.
3. Enter a name for the task, such as “Daily Test Page Print,” and click Next.

Step 3: Set the Task Schedule

1. Choose Daily and click Next.
2. Specify the start time and date for the task.
3. Click Next to confirm the schedule.

Step 4: Configure the Action

1. Select Start a Program and click Next.
2. Browse to the program you want to use to open the test page file. For example:
   • Notepad.exe
   • Microsoft Word (if the file is saved as a .doc or .docx)
3. In the “Add arguments” field, enter the file path of your test page. For example: "C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\TestPage.txt"
4. Click Next and then Finish to create the task.

Step 5: Test the Task

1. In Task Scheduler, right-click your new task and select Run.
2. Verify that the test page is printed correctly.
3. Adjust settings if necessary.

Tips for Success

• Monitor Ink Levels: Regular printing will deplete ink over time, so check and refill cartridges as needed.
• Use Quality Paper: Ensure the paper loaded in the printer is suitable to avoid jams.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically clean the printer’s nozzles and rollers for the best results.

Conclusion

Automating a daily test page print routine is a simple yet effective way to maintain your Brother inkjet printer. By following this guide, you can prevent ink drying, ensure consistent print quality, and prolong the life of your printer. Set it up today and enjoy worry-free maintenance for your device!