Scanner Not Found or Not Responding
When your computer cannot find the scanner or the scanning software shows an error, the cause is usually a driver or connection issue.
- 1Turn the printer/scanner off completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on
- 2Restart your computer
- 3Check the USB cable if you are using a wired connection — unplug it from both ends and plug it back in firmly
- 4For wireless scanners, confirm the printer is connected to your Wi-Fi network (check the Wi-Fi indicator light on the printer)
- 5Open the scanning software (Windows Fax and Scan, HP Smart, Epson Scan, Brother iPrint, or the manufacturer app) and try scanning again
- 6If the scanner still does not appear, go to Device Manager on Windows (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager) and look for any devices with a yellow warning icon under Imaging Devices
Tip: On Windows, the built-in Windows Fax and Scan app works with most scanners without any additional software. If the manufacturer's scanning app is not working, try Windows Fax and Scan as a test to determine whether the problem is the scanner itself or the software.
Reinstalling the Scanner Driver
Outdated or corrupted scanner drivers are a very common cause of scanning problems, especially after Windows updates.
- 1Go to the manufacturer support website for your printer model (HP, Brother, Epson, or Canon)
- 2Download the full driver and software package for your operating system
- 3Before installing, go to Settings, then Apps, and uninstall any existing printer or scanner software from that manufacturer
- 4Also go to Device Manager, find your scanner under Imaging Devices, right-click it, and choose Uninstall Device
- 5Restart your computer
- 6Run the new installer and follow the on-screen instructions
Poor Scan Quality: Blurry, Streaky, or Discolored Scans
If your scanner is working but the output quality is poor, the issue is usually with the scanner glass or the scan settings.
- Clean the scanner glass: Use a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Even small smudges or dust particles cause visible streaks in scans.
- Check the document placement: The document should be flat against the glass with no gaps. Curled or wrinkled documents scan poorly.
- Increase the scan resolution: The default resolution (often 150 or 200 DPI) is fine for documents but too low for photos. For photos, use 300 DPI or higher.
- Check the scan type setting: Make sure you are scanning in color if the document is in color, and that the file format is appropriate (PDF for documents, JPEG or PNG for photos).
- Clean the automatic document feeder (ADF) rollers if you are scanning through the feeder rather than the flatbed glass — dirty rollers cause streaks and skewed scans.
Scanner Works But Scans Are Saving to the Wrong Place
A common frustration is completing a scan and not being able to find the file. Most scanning software lets you set the default save location.
- In the scanning software, look for a Settings or Preferences option and check the default save folder
- On Windows, scans often save to Documents, Pictures, or a manufacturer-specific folder
- You can usually change the save location in the scanning software settings to a folder that is easier for you to find
- When scanning to email or cloud storage, make sure you are signed into the correct account in the scanning software
Scanning From a Phone or Tablet
If you need to scan a document and your printer scanner is not cooperating, your smartphone camera is a surprisingly capable alternative for many everyday scanning tasks.
- iPhone and iPad: The built-in Notes app includes a document scanner (tap the camera icon inside a note). The Files app also has a scan option. Both produce clean, perspective-corrected PDF scans.
- Android: Google Drive includes a document scanner (tap the plus button, then Scan). Microsoft Lens is a free app that produces excellent document and whiteboard scans.
- For important documents, legal papers, or anything that needs to be archived, a proper flatbed scanner produces better quality than a phone camera.
When to Call a Professional
Consider calling for help when:
- You have reinstalled the driver and the scanner still does not appear on your computer
- The scanner makes unusual noises or the scan head does not move
- Scan quality is poor even after cleaning the glass and adjusting settings
- You need to set up scanning to email, cloud storage, or a shared network folder
- You want the printer and scanner set up correctly on your home network for all your devices