Windows 11 Unable to Setup Scan To Folder

Question

Hi, i recently upgraded a few end-users Windows from 10 to Windows 11 25H2. It works just fine in Windows 10. I have tried everything including setting up new file sharing for scanning, enabled SMB1.0 & including enabling every settings in Advanced Network Settings > Advanced sharing Settings.

Is this Windows 11 issue or something?

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Answer 1

Hi @Izzy,   

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. 

Thank you for reaching out regarding unable to setup scan to folder. While Windows 11 offers great features, its security defaults are significantly more fixed. This often prevents older multi-function printers from communicating with network folders.

First of all, please try these two primary troubleshooting steps: 

1/ Enable insecure guest logons 

Windows 11 now blocks unauthenticated guest access by default. Even if SMB 1.0 is active, the system may still reject the printer’s connection attempt. 

• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and Enter. 
• Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Workstation. 
• Locate Enable insecure guest logons, set it to Enabled, and click OK. 

2/ Review advanced sharing and folder permissions 

The upgrade can sometimes reset network profiles or tighten folder-level restrictions. 

• In Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Under All Networks, ensure Password protected sharing is turned OFF. 
• Right-click your scan folder, click Properties, and check both the Sharing (Advanced Sharing > Permissions) and Security tabs. Ensure the "Everyone" group is explicitly granted Full Control in both locations. 

Please update me on the outcome of these steps so I can further investigate if the issue persists.

Answer 2

It seems you are experiencing issues with the "Scan to Folder" functionality after upgrading to Windows 11, version 25H2. While the specific cause of this issue isn't detailed in the provided context, there are a few general troubleshooting steps you might consider:

1. Check Network Sharing Settings: Ensure that the folder you are trying to scan to is properly shared and that the permissions are set correctly for the users.
2. SMB Protocol: Since you mentioned enabling SMB1.0, make sure that your network devices (like printers or scanners) support this protocol, as it may not be enabled by default in Windows 11.
3. Firewall Settings: Check if the Windows Firewall or any third-party firewall is blocking the communication between the scanner and the shared folder.
4. Printer/Scanner Compatibility: Verify that the printer or scanner drivers are updated and compatible with Windows 11.
5. Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows 11 installation is fully updated, as updates may resolve compatibility issues.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be worth checking if there are known issues specifically related to Windows 11, version 25H2, as such problems can sometimes arise after an upgrade.

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References:

• Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications