Scanner not detected: how to fix it

You press Scan, but Windows or your Mac says it cannot find a scanner, or the scanner is missing from the list. Work from quick checks to adding the scanner again and, if needed, checking the Windows scanning service.

Before you start

The scanner can be a separate device, or part of a printer (an all-in-one). Printing and scanning use different parts of the software, so a printer can print perfectly and still fail to scan. Allow about 20 minutes. Stop as soon as the scanner appears.

If you have not scanned on this computer before, see how to scan a document to your computer to check the normal steps first.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Check the connection and restart

1. Make sure the scanner is plugged into a wall outlet and switched on. Wait until its lights settle.
2. For a USB scanner, press both ends of the cable in firmly. Try a different USB port on the computer, plugged in directly rather than through a hub. If you have another cable, try it.
3. For a wireless or network scanner, check that the scanner and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. Guest networks and extra network names are a common cause.
4. Turn the scanner off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it on again. Restart the computer.

If a USB device is not recognized at all, also see USB device not recognized.

Fix 2: Remove the scanner and add it again

On Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Open the list. On Windows 11, open Settings then Bluetooth & devices then Printers & scanners. On Windows 10, open Settings then Devices then Printers & scanners.
2. If the scanner or multifunction printer is listed, select it and remove it with Remove (Windows 11) or Remove device (Windows 10). A multifunction printer will also lose its printing link, so you will add it back in the next steps.
3. Make sure the scanner is on. On Windows 11, select Add device next to Add printer or scanner. On Windows 10, select Add a printer or scanner.
4. Select your scanner in the list, then select Add device.
5. If it is not listed, select The printer that I want isn't listed (Windows 10) or Add a new device manually (Windows 11), and follow the prompts.
6. When the scanner is listed, select it. If your device is a multifunction printer, a Scanner settings option should appear.

For more help adding it, see how to add a printer in Windows.

On a Mac

1. Open System Settings then Printers & Scanners. On macOS before Ventura, open System Preferences instead.
2. If the scanner or all-in-one printer is in the list, select it and click the minus (-) button to remove it. Confirm when asked.
3. Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. It can take a minute or two to appear.
4. Select the device and click Add.
5. Select it and check that Open Scanner is available.

Apple also suggests three things. If the scanner is on the USB port of a base station, plug it into the Mac instead. If more than one user is logged in, log out every user and log back in. If you scan with a button on the scanner, try the Image Capture or Preview app.

Fix 3: Check the Windows Image Acquisition service (Windows)

Windows scanning relies on a background service called Windows Image Acquisition (WIA). If it is stopped, apps may not find any scanner. This change is small and can be reversed.

1. Select the search box on the taskbar, type Services, and open the Services app. You may need to sign in as an administrator, or select Yes if Windows asks for permission.
2. Scroll to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) and double-click it.
3. Check the Startup type box. If it says Disabled, change it to Automatic. Otherwise leave it as it is.
4. If Service status says Stopped, select Start. If it says Running, select Stop, then Start.
5. Select OK, close the window and try scanning again.

Fix 4: Install the maker's software

1. Find your scanner or printer's exact model name on the device.
2. Go to the maker's official support website by typing the address yourself, or use the address in the manual. Search for your model.
3. Download the scanner driver or the full software package for your version of Windows or macOS.
4. Run the installer and follow its prompts. Restart the computer if it asks.

If it still does not work

• Test the scanner on another computer, if you have one. If it also fails there, the scanner may have a fault.
• For a network scanner, check the printer's own menu for its network status, and for any "scan to computer" setting in the maker's software.
• Check the support page for your model on the maker's website. Never call a number shown in a pop-up or an advert.

Frequently asked questions