Need definitive answer - does Windows 11 fax and scan send faxes over the internet?

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Need definitive answer - does Windows 11 fax and scan send faxes over the internet?

Anonymous

In Windows 10 I used the fax and scan feature seamlessly. With Windows 11 I installed the app easily enough, but the instructions tell me to connect to a phone line? I cannot determine from my internet research that the fax feature actually works over the internet. In other words, I have a modem and router that I use to connect to the internet. Can I connect the fax and scan app to that equipment and use it to send faxes? If so, how do I do that? Thanks!

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Answer 1

Hi there!

Great question — and it's one that comes up a lot when upgrading to Windows 11.

📠 The short answer:
Unfortunately, Windows Fax and Scan still requires a physical connection to a phone line via a fax modem. It doesn't support faxing over the internet or through your regular home modem/router setup. That hasn't changed from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Why the confusion?
Many users assume “modem” = internet faxing, but:

Windows Fax and Scan relies on analog phone line modems (the old-school kind that dial numbers).

Your Wi-Fi router/modem combo doesn't support fax signals — it's built for digital internet data, not analog phone signals.

So what can you do?
Option 1: Plug in a Fax Modem
Get a USB fax modem (they're inexpensive online).

Plug it into your PC and connect a phone line.

Windows Fax and Scan should detect it, and you'll be good to go with traditional faxing.
Option 2: Use an Online Fax Service
If you don’t have a phone line, consider using an internet-based faxing service like:

eFax

MyFax

HelloFax

FaxZero

These let you send/receive faxes using just your internet connection — some offer free trials or limited free usage.
Summary:
Windows Fax and Scan still requires a phone line and a fax modem.

Your internet modem/router won’t work for faxing.

Online fax services are a great alternative if you don’t want to use physical hardware.

Hope this clears things up — let me know if you’d like help choosing a modem or an online service!

— Best of luck!
Mariejoy V.

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Need definitive answer - does Windows 11 fax and scan send faxes over the internet?

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