Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Tech News Today
  • Hardware
    • Motherboards
    • CPUs
    • Graphic Cards
    • RAM
    • SSDs
    • Computer Cases
    • Monitors
    • Peripherals
    • Power Supply Unit
    • PC Builds
    • Computer Tips
  • Software
  • Operating System
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
  • Gaming
  • Mobile
  • Console
  • More
    • Internet
    • Networking
    • Security
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Gadgets
    • Laptops
    • Reviews
    • How To
    • News
Tech News Today
Home»Hardware»Scanner is Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

Scanner is Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

DeepBy DeepSeptember 13, 2022
Scanner is not working

Aside from the scanner, there are a few other components on your system that allow you to scan a document. One of those functions is Windows Image Acquisition. If this service fails to run, the scanner will scan the document but the PC may not get the scanned document.

But, this could not be the reason why your Scanner is not working. There could be incompatible Operating System, system failure and much more.

Regardless of the many reasons, this article gives you a detailed guide on fixing this issue. So, without further delay, let us get right into it.

Table of Contents

  • Why Is My Scanner Not Working?
  • Is My Scanner Connected to the PC?
  • How to Fix a Scanner That Is Not Working?
    • Setup Connection for Wireless Scanners
    • Restart Related Service
    • Install Brand Specific Driver
    • Run Printer And Hardware Troubleshooter
    • Turn off Default Printer
    • Check Wires and Ports
    • Update Scanner Driver

Why Is My Scanner Not Working?

Once a scanner is connected to the PC, the scanned document will show up in your system. The only reason scanner fails to do so is if some Windows service fails to start. Besides this, physical connection issues may also stop the scanner from being detected.

Here are some of the reasons your scanner is not working.
  • Required service not started
  • Physical Connection issues
  • Corrupted/outdated driver
  • Incompatible with Operating System
  • Faulty Scanner

Is My Scanner Connected to the PC?

Before starting, make sure that the scanner is connected properly to the PC. To check if the scanner is connected to the PC,

  1. Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
  2. Type control printers to open Devices and Printers.
  3. Under Devices, make sure that you see your Scanner/Printer.
    check scanner on devices

If the PC is not detecting the scanner, you might need to check for wired/wireless connection issues.

How to Fix a Scanner That Is Not Working?

Once you have checked whether the device is connected to the PC, you need to perform solutions according to the problem you face. Below we have provided solutions for both scenarios: hardware not connected and when the hardware is connected but not working. 

Setup Connection for Wireless Scanners

A wireless scanner uses Wi-Fi connectivity to connect with a system. You should connect both the scanner and the PC to the same network, configure firewall, enable network discovery and use private network to send data over a wireless connection. 

First, make sure that the Network Profile type is set to private. You can configure this through Network and Internet Settings. Once you do this, enable network discovery.

Enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing

The computer will be hidden to other devices over a network if Network Discovery is turned off. Enabling network discovery can not only make a device visible on a network, you can also access the device if you have the right credentials.

For you to access a scanner over a network, you must enable Network Discovery. To turn on Network Discovery,

  1. Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
  2. Type control /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter to open Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Select Change advanced sharing settings on the left panel.
    change advanced sharing settings scanner
  4. Under Private, check Turn on network discovery.
  5. Also, select Turn on file and printer sharing.
    turnon network discovery
  6. Select Save changes.

Disable Firewall

Once you turn on Network Discovery, firewall is responsible for checking all data that enters or exits your PC. It also blocks any malicious or suspicious connections. Try disabling your firewall and check if the scanner works.

  1. Press Windows + I key to open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
  3. Select Firewall & network protection.
    windows firewall
  4. Click on Private network.
    fireawall and network protection
  5. Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, toggle the radio button to Off.
    turn off windows defender

Scanners may also face issues if two systems try to use the same device over a network. Make sure that only one PC is connected to the scanner. 

If your PC connects to the scanner, but the device does not print, you can try using a wired connection to connect to the scanner. When using a wired connection, only the connected PC has access to the scanner/printer. 

Restart Related Service

Once the PC detects the scanner, it means that it has linked with the device and is ready to use. However, one particular service named Windows Image Acquisition service needs to be running for a PC to access the image sent from the scanner.

Follow the steps mentioned below to enable Windows Image Acquisition.

  1. Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
  2. Type services.msc to open Services.
  3. Now, search for the service named Windows Image Acquisition.
    windows image acquisition
  4. Double-click on Windows Image Acquisition.
  5. On the General tab, click on stop to Stop the service and Start it again.
    stop windows image acquisition service

You can also find other services that may be responsible if the PC and the scanner do not connect. In this case, you need to restart the services mentioned below by following the same steps.

  • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
  • DCOM server process launcher
  • RPC endpoint mapper
  • Shell hardware detection

Install Brand Specific Driver

Depending on the manufacturer, the scanner may have a dedicated driver that you need to install to make the device compatible with your system’s OS. We recommend you to go through the scanner’s user manual to properly set it up.

If the scanner is not a PnP device, you might need to access the manufacturer’s website to download the correct driver. Once you have downloaded the correct driver, simply install the driver to use the scanner.

Run Printer And Hardware Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter utility in Windows scans the selected device for issues and performs necessary measures to find a solution to fix the problem. Likewise, the printer troubleshooter scans the printer or the scanner, whichever is connected, for problems. Once it finds the issue, it will prompt to adjust the necessary device settings to fix the scanner.

You can also use the printer troubleshooter to fix any issues with the scanner. To run the printer troubleshooter,

  1. Press the Windows + I key to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooter.
  3. Under Most Frequent, select run the Printer troubleshooter.
    run printer troubleshooter

Wait for the troubleshooter to detect the problem. The OS will automatically adjust the necessary settings to fix the Scanner.

Since it is a hardware issue, you can run the hardware troubleshooter to check the system for any device-related complication that may be stopping the scanner from functioning.

  1. Press the Windows + R key to open Run.
  2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press enter to open Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.
  3. Click on Next and wait for the troubleshooting process to complete.
    run hardware troubleshooter

Turn off Default Printer

The PC will automatically connect to a printer/scanner if you have previously set a default printer. If the PC is connected to two devices constituting printer and scanner, you may face problems while scanning from the secondary one.

The above situation is only applicable if both the devices consists of printer and a scanner.

To remove the default printer, follow the steps mentioned below.

  1. Press the Windows + I key to open Settings.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printer & scanners.
  3. Under Printer Preferences, disable Let Windows manage my default printer.
    disable default printer

Check Wires and Ports

One disadvantage to using a wired connection is physical damage to the wires. The same applies to a wired connection to connect the scanner to the PC. Check for physical damages to the power cable and the cable connecting the scanner with the system. 

Besides, you can also check if the port has any visible damages. If the ports are damaged, you will need to repair them. We recommend you contact the manufacturer support page or local electronic repair shop to fix the issue.

Update Scanner Driver

Once you connect the scanner to the PC, the operating system will automatically install its necessary drivers. An outdated or corrupted driver will cause complications when the device tries communicating with the OS. Update your scanner drivers to get the latest version of the driver.

  1. Press the Windows + X key and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Imaging Devices, right-click on a device listed inside.
  3. Click on the Update driver.
    update scanner driver
  4. Once the update process is complete, restart your PC.
fix
Deep

Deep Shrestha is an experienced content writer, front-end web developer, and hardware specialist. Using all this knowledge about computer hardware, he's on a quest to make content that's easy to read and understand for individuals who aren't tech-smart. Besides being a content writer, he's also a competitive/casual gamer.

Related Posts

usb hub not working

USB Hub Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

January 11, 2023
Alienware laptop not turning on

Alienware Laptop Won’t Turn on? Here Are Some Possible Fixes

January 10, 2023
Power button

Alienware Power Button Keeps Flashing? Here’s How to Fix it

January 9, 2023
radiator fans not spinning

Radiator Fans Not Spinning? 6 Ways to Fix It

January 9, 2023
dell docking station not working

Dell Docking Station Not Working? Try These 11 Fixes

January 7, 2023
how to add wifi to desktop

How To Add WiFi To Desktop

January 5, 2023
Add A Comment

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts
what is ghost of tsushima legends

What is the Ghost of Tsushima Legends Mode

January 12, 2023
raid 5 vs raid 10

RAID 5 Vs RAID 10 – Which One Is Better?

January 12, 2023
best-tv-settings-for-gaming

Best TV Settings for Gaming

January 9, 2023
You may also like
tv-screen-goes-black-randomly

TV Screen Goes Black Randomly? Try These 11 Fixes

January 15, 2023
how to find unique values in excel

How to Find Unique Values in Excel

January 15, 2023
how-to-open-and-use-chrome-settings

How to Open and Use Chrome Settings

January 16, 2023
Recommended
Cookie Clicker Garden Guide

Cookie Clicker Garden Guide to Unlocking Every Seed

September 26, 2021
monitor no signal

Computer Turns On But Monitor Says No Signal (9 Ways To Fix)

November 10, 2022
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
© 2023 TechNewsToday.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.