Connecting a scanner to a Windows PC is usually straightforward. In most cases, Windows 11 and Windows 10 can automatically detect a USB or network scanner as soon as you connect it and turn it on.
However, you may sometimes see a “Connect a scanner” message even though your scanner is plugged in.
Wireless scanners can also fail to appear if they are connected to a different Wi-Fi network or the correct driver is missing.
In this guide, you will learn how to connect a scanner to your device on Windows 11 and Windows 10, whether you are using a USB, Wi-Fi, network, or Bluetooth scanner. We will also explain how to scan documents after setup and fix common scanner detection problems.
How to Connect a Scanner to Windows 11
The easiest way to add a scanner in Windows 11 is through the Printers & scanners settings.
- Connect your scanner to your computer or Wi-Fi network.
- Turn on the scanner.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- Wait while Windows searches for nearby printers and scanners.
- Select your scanner and follow the instructions on the screen.
Windows may automatically install the required scanner driver during this process.
If you are using an all-in-one printer with a built-in scanner, Windows may display the device primarily as a printer. You can still use its scanning features.
How to Connect a Scanner to Windows 10
The process is similar on Windows 10.
- Connect and turn on your scanner.
- Open Settings.
- Select Devices.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Select Add a printer or scanner.
- Wait for Windows to find your device.
- Select the scanner and click Add device.
Once the device has been added, Windows should make its scanning functions available to compatible apps.
Connect a USB Scanner to Your Windows PC
USB scanners are generally the easiest to install because Windows can detect most modern models automatically.
Connect the scanner’s USB cable directly to your computer and then turn the scanner on.
Windows should begin detecting the device and installing the appropriate driver.
If nothing happens, open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Then click Add device.
On Windows 10, open:
Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
and select Add a printer or scanner.
Try Another USB Port
If Windows still cannot find the scanner, disconnect it and try another USB port.
Avoid connecting the scanner through an unpowered USB hub when troubleshooting. Connecting it directly to the PC can help rule out USB power or connectivity problems.
How to Connect a Wireless Scanner to Windows
Many modern printers and scanners support Wi-Fi, allowing you to scan documents without connecting a USB cable.
First, make sure your scanner and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Then:
- Turn on your scanner.
- Connect the scanner to your Wi-Fi network using its display or manufacturer’s setup app.
- Open Settings on Windows.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- Select your wireless scanner when it appears.
Some scanners require you to complete the Wi-Fi setup using software provided by the manufacturer.
For example, manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and others may provide dedicated utilities for finding and configuring network scanners.
How to Connect a Network Scanner
A network scanner connects through your home or office network rather than directly through USB.
Before adding it, make sure:
- The scanner is turned on.
- Your PC and scanner are connected to the same network.
- Network discovery is working.
- The scanner has successfully joined the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
Then open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device
Windows will search the local network for supported scanners.
If the scanner does not appear, check the manufacturer’s software. Some business and office scanners use their own discovery utility or require you to enter the scanner’s IP address manually.
How to Connect a Bluetooth Scanner
Some portable scanners support Bluetooth.
To connect one:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your PC.
- Put the scanner into pairing mode.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Add device.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Choose your scanner from the available devices.
- Complete the pairing process.
After pairing, check Printers & scanners to confirm that Windows recognizes the device.
Bluetooth is less common for full-size document scanners than USB or Wi-Fi, so check your scanner’s specifications before trying this method.
How to Check If Your Scanner Is Connected
You can quickly check whether Windows recognizes your scanner.
On Windows 11, open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Look for your scanner or multifunction printer in the device list.
On Windows 10, go to:
Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
If your device appears here, Windows has detected it.
Keep in mind that multifunction devices may appear using the printer’s model name rather than being listed separately as a scanner.
How to Scan a Document on Windows
Once your scanner is connected, you can scan documents using the Windows Scan app or the manufacturer’s scanning software.
Place your document on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder.
Then open the Scan app.
Choose your scanner and configure options such as:
- Flatbed or document feeder
- Color mode
- File type
- Resolution
- Save location
You can preview the document before scanning if your scanner supports this feature.
Click Scan when you are ready.
If you do not choose another folder, scanned files may be saved inside the Pictures folder, commonly under a Scans subfolder.
How to Scan Using Windows Fax and Scan
Windows also includes the traditional Windows Fax and Scan utility on supported installations.
To open it:
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for Windows Fax and Scan.
- Open the app.
- Click New Scan.
- Select your scanner.
- Configure the scan settings.
- Click Preview if required.
- Click Scan.
The newer Scan app generally provides a simpler interface, but Windows Fax and Scan can still be useful on some systems.
Fix “Connect a Scanner” on Windows
If the Scan app displays “Connect a scanner”, Windows cannot currently communicate with a scanner.
Try the following fixes.
1. Check the Scanner Connection
For a USB scanner, make sure the cable is firmly connected at both ends.
Disconnect the USB cable, wait a few seconds, and reconnect it.
For a wireless scanner, verify that both the computer and scanner are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Restart the Scanner and Computer
Temporary driver or connection problems can often be fixed with a restart.
Turn off the scanner, restart your PC, and then turn the scanner back on.
Wait a minute and check whether Windows detects it.
3. Add the Scanner Manually
Open:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Click Add device.
Wait for Windows to complete its search.
If your scanner appears, select it and complete the setup.
4. Remove and Re-add the Scanner
If the scanner is already listed but does not work correctly, removing and reinstalling it can fix configuration problems.
Go to:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Select your scanner and remove the device.
Restart the scanner and your PC, return to the same settings page, and select Add device.
5. Install the Latest Scanner Driver
Although Windows can automatically install drivers for many scanners, some models work best with software from their manufacturer.
Visit the official support website for your scanner brand and search for your exact model.
Download the latest driver or scanning utility compatible with your version of Windows.
Avoid downloading scanner drivers from unknown third-party driver websites.
6. Check Windows Update
Microsoft can distribute hardware drivers through Windows Update.
Open:
Settings > Windows Update
and click Check for updates.
You can also look under optional updates if Windows provides additional hardware drivers for your device.
After installing updates, restart your PC and test the scanner again.
7. Check Device Manager
Device Manager can help determine whether Windows detects the scanner hardware.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Look under categories such as:
- Imaging devices
- Printers
- Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Other devices
If you see the scanner with a warning icon, its driver may be missing or malfunctioning.
Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
8. Check the Scanner’s Wi-Fi Connection
If you use a wireless scanner, confirm that it is connected to the same network as the PC.
For example, your computer might be connected to your normal Wi-Fi network while the scanner is connected to a guest network.
Devices on separate networks may not be able to discover each other.
Restarting your router can also help if network discovery has stopped working.
9. Use the Manufacturer’s Scanner App
Some multifunction printers and scanners rely heavily on their manufacturer’s app for advanced scanning features.
Depending on your device, you may need software from HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, or another manufacturer.
These apps may provide features such as:
- Multi-page scanning
- Automatic document feeder control
- PDF creation
- OCR
- Image adjustments
- Cloud scanning
- Network scanner discovery
Windows’ built-in Scan app is usually sufficient for basic scanning, but the manufacturer’s software may provide better hardware compatibility.
Do You Need Software to Connect a Scanner?
Not always.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 can automatically recognize many modern USB and network scanners.
For basic scanning, the built-in Windows Scan app may be all you need.
However, installing the manufacturer’s software can be helpful if you need advanced features such as OCR, duplex scanning, automatic document feeder controls, image correction, or device maintenance.
Can You Use a Printer as a Scanner?
Yes, if you have a multifunction or all-in-one printer that includes scanning hardware.
These devices commonly combine:
- Printing
- Scanning
- Copying
- Sometimes faxing
Connect the multifunction printer using USB or Wi-Fi and add it through Printers & scanners.
The scanner should then become available in the Windows Scan app or the manufacturer’s software.
Why Is My Scanner Connected but Not Showing in Windows?
This can happen because of:
- A damaged USB cable
- Incorrect Wi-Fi connection
- Missing scanner drivers
- An outdated driver
- Scanner software conflicts
- Network discovery problems
- The scanner being offline
- Windows temporarily failing to recognize the device
Start by restarting both devices and reconnecting the scanner. If that does not work, remove and re-add it through Windows Settings and install the latest official driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I connect a scanner to Windows 11?
Connect and turn on the scanner, then open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device. Select your scanner when Windows finds it.
Why does Windows Scan say “Connect a scanner”?
The message usually means Windows Scan cannot detect a compatible scanner. Check your USB or Wi-Fi connection, restart the scanner, add it through Printers & scanners, and install the correct driver if necessary.
Can I connect a scanner to my PC using Wi-Fi?
Yes. Most modern wireless scanners can connect through Wi-Fi. Your PC and scanner should normally be connected to the same local network.
Does Windows 11 have built-in scanner software?
Yes. Windows supports scanning through the Microsoft Scan app, and some systems can also use Windows Fax and Scan. Scanner manufacturers may provide additional software with more features.
Where are scanned documents saved in Windows?
The Windows Scan app commonly saves scanned files inside your Pictures folder, often in Pictures\Scans, unless you choose another location.
Conclusion
Connecting a scanner to your Windows PC usually takes only a few minutes. For most USB scanners, simply plugging in the device and turning it on is enough for Windows to install it automatically.
For Wi-Fi and network scanners, make sure the scanner and computer are connected to the same network before adding the device through Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
If Windows displays “Connect a scanner” or cannot detect your device, reconnect the scanner, restart both devices, reinstall it through Windows Settings, and update the official scanner driver.
Once Windows recognizes the scanner, you can use the built-in Scan app or your manufacturer’s software to scan documents, photos, receipts, and other files directly to your PC.