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Scanner inserts a vertical line down every page

Mitchell Armstrong 0 Reputation points
2026-04-03T17:59:05.9966667+00:00

My scanner is inserting a vertical line on every page

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers
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  1. Vikki-T 5,815 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-15T08:57:54.7466667+00:00

    Hi Mitchell Armstrong,

    I understand how frustrating it can be to see the same line on every scan, especially when you’re trying to get clean copies. 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. 

    In the meantime, you can try the following steps: 

    1.Test with another scanning app on the same PC 

    • Try scanning the same page using Windows Scan, Windows Fax and Scan, or the scanner manufacturer’s software if available. 

    2.Change scan settings 

    • Try a different resolution (DPI) and a different output format (PDF vs. JPG/PNG) and check whether the line changes in any way. 

    3.Check the scanner driver in Device Manager 

    • Make sure the device is recognized correctly with no warning icons, then try reinstalling the driver via Windows Update or the manufacturer’s support site. 

    4.If possible, test the scanner on another Windows PC 

    If the vertical line is still present after trying all of the steps above, you may want to consider contacting the scanner manufacturer or the device vendor to have the scanner hardware checked, as they can provide guidance specific to the optical components and servicing options for your model. 

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-03T17:59:19.0833333+00:00

    A vertical line on every scanned page is typically caused by a hardware issue in the scanner’s optical path, not by Windows.

    Most commonly, the cause is dust, dirt, correction fluid, ink, or a scratch on the narrow glass strip used for the automatic document feeder (ADF) or on the main scan glass. As the page moves past the dirty/scratched area, the defect appears as a straight vertical line down the entire image.

    Recommended actions:

    1. Power off the scanner or all‑in‑one device and unplug it.
    2. Open the scanner lid and any ADF access panels.
    3. Carefully clean:
      • The main flatbed glass.
      • The narrow ADF scan strip (often to one side of the main glass). Use a soft, lint‑free cloth slightly dampened with glass cleaner; spray the cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the glass.
    4. Let all glass surfaces dry completely.
    5. Inspect for scratches. If a scratch is present in the scan area, the line will persist and the scanner may require professional service or replacement.
    6. Test by scanning a blank sheet of white paper. If the line remains in the same position, the issue is still in the scanner hardware.

    Windows imaging components and drivers in the provided material address software/driver behaviors (such as resolution handling and page positioning) but do not cause a consistent vertical line artifact on every page; that symptom indicates a physical scanner problem.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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