How to Fix: Scanner Not Working

The scanner function on a multifunction printer fails to operate, produces errors, or generates poor quality scans. This can affect scanning to computer, email, or network folder and may be caused by driver issues, connection problems, or hardware malfunctions. This guide walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions to fix scanner not working on any printer, regardless of brand or model.

Common Causes

This problem is most often caused by one or more of the following:

• Scanner driver or software not installed or has become corrupted
• Scanner not configured for the current computer or network
• Scan-to-PC communication blocked by firewall or security software
• Scanner glass or ADF document feeder glass is dirty or scratched
• WSD (Web Services for Devices) protocol not enabled for scan to computer

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue. Test your printer after each step.

1. Step 1: Verify the scan driver is installed — this is often separate from the print driver
2. Step 2: Clean the scanner glass and ADF glass with a soft cloth and glass cleaner
3. Step 3: Restart the printer and computer, then try scanning again
4. Step 4: Check that Windows Firewall is not blocking the scanner software
5. Step 5: If scanning to a network folder, verify the folder permissions and network path
6. Step 6: Try scanning using a different method (USB vs. network, scan button vs. software)
7. Step 7: Reinstall the full printer driver package including scanning components

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting

Some printer brands require slightly different troubleshooting approaches. See the brand-specific guidance below.

Hp Printers

HP multifunction printers require HP Smart or HP Scan software for scan-to-computer. Windows Scan (from Microsoft Store) also works with HP scanners. If the scan function shows ‘No Computer Detected,’ ensure the HP scan software is running and the firewall allows inbound connections.

For more Hp-specific troubleshooting, visit our Hp Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Canon Printers

Canon MFPs require Canon IJ Scan Utility for scanning. This is a separate download from the print driver. For network scanning, Canon printers use the ‘MF Scan Utility’ for imageCLASS models. Ensure the utility is set to the correct connection type (USB or network).

For more Canon-specific troubleshooting, visit our Canon Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Epson Printers

Epson multifunction printers use Epson Scan 2 as the primary scan application. This must be installed separately. Epson Scan 2 supports TWAIN and WIA protocols. For network scanning, the printer’s IP address must be registered in Epson Scan 2’s settings.

For more Epson-specific troubleshooting, visit our Epson Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Brother Printers

Brother MFC models use ControlCenter4 for scanning. The scanner driver and ControlCenter are included in the Full Driver & Software Package. For scan-to-email or scan-to-network folder, configure destinations through the printer’s Address Book on the control panel or web interface.

For more Brother-specific troubleshooting, visit our Brother Printer Troubleshooting hub.

Related Problems

Users experiencing scanner not working often encounter these related issues:

• Printer Offline
• Paper Jam
• Printer Not Printing
• Slow Printing
• Poor Print Quality