Install and use a scanner in Windows 10

When you connect a scanner to your device or add a new scanner to your home network, you can usually start scanning pictures and documents right away. If your scanner doesn't automatically install, here's some help to get things working.

Select a section heading below to open it and see details on using your scanner:

Install or add a local scanner

In most cases, all you have to do to set up a scanner is to connect it to your device. Plug the USB cable from your scanner into an available USB port on your device, and turn the scanner on. If that doesn't work, here's a way to do it manually.

Select Start >Settings >Devices >Printers & scanners or use the following button.
Open the Printers & scanners settings
Select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for it to find nearby scanners, then choose the one you want to use and select Add device.

Note: If your scanner is included in a multifunction or All-In-One printer, you may only see the name of your printer. To see your scanner, under Printers & scanners, select your installed printer, select Manage, and then choose your scanner.

Install or add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth scanner

If your scanner is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it automatically. Available scanners can include all scanners on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless scanners or scanners that are plugged into another device and shared on the network. Here's a way to do it manually.

Select Start >Settings >Devices >Printers & scanners or use the following button.
Open the Printers & scanners settings
Select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for it to find nearby scanners, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device.

If your scanner isn't in the list, select The printer that I want isn't listed, and then follow the instructions to add it manually.

If you use wireless access points, extenders or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, you'll need to ensure that you're connected to the same network as the scanner for your PC to find and install it.
If you have a new wireless scanner that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the scanner and check the scanner manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your scanner.
If your scanner is included in a multifunction or All-In-One printer, you may only see the name of your printer. To see your scanner, under Printers & scanners, select your installed printer, select Manage, and then choose your scanner.
You might need administrator permission to install some scanners.

Verify your scanner is installed

If you want to see if your scanner is installed, make sure that your scanner is turned on and use the Open the Printers & scanners settings button, or follow these steps:

Select Start >Settings >Devices >Printers & scanners.
Open the Printers & scanners settings
Under Printers & devices, look for your scanner.

Scan a picture or document with Windows Scan app

Once your scanner is installed, use the Windows Scan app to scan a picture or document. Here's how:

Note: Need to install the Windows Scan app? You can get the app at Microsoft Store.

Make sure your scanner is turned on.
In the search box on the taskbar, type Windows Scan, and then select Scan from the results.
Do one of the following:
- Place the item you want to scan face down on the scanner's flatbed and close the cover.
- Place the item you want to scan in the scanner's document feeder.
On the Scan page, do the following:
- Under Scanner, select the scanner you want to use.
- Under Source, select the location you prefer to scan from.
- Under File type, select the type of file you want the scan to be saved as. For example, you can save the file in different file formats—such as JPEG, Bitmap, and PNG.
- Select Show more to show the Save file to options.
- Under Save file to, browse to the location where you want to save the scan.
Select Scan at the bottom of the screen to scan your document or picture.
After your scan is finished, select View to see the scanned file before you save it, or select Close to save it. You can edit the scanned document or picture in the preview that appears when you select View.

Find saved scans

To locate a previously saved scan file, select File Explorer from the taskbar, and then select the location that you chose to save your scanned files.

If none of these instructions solved your scanner problem, there could be an issue with the scanner itself. Go to the scanner manufacturer's website for specific troubleshooting info.