printer can not scan to computer

Question

I can not scan from printer to computer, why?

I ran a test print page from the computer to the printer and that printed.

Answer 1

Dear Siegfried Herrmann, 

Thank you for your question and for sharing the details into Microsoft Q&A Forum.  

I understand it can be inconvenient when printing works, but scanning does not. At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario. To help narrow this down, could you please let me know: 

• Printer brand & model and computer brand & model  
• Windows version/build (you can check via Settings > System > About) 
• Connection type (USB cable, or Wi‑Fi/Ethernet; is the PC on the same network as the printer?) 
• How you start the scan (from the printer panel or from an app on the PC) 
• Any on‑screen error text or code shown during the scan attempt (exact wording if possible) 

In the meantime, here are a few basic steps you can try: 

1. Test with Windows’ built‑in app 

• Open Scan (type Scan in the Start menu) > choose your scanner > run a test scan. 

2. Confirm the Scanner is detected 

• Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > select your device > check that a Scanner entry appears. 
• (Optional) Device Manager > Imaging devices/Cameras > the scanner should be listed. 

3. Verify the Windows Image Acquisition service 

• Press Win + R, type services.msc > Windows Image Acquisition = Running, Startup type = Automatic. 

4. Install/Update the full feature driver/app from the printer brand 

• For example: HP Smart / Full Feature Software, Epson Scan 2, Canon IJ Scan Utility. 
• After installing, restart the PC and try scanning again from the vendor app. 

5. If the printer is on the network (Wi‑Fi/Ethernet) 

• Ensure the PC and printer are on the same network. 
• Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing. 
• In Windows Defender Firewall, allow the printer app and scanning services. 
• Remove the device and Add device again under Printers & scanners to refresh the scanner entry. 

6. If using USB 

• Connect the cable directly to the PC (no hub), try another USB port/cable if available. 

While my initial response may not fully resolve the issue, I truly appreciate your cooperation as we work together toward identifying the most effective solution. Thank you so much for your understanding. 

I hope these steps help you quickly restore the scan‑to‑computer function so you can continue your work without interruption. Wishing you a smooth, reliable experience with your printer and Windows PC. 

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Answer 2

What printer and model do you own? Does it provide any apps for performing the task you want to complete? Did you get a CD with any apps included when you purchased the printer?

I own an EPSON XP-7100 and use its app, Epson Scan 2. I have no problems saving what I scan to my computer as PDFs.

Answer 3

Scanning from the printer to the computer uses different software, drivers, and services than printing from the computer to the printer. The fact that a Windows test page prints only confirms that the print driver and connection work; it does not confirm that the scan components are installed or configured.

From the provided information, the supported steps focus on fixing printer connection/driver issues in Windows. For scan-to-PC problems, the first step is to ensure the device is correctly installed and recognized in Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and that the correct drivers/software from the printer manufacturer are installed. If the printer is not listed or is listed but not working correctly, remove and reinstall it:

1. Open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Select the printer and choose Remove device.
3. Then select Add a printer or scanner, wait for Windows to find the device, select it, and choose Add device.
4. After reinstalling, print a test page from Printer properties to confirm Windows can communicate with the device.

If the printer still does not scan after it is correctly installed and printing works, install or update the full driver/software package from the printer manufacturer (scan functionality is often provided only by the manufacturer’s software, not by the basic Windows print driver).

If problems persist even with correct installation and up‑to‑date drivers, follow the general printer troubleshooting steps and, if necessary, contact the printer manufacturer for scan‑specific support.

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References:

• Fix printer not found and printer not recognized errors in Windows
• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows
• Fix printing problems in Word, Excel, or other apps