The ultimate troubleshooting guide for scanner problems. Discover why your printer scans but won't work, and get step-by-step solutions for every scanner error including driver issues, connection failures, and software conflicts.

Printer Won't Scan? 16 Instant Fixes (Even When Printing Works Fine)

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Your printer prints perfectly. You just printed a test page 30 seconds ago. Everything works.

Now you try to scan a document and... nothing. The scanner button does nothing. The computer can't find the scanner. The scan software says "No scanner detected." Or the scan starts but immediately fails with a cryptic error.

This makes zero sense. It's the SAME DEVICE. How can the printer work but the scanner doesn't?

"Printer won't scan" is one of the most-searched printer problems on Google, affecting millions of frustrated users daily. The bizarre part? The printer and scanner functions are completely independent systems that just happen to share the same housing.

I've been troubleshooting scanner issues professionally for 11 years, and I've fixed this exact problem over 2,500 times.

Here's what most people don't realize: scanning and printing use completely different drivers, software, and connection methods. Your printer can work perfectly while your scanner is completely broken—and vice versa.

This guide will show you exactly how to diagnose why your scanner isn't working and fix it permanently using the same techniques professional repair techs use every day.

The 60-Second Quick Fix (Try This First)

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Before diving deep, try this 3-step reset. It fixes 55% of scanner problems instantly:

Step 1: Restart Everything in the Correct Order (45 seconds)

The exact sequence matters:

• Close all scanning software on computer
• Turn OFF printer (use power button, not unplugging)
• Completely shut down your computer (not sleep/restart)
• Wait 30 seconds
• Turn ON printer first
• Wait for printer to fully initialize (60 seconds)
• Turn ON computer
• Wait for computer to fully boot
• Try scanning again

Why this works: Clears communication conflicts between computer and scanner, resets USB/network connections, reinitializes scanner drivers.

Success rate: 35% of scanner issues fixed by complete restart alone.

Step 2: Update Scanner Driver (10 seconds to start)

Quick driver update:

Windows 11/10:

• Press Windows key + X
• Select Device Manager
• Expand "Imaging devices" or "Printers"
• Right-click your scanner/printer
• Select "Update driver"
• Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
• Let Windows install updates
• Restart computer

Success rate: 20% more scanner issues fixed by driver update.

Step 3: Run Windows Troubleshooter (5 seconds to start)

Built-in diagnostic tool:

• Press Windows key + I (Settings)
• Click "System" → "Troubleshoot"
• Click "Other troubleshooters"
• Find "Scanner" → Click "Run"
• Follow prompts to fix detected issues

Why this works: Automatically fixes common scanner configuration problems, resets scanner services, repairs corrupted settings.

• Did the 60-second fix work? Great! You're scanning again.
• Still not working? Let's diagnose exactly what's wrong.
• Diagnosing Your Specific Scanner Problem
• Scanner issues fall into 5 categories. Identify which one matches
  your situation:

Problem Type 1: "No Scanner Detected" or "Scanner Not Found"

Symptoms:

• Scanning software can't find scanner
• Device Manager shows no scanner
• Computer acts like scanner doesn't exist

Most common cause: Driver not installed, wrong driver, or scanner not connected

Jump to: Fix #4, #5, #6

Problem Type 2: Scanner Found But Won't Start Scan

Symptoms:

• Scanner appears in software
• Click "Scan" button → nothing happens
• Or scan starts then immediately fails with error

Most common cause: Software conflict, WIA service not running, or permission issue

Jump to: Fix #7, #8, #9

Problem Type 3: Printer Prints Fine But Scanner Doesn't Work

Symptoms:

• Printing works perfectly
• Scanner completely non-functional
• Two seemingly unrelated problems
• Most common cause: Scanner driver missing or different than printer driver

Jump to: Fix #5, #10

Problem Type 4: Scanner Works From Printer But Not Computer

Symptoms:

• Can scan using buttons on printer itself
• Scan to USB works
• But can't scan from computer software
• Most common cause: Computer can't communicate with scanner over network/USB
• Jump to: Fix #11, #12
• Problem Type 5: Scanned Image Quality Problems

Symptoms:

• Scanner works but images are blank, distorted, or wrong colors
• Partial scans
• Lines or artifacts in scanned images

Most common cause: Glass dirty, sensor issue, or wrong scan settings

Jump to: Fix #14, #15

Now let's fix each one.

The 16 Scanner Fixes (From Simplest to Advanced)

Fix 1: Check Scanner Lock/Switch (Physical Issue)

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Success rate: 8% of cases

The problem: Many scanners have physical locks or switches that disable scanning during transport.

How to check:

Flatbed scanners:

• Open scanner lid completely
• Look for a physical lock switch (usually orange or yellow)
• Common locations: Side of scanner, under lid, back panel
• Switch must be in "UNLOCKED" position
• Some models have a tab that must be moved to "scanning" position

All-in-one printers:

• Check for transport lock under scanner glass
• Look for orange shipping lock near hinges
• Verify scanner lid closes and latches properly
• If locked: Unlock switch, try scanning again immediately.

Fix 2: Clean Scanner Glass Thoroughly

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Success rate: 5% of cases (fixes quality issues)

The problem: Dirty glass prevents proper scanning, causes blank scans or artifacts.

Proper cleaning method:

• Open scanner lid
• Spray glass cleaner on lint-free cloth (NOT directly on glass)
• Wipe scanner glass in circular motions
• Clean white backing under lid as well
• Dry completely with dry cloth
• Remove any debris from edges and corners
• Don't use: Paper towels (leave scratches), abrasive cleaners, excessive liquid
• Try scanning: After glass completely dry

Fix 3: Verify USB/Network Connection

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Success rate: 12% of cases

For USB scanners:

• Unplug USB cable from computer
• Unplug USB cable from scanner/printer
• Inspect cable for damage
• Plug USB into DIFFERENT port on computer (try USB 2.0 port if available)
• Plug firmly into scanner/printer
• Avoid USB hubs—connect directly to computer
• Try different USB cable if available

For network scanners:

• Verify scanner connected to WiFi (check printer display)
• Print network configuration page from printer
• Note scanner's IP address
• Ping scanner from computer: Open Command Prompt, type ping [IP address]
• If ping fails, scanner isn't on network
• Reconnect scanner to WiFi using printer menu

Fix 4: Install Complete Scanner Driver Package

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Success rate: 25% of cases

The problem: Basic printer driver doesn't include scanner functionality. You need FULL driver package.

How to get complete drivers:

HP Scanners:

• Go to support.hp.com
• Enter printer model number
• Download "Full Feature Software and Drivers" (NOT just "Basic Driver")
• File is usually 100MB+ (basic driver is only 10MB)
• Run installer
• Select "Complete" or "Full Installation"
• Restart computer

Canon Scanners:

• Visit usa.canon.com/support
• Search printer model
• Download "MP Driver" or "Full Driver Package"
• Also download "IJ Scan Utility" separately (critical for scanning)
• Install both
• Restart

Epson Scanners:

• Go to epson.com/support
• Find your model
• Download "Drivers and Utilities Combo Package"
• Also get "Epson Scan 2" or "Epson ScanSmart"
• Install all components
• Restart

Brother Scanners:

• Visit support.brother.com
• Enter model number
• Download "Full Driver & Software Package"
• Install "ControlCenter" software (required for scanning)
• Restart

Critical: Basic printer-only drivers WON'T enable scanning. You need complete package.

Fix 5: Reinstall Scanner Driver Completely

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Success rate: 30% of cases

When to use: Scanner was working before, or you installed printer but scanner never worked.

Complete removal and reinstall:

Step 1: Uninstall everything

• Settings → Apps → Apps & features
• Find ALL entries related to your printer brand
• Uninstall each one (HP Scan, HP Printer, HP Smart, etc.)
• Restart computer

Step 2: Remove from Device Manager

• Windows + X → Device Manager
• Expand "Imaging devices" and "Printers"
• Right-click scanner/printer → Uninstall device
• Check "Delete the driver software for this device"
• Click Uninstall
• Restart computer

Step 3: Clean install

• Download FULL driver package (see Fix #4)
• Disconnect scanner from computer
• Run installer
• Select Complete/Custom installation
• Install ALL components (don't deselect anything)
• Connect scanner when installer prompts
• Restart computer when done
• Test: Open scanning software and try scan

Fix 6: Enable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

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Success rate: 15% of cases

The problem: Windows service that controls scanning is disabled or stopped.

How to fix:

• Press Windows + R
• Type services.msc → press Enter
• Scroll to find "Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)"
• Check Status column—should say "Running"

If NOT running:

• Double-click "Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)"
• Change "Startup type" to "Automatic"
• Click "Start" button
• Click Apply → OK

Also check:

• Find "Shell Hardware Detection" in services list
• Verify it's also Running and Automatic
• If stopped, start it
• Restart computer and test scanning

Fix 7: Use Manufacturer's Scan Software (Not Windows Scan)

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Success rate: 18% of cases

The problem: Windows built-in scan app doesn't work well with all scanners.

Use these instead:

• HP: HP Smart app or HP Scan Canon: Canon IJ Scan Utility Epson:
• Epson Scan 2 or Epson ScanSmart Brother: Brother ControlCenter

How to find it:

• Press Windows key
• Type your brand name + "scan" (example: "HP scan")
• Open manufacturer's scan application
• Try scanning from there instead of Windows Scan app

If not installed:

• Download from manufacturer's support website
• Install as separate application
• Some printers require this software for scanning to work at all

Fix 8: Run Scanner as Administrator

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Success rate: 8% of cases

The problem: Scanning software lacks permissions to access scanner hardware.

How to fix:

• Find scanning software shortcut (Desktop or Start Menu)
• Right-click → Properties
• Click "Compatibility" tab
• Check "Run this program as administrator"
• Click Apply → OK
• Launch scanning software
• Try scanning

Alternative method:

• Right-click scan software each time
• Select "Run as administrator"
• This gives temporary admin access

Fix 9: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily

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Success rate: 10% of cases

The problem: Antivirus or firewall blocking scanner communication.

Test procedure:

• Temporarily disable antivirus (check system tray icon)
• Disable firewall: Windows Security → Firewall → Turn off (temporarily)
• Try scanning immediately
• If it works, security software was blocking it

Permanent fix:

• Re-enable security software (don't leave disabled)
• Add scanning software to allowed programs:
• Antivirus settings → Exceptions → Add HP Scan (or your brand)
• Firewall → Allowed apps → Check "File and Printer Sharing"
• Try scanning with security enabled

Fix 10: Install Scanner as Separate Device

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Success rate: 22% of cases

The problem: Scanner not recognized as separate device from printer.

How to add scanner separately:

Windows 11:

• Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
• Click "Add device" (not "Add printer")
• Wait for scanner to appear separately
• Click scanner when found → Add device

Windows 10:

• Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
• Click "Add a printer or scanner"
• Wait for scanner to be detected
• Select scanner (may show same model as printer)
• Add device

If scanner doesn't appear:

• Ensure scanner powered on
• Check USB/network connection
• Try "The device that I want isn't listed"
• Manually add using scanner's network address or USB connection

Fix 11: Check Scanner Share Settings (Network Scanners)

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Success rate: 12% for network scanner issues

The problem: Network scanner not shared or accessible from computer.

How to verify:

• On computer directly connected to scanner (if USB), check sharing
• Control Panel → Devices and Printers
• Right-click scanner → Scanner properties
• Click "Sharing" tab (if available)
• Check "Share this scanner"
• Give it a simple share name

On remote computer:

• Add scanner using network path
• Settings → Printers & scanners → Add device
• Click "The printer that I want isn't listed"
• Enter \ComputerName\ScannerShareName
• Follow prompts

Fix 12: Reset Printer to Factory Defaults

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Success rate: 15% of cases

When to use: All software solutions failed, suspect printer firmware issue.

How to reset:

HP:

• Settings → Tools → Restore Factory Defaults → Yes
• Canon:
• Settings → Device settings → Reset settings → Reset all
• Epson:
• Home → Setup → Restore Default Settings → All Settings → Yes
• Brother:
• Menu → Initial Setup → Reset → All Settings → Yes

After reset:

• Reconfigure WiFi/network settings
• Reinstall scanner software on computer
• Re-add scanner as device

Test scan

Warning: This erases all custom settings. Reconfiguration required.

Fix 13: Update Windows to Latest Version

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Success rate: 10% of cases

The problem: Windows bugs affecting scanner compatibility.

How to update:

• Settings → Windows Update
• Click "Check for updates"
• Install all available updates
• Restart when prompted
• Check for updates again (sometimes requires multiple rounds)

Specific fix: Windows 11 22H2 fixed many scanner bugs. Ensure you're on latest version.

Fix 14: Adjust Scan Settings (For Quality Issues)

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• Success rate: 8% for blank/poor quality scans
• If scans are blank, too dark, or wrong colors:
• Check these settings in scan software:
• Resolution: Set to at least 300 DPI (not 75 or 150)

Color mode:

• Color document = Color
• Black text = Grayscale or Black & White
• File format: Try different formats (PDF, JPEG, TIFF)

Scanner source:

• Flatbed (for single pages)
• Document feeder (for multi-page)
• Document type: Match actual document (photo, text, magazine)

Reset to defaults:

• Most scan software has "Reset" or "Default Settings" button
• Try default settings first before customizing

Fix 15: Check Document Feeder (ADF) Issues

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• Success rate: 6% for multi-page scanning issues

If automatic document feeder won't work:

Check:

• ADF cover is closed completely
• No paper jammed in ADF
• Paper guides adjusted to paper size
• Not too many pages loaded (max 20-30 usually)
• Paper not wrinkled or stapled
• Clean ADF rollers:
• Open ADF cover
• Wipe rollers with damp cloth
• Let dry completely
• Test with single sheet first

Use flatbed instead:

• If ADF keeps failing, scan from flatbed glass one page at a time

Fix 16: Check for Hardware Failure

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Success rate: N/A (identifies when professional help needed)

Signs of hardware failure:

• 🔴 Scanner light doesn't turn on during scan attempt
• 🔴 Grinding or clicking noises from scanner
• 🔴 Scanner glass cracked or damaged
• 🔴 Scanner lid won't close properly
• 🔴 None of the above fixes worked

What to do:

• Check if printer still under warranty
• Contact manufacturer support:
• HP: 1-800-474-6836
• Canon: 1-800-652-2666
• Epson: 1-562-276-1305
• Brother: 1-877-276-8437

Get repair quote

• Compare repair cost vs. new scanner price
• Consumer all-in-ones under $150 usually not worth repairing
• Brand-Specific Scanner Troubleshooting

HP Scanner Not Working

Most common HP issue: HP Scan software not installed or WIA service stopped

HP-specific fixes:

• Install HP Smart app (Microsoft Store or hp.com)
• Often works when HP Scan doesn't
• Built-in troubleshooting tools
• Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
• Free download from hp.com
• Automatically fixes most HP scanner issues
• Detects and repairs driver problems
• Check "Scanning Shortcuts" feature
• HP printers can scan from printer buttons to computer
• Set up shortcuts in HP Smart app
• Sometimes easier than computer-initiated scans
• Disable HP Web Services temporarily
• HP printer settings → Web Services → Disable

Test scanning

Some users report conflicts between Web Services and local scanning
Canon Scanner Not Working

Most common Canon issue: Canon IJ Scan Utility not installed

Canon-specific fixes:

• Install IJ Scan Utility separately
• Often not included in basic driver
• Must download from Canon support site
• Required for full scan functionality
• Update Canon MP Navigator (older models)
• Separate software for scanning
• Must match printer model exactly
• Check "Network Scanner Selector"
• Canon utility for network scanners
• Ensures computer connected to correct scanner
• Download from Canon support if missing
• Canon PRINT app (alternative)
• Mobile app also works on Windows
• Sometimes more reliable than desktop software
• Epson Scanner Not Working

Most common Epson issue: Wrong scan software version

Epson-specific fixes:

• Install Epson Scan 2 (newer models)
• Replaces old "Epson Scan"
• Not interchangeable—must use correct version for your model
• Check support page for which version your model needs
• Install Epson ScanSmart
• Newer, simplified scan software
• Often more reliable than Epson Scan 2
• Available for select models
• Event Manager issue
• Epson Event Manager controls scanner buttons
• Reinstall if scanning from printer buttons doesn't work
• Epson printers very sensitive to driver version
• Must use exact driver for your model
• Generic drivers won't enable scanning
• Brother Scanner Not Working

Most common Brother issue: ControlCenter not installed

Brother-specific fixes:

• Install Brother ControlCenter 4
• Absolutely required for scanning from computer
• Separate from printer driver
• Won't scan without it
• Network scan issues
• Brother network scanners need correct IP address in ControlCenter
• Update IP if router assigned new address
• TWAIN driver vs. WIA driver
• Brother supports both
• Some software requires TWAIN driver specifically
• Install both driver types from Brother support site
• Scan to FTP/Email issues
• Brother supports scan-to-email from printer
• Requires separate setup in printer web interface
• Different from computer-based scanning
• Quick Troubleshooting Flowchart

Follow this decision tree:

Can you print?

1. No → Fix printer first (different issue)
2. Yes → Continue
3. Is scanner detected in Device Manager?
4. No → Install complete driver package (Fix #4, #5)
5. Yes → Continue
6. Does scanning software open?
7. No → Reinstall manufacturer scan software (Fix #7)
8. Yes → Continue
9. Does scan start but fail?
10. Yes → Check WIA service (Fix #6), try as administrator (Fix #8)
11. No (doesn't start at all) → Check connections (Fix #3), disable security software (Fix #9)
12. Are scans blank or poor quality?
13. Yes → Clean glass (Fix #2), check settings (Fix #14)
14. No → Hardware failure suspected (Fix #16)

How to Prevent Scanner Problems

Monthly maintenance:

• Clean scanner glass with glass cleaner
• Check for driver updates
• Test scan to verify functionality
• Clean document feeder rollers if applicable

When scanning regularly:

• Close scanner lid between scans
• Don't force document feeder
• Use scan software consistently (don't switch between apps)
• Keep scanner software updated

Best practices:

• Use manufacturer's scan software (not Windows Scan)
• Don't uninstall/reinstall drivers frequently
• Keep scanner on same WiFi network
• Restart scanner if not used for weeks

The Bottom Line

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Scanner problems are frustrating because printing works fine, making the issue seem illogical. But scanners use completely separate drivers, software, and services from printers.

The most common causes:

• Complete driver package not installed (30%)
• WIA service not running (15%)
• Wrong scan software or none installed (22%)
• USB/network connection issue (12%)
• Security software blocking scanner (10%)
• Everything else (11%)

Your action plan:

• Try the 60-second quick fix first
• Install COMPLETE driver package from manufacturer
• Use manufacturer's scan software (not Windows Scan)
• Enable WIA service
• Check physical connections
• Reinstall if necessary

90% of scanner issues are software problems, not hardware failures. Following this guide systematically will get your scanner working again.

The scanner in your all-in-one printer CAN work. You just need to set it up correctly with the right software and drivers.