FIX: Windows Fax and Scan error Applying settings to driver

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Updated onAugust 2, 2024

updated onAugust 2, 2024

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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:

Issues with USB printers are not that common as the mere procedure of printing or scanning something doesn’t require overlying software. However, the Windows Fax and Scan error we’ll try to address today crashes the printing/scanning procedure and informs users that it’s “Applying settings to thedriver“. In case you’re affected by this error, make sure to check the steps below.

What to fix ‘Applying settings to driver’ error in Windows Fax and Scan

Solution 1 – Run built-in Printer troubleshooter

Let’s start by using the resources we have immediately at our disposal. The built-introubleshooterdiffers based on what Windows iteration you’re running, but it’s there either way. For Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, thetroubleshooteris found in Control Panel, whileWindows 10users can find it in the Settings menu.

Here’s how to run the built-introubleshooterin Windows 7 or Windows 8 (8.1):

And this is how to run it onWindows 10:

If that doesn’t help, try using an alternative USB port (USB 2.0 preferably) to connect your printer/scanner.

Solution 2 – Check the drivers

More time than not this and similar issues appear due to the improperdriverfor your printer or scanner. If you’ve got the software installation disk coming with the device, it’s highly advised to install both drivers and accompanying software. If that’s not the case, we still encourage you to avoid genericdriversautomatically installed byWindows 10.

What you rather need to do is navigate to OEM’s official support site and grabdriversthere. In case you’re running an older printer/scanner, it’s important to install proper legacy drivers. Also, watch out for the system architecture, as x86 (32-bit) platform drivers won’t work on the x64 (64-bit) one.

With that in mind, check your device’s full name and check for properdriversonline. If you own anHP device, there’s a tool that might help calledHP Print and Scan Doctorwhich, upon running, automatically resolves issues. So might as well work for the “Applying settings to thedriver“. You can find ithere.

Alternatively, we recommend using third-party software that scans your PC and downloads the most suitable printer drivers. With a simple click, you can set it to automatically install the drivers and bring your OS to a stable condition.

First and foremost, install a driver installer and updater such as PC HelpSoft Driver Updater on your computer. Scan for new updates in the utility on the main screen.

The application detects your printer and searches its database for significant updates. Following the discovery of the most recent driver, the software will later supply your PC with it. It is the simplest and least time-consuming method for renewing your printer driver.

⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

Solution 3 – Edit the registry

Finally, if none of the previous solutions get you over the “Applying settings todriver” error, we have, what possibly might be, the definitive solution. There’s a catch though, as it requires editing the registry which can lead to massive problems if misused. That’s why we suggest backing up your registry (exporting it) and only then change the values we’ll suggest below.

Here’s what to do in order to resolve the error at hand with Windows Fax and Scan application:

With that said, we can conclude this article. In case you have anything to add or take, do so in the comments section below.

FIX: Windows Fax and Scan error Applying settings to driver#

What to fix ‘Applying settings to driver’ error in Windows Fax and Scan#

Solution 1 – Run built-in Printer troubleshooter#

Solution 2 – Check the drivers#

Solution 3 – Edit the registry#

FIX: Windows Fax and Scan error Applying settings to driver

What to fix ‘Applying settings to driver’ error in Windows Fax and Scan

Solution 1 – Run built-in Printer troubleshooter

Solution 2 – Check the drivers

Solution 3 – Edit the registry