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How to Enable Scan to Computer on Windows 11 [7 Ways]

7 min. read

Updated onJuly 25, 2024

updated onJuly 25, 2024

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Key notes

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:

Are you in search of information on how to enable scan to a computer in Windows 11? Well, the OS is enabled to scan an image, document, and any othercompatible files to your computer.

They can then be saved anywhere you prefer and probably uploaded to the cloud, hence, accessible from anywhere you want.

Dedicated software controls most scanners. They are made available by their manufacturers.

It is also possible to control them using an application provided by Microsoft itself or one of the best scanner apps for Windows 11. But then, users have complained that they experiencesome problems while trying to scan.

Why will my printer not scan to the computer?

Generally, the reason for Windows scanners not being detected can be broadly categorized into two: situations when the computer does not detect the printer at all, and instances when the printer is detected but scanning does not work.

These issues especially the latter can be caused by one of the following reasons:

How do I enable scan to computer?

1. Setup the scanner

2. Check the wireless connection

Here are some of our recommendations:

3. Update printer drivers

Instead of updating drivers manually, you can use another method to manage all your drivers more efficiently.

With a dedicated driver updater, you have full support to install or update old drivers on your system. Not only this, you can handle drivers’ errors and repair them right away.

The software will scan your Windows 11 PC for outdated driver files and detect them rapidly. Afterward, you can choose one driver or many others to start the update.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Reduce scan resolution

This method is recommended in case your PC is low on can device memory. It would also work for readers in search of solutions on how to enable scan to computer on Windows 10.

5. Activate Shell Hardware Detection Services

6. Enable Windows Image Acquisition service

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) enables unhindered communication between graphic software on the computer and imaging hardware like scanners. The solution above can also work for readers looking for guides on how to scan to a computer in Windows 7.

7. Tweak Compatibility Mode

Why is my computer not detecting my scanner?

In the second section of this solution guide, we listed the common reasons why Windows may not enable scan to computer in Windows 11. Also, not all printers are designed with scanners, so, it is important to ascertain if yours possess the feature.

Users who have just upgraded their Windows 11 usually face hiccups with scanning. Sometimes, to fix this, you will need to go and download the official software for the scanner on the manufacturer’s website.

Another thing that could make your computer not detect the scanner is when thescanner software is not compatiblewith the PC.

What can I do if my Windows scanner is not detected?

Make sure that your VPN is disconnected when visiting your printer manufacturer’s official website to get the best recommendation for your need.

Meanwhile, there are lots of free scanning software tools for Windows 11 on the market today that work seamlessly with any computer with the required compatibility.

One of them is the Windows scan developed by Microsoft and available for download in the Microsoft Store.

If you are looking for alternatives that are both effective and free, we have a review onfree scanning software for Windows 11/10to help you decide which to choose.

What scanners are compatible with Windows 11?

Literally, all printers with scanners are expected to be compatible with Windows 11, but some of our readers have reported that after contacting Microsoft Support when they had issues, they were told the latest Windows OS version is not compatible with all printers.

The reason for this is many, but one specific one is that the manufacturer hasn’t updated their drivers to synergize with Windows 11. This is a move many big boys in the printing industry don’t hesitate to act upon.

When searching for scanners that are compatible with Windows 11, check out our review of thebest printers with feeder scannersto make an informed decision.

Experiencing any issue with scanning all because you updated Windows is something that could be frustrating. We hope any of the solutions discussed so far has helped you fix the problem. If not, also take a look at our article on what to do if theHP scanner is not working on Windows 11.

Let’s know how you were able to enable scan to a printer on Windows 11 after reading through this guide. Don’t hold back from sharing any other useful tips you discovered in the comments section below.

How to Enable Scan to Computer on Windows 11 [7 Ways]#

Why will my printer not scan to the computer?#

How do I enable scan to computer?#

1. Setup the scanner#

2. Check the wireless connection#

3. Update printer drivers#

4. Reduce scan resolution#

5. Activate Shell Hardware Detection Services#

6. Enable Windows Image Acquisition service#

7. Tweak Compatibility Mode#

Why is my computer not detecting my scanner?#

What can I do if my Windows scanner is not detected?#

What scanners are compatible with Windows 11?#