How to Fix Your Scanner When It's Not Working on Windows 11

Scanners should be plug-and-play, but sometimes they need a little help to get situated on Windows 11.

Have you just bought a new scanner, but you're having trouble connecting it to Windows 11? No worries; you're not the only one. Windows 11 is not perfect, so you may encounter various errors while connecting your scanner to your computer.

While simply replugging the scanner cables might fix the connection issues, you need not worry if you're still unable to fix it yourself. We've put together a list of some tested ways to fix your scanner when it's not working in Windows 11.

There are many reasons your scanner might fail to connect correctly with your PC or laptop. However, there are a few common reasons that pop up the most:

Now that we know the common culprits behind this issue, let's get stuck into the details. However, do note that the steps mentioned below are exclusively for Windows 11.

The Windows Image Acquisition service is responsible for receiving images from a hardware device, so it can display the pictures on your screen. This includes devices such as your scanner or a camera.

If this service is disabled, your PC can't get images from your scanner or camera. If you've disabled this service by mistake, here's how to restart the Windows Image Acquisition service:

This simple troubleshooting method should fix your issue after a restart.

Are you facing connectivity or functioning issues with any other hardware device? Don't worry, Microsoft has a tool called the Hardware and Device troubleshooter that can fix any problems with your hardware.

While Microsoft has officially depreciated the Hardware troubleshooter in Windows 11, there's still a way to access it using a command.

Follow the below-given steps to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:

Hopefully, running the troubleshooter and applying the recommended fixes will do the trick.

Drivers are required for any external hardware device you connect to your computer. The same holds true for a scanner. If you have attempted to connect your scanner but have not yet installed any drivers or software, this is likely the primary cause of your woes.

If you installed the drivers long ago, there's a good chance they are out-of-date or corrupt, preventing the system from establishing a proper connection with your scanner.

To resolve this, you can visit your scanner manufacturer's website and download the latest update. You can also tell Windows to do the hard work:

If you'd rather not go through the hassle, why not try a free driver updater for Windows?

Sometimes, Windows system files get corrupted, which can cause bugs in your system. This includes apps random crashes, external devices not connecting, sudden shutdowns, and more. In this case, you should use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to properly scan the Windows operating system and fix the corrupted files.

Here are the steps you're required to perform to repair corrupt Windows files:

That's it. Now, you've to connect your scanner once more, and hopefully, it will now function.

If you've already tried all the above methods, you might have forgotten to connect the cables correctly, or the cables are quite loose. If Windows doesn't recognize your scanner, you may need to reconnect the cables. Also, you have to make sure that the cables are connected to the correct ports and that none of the cables are worn out.

If you're using a wireless scanner, ensure you're connected to the same WiFi network as your computer. Once the PC and the scanner are on the same network, your scanner should appear on your computer's devices list.

In most cases, setting up a scanner is as simple as connecting it to your device. Once you plug in the scanner, your PC should set it up all by itself.

However, sometimes this process fails for no obvious reason. In such a case, here's how to manually add your scanner from the Windows Settings app:

While the steps are tested with a wired scanner, wireless scanners should also work the same way. Moreover, if you're finding it hard to connect your wireless scanner to your home network, you should consult the scanner's manual or the manufacturer's website for more information.

In general, the above-said solutions should help you resolve scanner problems quickly. However, if none of the provided instructions resolves your scanner issue, there may be a problem with the device itself.

In that case, you can find specific troubleshooting information on the website of the scanner's manufacturer. In addition, you can also contact the support team for suitable solutions to fix the error.

Rishabh is a staff writer at MakeUseOf (MUO), specializing in Windows technology. He joined MUO in 2022 and has since been creating how-to guides on Windows troubleshooting, apps, and its new features. His interests extend to Android OS, artificial intelligence, cyber security services, and productivity tools like Office 365.Currently, he's pursuing Bachelor of Commerce (BCom Hons.) from Panjab University, India. In his free time, he explores the world of custom ROMs and kernels.