No scanners were detected error on Windows 11 computer

Some PC users have reported that when they were trying to scan files or documents with the Windows Fax and Scan applet on their Windows 111 or Windows 10 device, they received the error message No scanners were detected. This post offers the most suitable solutions you can try to successfully resolve this issue.

Windows Fax and Scan not working in Windows 11/10

When you encounter this issue. you’ll receive the following full error message;

Windows Fax and Scan

No scanners were detected. If a scanner is installed, make sure that it is powered on and connected to the computer, and then try again.
For information about adding or troubleshooting scanners, see Help and Support.

The error usually arises when the computer fails to successfully detect a scanner to send or receive a job request. This error is caused by various reasons including the incorrect installation of drivers, the scanner not connected correctly, or problems in wireless connection.

No scanners were detected on Windows 11/10

If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

Check Scanner setup
Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Disable and Re-enable Windows Fax and Scan
Reconfigure the Scanner
Update the Scanner Drivers

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Check Scanner setup

If you are prompted that Windows 10 Fax and Scan not detecting scanner, there may be something wrong with the setup of your scanner. Therefore, you should carefully check your scanner’s setup, paying attention to the following:

Check the cables and power supply

Make sure that the scanner is powered on, you need to check whether you have plugged the scanner into the power source and then make sure you have turned on the switch button to connect the scanner to the power supply. In addition, plug in the cables correctly and firmly at both ends to enable them to work properly. Also, you can try changing the power cables to eliminate the possibility of faulty power cables.

Check the USB port

Sometimes the cause of this error may lie in the USB port problem. Therefore, when you encounter the issue that no scanners were detected by Windows Fax and Scan, you can try to disconnect the scanner and then plug it into a different USB port to see if it works. Also, you can try changing the USB cable to eliminate the possibility of a faulty USB cable.

After you have done these preliminary checks and the issue is still unresolved, you can try the next solution.

Read: How to install TWAIN driver.

2] Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

This solution requires you to run the Windows built-in Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the issue.

3] Disable and Re-enable Windows Fax and Scan

This solution requires you to disable the Windows Fax and Scan via Windows Features applet, restart your computer and then re-enable it again. This simple operation can resolve the issue.

Do the following:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features applet.
In the windows that opens, on the left side, click the Turn Windows features on or off link.
In the Windows Features applet, scroll down to look for Print and Document Services and expand it.
Uncheck the option of Windows Fax and Scan.
Click OK to save changes and exit.
Restart your computer to make the changes take effects and then re-enable Windows Fax and Scan by re-checking the box again.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, proceed with the next solution.

Related: Windows Fax and Scan not working in Windows 11

4] Reconfigure the Scanner

This error message primarily means that the scanner isn’t connected to your computer or Windows doesn’t detect a valid online scanner to send the job to. You can try reconfiguring the scanner and see if that resolves the issue.

Follow the below instructions to add the scanner as a new device on your Windows 10 computer.

To begin, make sure that the scanner is powered on during the process, then continue as follows:

Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog box, type control and hit Enter to open Control Panel.
From the top right corner of the window, set the View by option to Large icons or Small icons.
Select Devices and Printers.
Click Add a device in the Devices and Printers window. And then it will start searching printers or scanners for you. You’ll see the devices listed in the box.
Select the printer or scanner you intend to connect.
Click Next to continue. Windows will start to install the printer or scanner for you, and wait for the process to finish.

Once done, try to connect to your scanner and scan again to see if it works. Otherwise, try the next solution.

5] Update the Scanner Drivers

If all the above methods fail to fix the issue, it’s likely the scanner driver is missing or outdated. In this case, you should try to update the scanner driver in order to fix this issue.

You can either update your drivers manually via the Device Manager, or you can get the driver updates on the Optional Updates section under Windows Update. You can download the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Bear in mind that there are few cases where a newer driver doesn’t work. In that case, download an older version of the driver and install it.

I hope this helps!

Related post: Scanner is not working on Windows.

How do I get Windows to recognize my scanner?

You must ensure your scanner is properly connected to your computer and powered on. Update your scanner drivers via the Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website. Run the Windows Troubleshooter for hardware and devices. If the problem persists, check if the scanner is compatible with your Windows version.

TIP: Suggestions to resolve Scanner problems, troubleshooting tips and solutions here.