How to Scan a Document From Your Printer to Your PC in Windows 11

You want to scan a paper document or photo from your all-in-one printer (or flatbed scanner) into your Windows 11 PC.

Why: Once Windows sees your scanner, you don’t need the manufacturer’s software at all — the built-in Windows Scan app handles it, and you choose the source, file type, and folder yourself. Most all-in-one printers double as scanners, so this is usually all you need.

Step 1: Confirm Windows sees the scanner

1. Make sure the printer/scanner is turned on and connected (USB cable in a port on the PC, or on the same Wi-Fi network).
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click your printer in the list. If Windows also detects it as a scanner, you’ll see a Scanner settings option listed.

If your all-in-one isn’t there at all, click Add device next to Add a printer or scanner, let Windows search, and add it. A USB scanner usually installs automatically as soon as you plug it in and switch it on.

Step 2: Install the Windows Scan app (if you don’t have it)

The free app is called Windows Scan (it shows up as just Scan once installed):

1. Open the Microsoft Store.
2. Search for Windows Scan and click Get / Install.

Step 3: Scan the document

1. Turn the scanner on and place your document on the glass (or in the document feeder).
2. Click Start, type Windows Scan, and open Scan from the results.
3. At the top, confirm the correct Scanner is selected.
4. Set Source:
   • Flatbed — for the glass bed.
   • Feeder — for the automatic document feeder (multi-page).
5. Pick a File type — JPEG or PNG for photos, PDF for documents, or TIFF/Bitmap.
6. Click Show more if you want to change resolution, color, or the Save file to folder. By default scans land in Pictures > Scans.
7. Click Preview to check the crop, then click Scan.
8. Click View to open the finished file.

Alternative: Windows Fax and Scan

Some people prefer the classic Windows Fax and Scan tool. Click Start, type Windows Fax and Scan, open it, then click New Scan, pick your scanner, and scan. The Windows Scan app is the simpler, modern choice, but both work with the same scanner.

FAQ

Where do my scans go? By default, Pictures > Scans. Change it under Show more > Save file to in the Windows Scan app before scanning.

My printer prints but won’t scan. Open Printers & scanners, select the device, and check whether Scanner settings appears. If it doesn’t, Windows hasn’t detected the scanner half of your all-in-one — re-add the device, or see the scanner manufacturer’s site for a TWAIN/WIA driver.

Can I scan multiple pages into one PDF? Use the Feeder source with PDF as the file type so all pages save into a single document.

Sources: Microsoft — Install and use a scanner in Windows