How to scan

Question

Printer/scanner installed but no button to start scanning. What to do?

Answer 1

Hi Judy,

Upon checking, if your printer or scanner is installed but you cannot find a button to start scanning, the simplest way forward is to use the Windows Scan app. You can download it for free from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, open the app and select your scanner from the list. You will then be able to choose the file type you want to create, such as PDF or JPEG, adjust settings like resolution or color, and press Scan to begin. If the app does not detect your scanner, make sure the drivers are correctly installed by checking Windows Update or downloading them directly from the manufacturer’s website. You can also confirm that your scanner is recognized by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. In short, downloading and using the Windows Scan app provides a clear way to initiate scans when your device does not have a physical button or bundled software to handle the task.

Answer 2

Use Windows to start the scan instead of a physical button.

1. Verify Windows sees the scanner
   1. Make sure the printer/scanner is powered on and connected.
   2. Select Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners (or use the shortcut: Open Printers & scanners).
   3. In Printers & scanners, confirm the device appears in the list.
   4. If it is a multifunction printer, select it → Manage and check the drop-down list. If one of the entries starts with Scanner:, Windows recognizes the scanner part correctly.
2. Start a scan from Windows
   • If the scanner is listed, use a scanning app such as Windows Fax and Scan or Windows Scan:
     • Open Start, type Windows Fax and Scan, and open it.
     • Choose New Scan, select the scanner, adjust settings, and start the scan.

If the device does not appear under Printers & scanners, install the correct driver/software from the printer/scanner manufacturer and then repeat the steps above.

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References:

• Install and use a scanner in Windows