Scanner problems

Question

my ET15000 printer/scanner won't recognize my computer to scan... it prints off computer w/o problem. won't scan

Answer 1

The best first option is to completely uninstall the printer/scanner and restart (not shut down) your PC to apply the change.

Then, go to the support page for your printer on the Epson website and from there, download and install the printer and scanner drivers, firmware and associated software they provide for your printer model.

Answer 2

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a printer that prints but will not scan in Windows 11:

1. Verify Windows sees the scanner
   1. Make sure the ET15000 is powered on and connected (USB or network).
   2. Select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
   3. Confirm the ET15000 appears in the list.
   4. Select the printer entry. In the window that opens, check if Scanner settings is listed. If it is not, Windows is not detecting the scanner portion of the device.
2. If the device appears only as a printer
   1. Remove the device:
      • Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
      • Select the ET15000 → Remove → confirm.
   2. Download and install the latest full driver/software package for the ET15000 from the manufacturer’s support site (not just the basic driver).
   3. Reconnect or power-cycle the printer and let Windows detect it again via Add device in Printers & scanners.
   4. After installation, repeat step 1 to confirm that Scanner settings now appears.
3. If the scanner is listed but still will not scan
   1. Open the built-in scan app instead of the manufacturer app to test:
      • Use Windows Fax and Scan (if installed) or the Scan app from Microsoft Store.
   2. If scanning fails in all apps, remove and reinstall the printer as above and ensure the latest drivers are installed.
4. Optional: Install Windows Fax and Scan (if needed)
   • If using Windows Fax and Scan and it is missing:
     1. Open Settings → System → Optional features.
     2. Select View features.
     3. Search for Windows Fax and Scan, select it, and install.

If, after reinstalling the full driver package and confirming that Windows shows Scanner settings for the ET15000, scanning still fails, use the manufacturer’s diagnostics tool or support for that specific model, as the Windows side is then correctly recognizing the device.

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References:

• Install and use a scanner in Windows
• Windows 11 Pro Missing Fax and Scan - Microsoft Q&A
• My printer won't connect and I'm unable to print anything - Microsoft Q&A

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