How do I reinstall Fax and Scan in Windows 11 Home

Question

For an "unknown" reason, Windows Fax and Scan stopped working after performing just fine for a number of years. There was an error message but I did not capture it. In the end, I uninstalled the application. Then I tried to re-install it but could not find it. I followed instructions I found on the internet, including the Microsoft help site. This included the usual Control Panel, Settings, App, etc. There is no sign of Windows Fax and Scan. I use the App through my laptop and a USB Fax Modem.

I tried calling but it seems that is not easy to do. Help.

Answer 1

Hello Richard Francescutti,

Thanks for joining the Q&A forum and sorry for any inconvenience you have met.

I understand you're having trouble reinstalling Windows Fax and Scan on your Windows 11 Home system. The feature is missing from the usual lists you've been checking. Here are some suggestions to get it back:

1. Add manually through Optional Features:

Go to Settings > System > Optional Features.

Click "View Features"

Search for "fax"

Select "Windows Fax and Scan" if it appears, check the box next to it and click Next, then Add and install (it might appear as a link, not just a heading)

Notes:

You need admin rights to install.

After installation, find it in Start menu or Control Panel.

If it doesn’t appear in the list, make sure your system is fully updated. Sometimes optional features are tied to specific builds or updates.

The USB Fax Modem requires proper drivers to work independently afterwards. Ensure your modem is still recognized in Device Manager. If not, reinstall its drivers.

2. If you cannot reinstall via Optional Features, try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Enter: DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:FaxScanClient~~~~0.0.1.0
• Restart your PC and check if the app returns.

3. Reinstall through PowerShell

Open PowerShell as Administrator:

Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).

Paste and Run the Command: Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name "Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0"

Press Enter.

It may take a few minutes. Once complete, you should see a success message.

Launch Windows Fax and Scan: Press Windows + S, type Fax and Scan, and open the app.

If those suggestions don't work, you may need to repair your Windows installation using system repair tools (like sfc /scannow) or consider the newer Windows Scan app, focusing on scanning only, without fax functionality.

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Answer 2

1. Todo lo que me habéis explicado lo he hecho y sin embargo nada, sigue sin aparecer Fax y escaner de Windows y Windows Scan, falla-Gracias pero no debe ser eso.

Answer 3

Thank you. The update worked, although the actual path for 25H2 was a bit different than the path for 23H2 that I saw in a YouTube video. You are correct about the install and I did successfully install the applcation. So far, I have not been able to find all my old faxes but I expect they are gone. If you have any suggestions about where to look, I would appreciate it.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I have another problem with OneDrive but I will start another conversation with that matter.

Answer 4

Thanks for getting back to me but I cannot find any response from you that pertains to solving the problem. Please help me find what I am missing. I also saw something yesterday that suggests I can us the Repair option in Windows Install and this might restore Fax and Scan. Any thoughts?

Answer 5

I have tried this several times and it does not work. The application does not appear in any list.