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If Windows 11 can’t find your scanner, first add or locate the device in Windows Settings, then identify its exact make and model before installing a driver. “Broadcom scanner driver” is not enough information to identify a scanner or prove that it needs a Broadcom driver. A separate Windows 11 issue may apply to some USB-connected multifunction printers, but only when specific update and IPP-over-USB conditions are met.
Check whether Windows 11 can see the scanner
- Make sure the scanner or multifunction printer is powered on and connected to the computer or network.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the control to add a device and let Windows search for it.
- If the scanner is part of an all-in-one printer, open the printer’s management view and look for its scanner function. Windows may list the unit as a printer rather than as a separate scanner.
Windows usually discovers local and network scanners automatically. If the device still does not appear, note its exact manufacturer and model before looking for a driver. Microsoft’s scanner setup instructions describe adding and using a scanner in Windows.
Identify the right driver for your scanner
Use the scanner or multifunction printer’s exact model number to find Windows 11 support on its manufacturer’s official website. Check that the driver matches the device and Windows version; do not choose a driver simply because a search result contains the word “Broadcom.”
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBroadcom’s support download search asks users to search by product name or model and narrow results by product and asset type, such as drivers or firmware. Broadcom entries in the Microsoft Update Catalog cover device categories beyond scanners, so those results do not establish that an unidentified scanner uses a Broadcom driver.
#1 Best Overall
- PORTABLE SCANNER FOR USE ON-THE-GO — The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed compact document scanner in its class¹
- QUICK DOCUMENT SCANNING ― This Epson ultra-fast scanner scans a single page as quickly as 5.5 seconds²; Windows and Mac compatible
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING ― Portable scanner scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 in; Also easily digitizes receipts and ID cards to make accounting, bookkeeping, and organizing simpler
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE — Epson ScanSmart Software³ is a smart tool allowing you to easily scan, review, and save; Stay organized easily with the help of this Epson scanner
- EASY SETUP — USB-powered connect to your computer for quick and simple scanning; No batteries or external power supply required to operate portable document scanner; Standard Connectivity: USB 2.0
Check whether a Windows 11 USB update issue fits
Microsoft documents a scanner-driver problem in a particular configuration: Windows 11 with update KB5079473 or later, a USB-connected multifunction printer, and support for Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over USB. In that scenario, non-printing interfaces such as scanning or fax functions can disconnect, causing the scanner driver to fail or the scanner not to be recognized. This notice does not apply to every scanner failure or prove that Broadcom is responsible.
Microsoft says it has no confirmed workaround and is investigating. It notes that removing the printer through Settings, disconnecting the USB device, and reconnecting it may temporarily restore detection in some environments. Treat this as a possible temporary measure, not a guaranteed fix:
Rank #2
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and remove the affected printer.
- Disconnect the printer’s USB connection.
- Reconnect the USB device and check whether Windows detects the printer and its scanner function again.
See Microsoft’s known-issues notice for third-party drivers on USB IPP multifunction printers for the applicability conditions and status.
What to check before installing another driver
- Confirm the scanner or all-in-one printer’s exact make and model.
- Check whether Windows lists the device as a printer and exposes scanning in its management view.
- For a USB multifunction printer, verify whether the Windows update and IPP-over-USB conditions above match your setup.
- Use the device manufacturer’s support page to find a driver explicitly compatible with the model and Windows 11.
The title “Broadcom scanner driver” alone does not identify a device, driver version, hardware ID, Windows build, or update history. Without those details, it is not possible to determine whether a Broadcom driver exists for the scanner or which fix applies.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
Rank #4
- OUR MOST ADVANCED SCANSNAP. Large touchscreen, fast 45ppm double-sided scanning, 100-sheet document feeder, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, automatic optimizations, and support for cloud services. Upgraded replacement for the discontinued iX1600
- CUSTOMIZABLE. SHARABLE. Select personalized profiles from the touchscreen. Send to PC, Mac, mobile devices, and clouds. QUICK MENU lets you quickly scan-drag-drop to your favorite computer apps
- STABLE WIRELESS OR USB CONNECTION. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 for the fastest and most secure scanning. Connect to smart devices or cloud services without a computer. USB-C connection also available
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from documents, receipts, photos, and business cards. Automatically optimize, name, and sort files
- AVOIDS PAPER JAMS AND DAMAGE. Features a brake roller system to feed paper smoothly, a multi-feed sensor that detects pages stuck together, and skew detection to prevent paper damage and data loss
Rank #3
- FAST SPEEDS - Scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 16ppm (1). Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- ULTRA COMPACT – At less than 1 foot in length and only about 1. 5lbs in weight you can fit this device virtually anywhere (a bag, a purse, even a pocket).
- READY WHENEVER YOU ARE – The DS-640 mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 3. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan.
- WORKS YOUR WAY – Use the Brother free iPrint&Scan desktop app for scanning to multiple “Scan-to” destinations like PC, Network, cloud services, Email and OCR. (2) Supports Windows, Mac and Linux and TWAIN/WIA for PC/ICA for Mac/SANE drivers. (3)
- OPTIMIZE IMAGES AND TEXT – Automatic color detection/adjustment, image rotation (PC only), bleed through prevention/background removal, text enhancement, color drop to enhance scans. Software suite includes document management and OCR software. (4)
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