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Windows Fax and Scan is still available in Windows 11, but Microsoft stopped installing it by default after Windows 11 version 22H2. It is now delivered as a Feature on Demand called Print Fax Scan.
You can install it from Settings, or add it directly with DISM if it does not appear in the Optional features list. The exact capability name is Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0.
Install Windows Fax and Scan from Settings
This is the simplest method on most current Windows 11 PCs. Your computer must be connected to the internet because Windows normally downloads the feature through Windows Update.
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Open System.
- Select Optional features.
- Next to Add an optional feature, select View features.
- In the search box, type
fax. - Select the checkbox beside Windows Fax and Scan.
- Select Next.
- Select Add to begin the installation.
Windows may show Install instead of Add on some older Windows 11 builds. They perform the same function.
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If you cannot find the page under System, check the older location: Settings > Apps > Optional features. You can also open the page directly:
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter
ms-settings:optionalfeatures. - Select OK.
Install it with Command Prompt
Use DISM when Windows Fax and Scan is missing from the Optional features search results or when you prefer a command-line installation.
- Open Start and type
Command Prompt. - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes if User Account Control asks for permission.
- Run this command exactly:
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0/Online tells DISM to modify the Windows installation that is currently running. Because the command does not specify a /Source, Windows can use its configured servicing sources, including Windows Update when permitted.
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Wait for the operation to reach 100 percent. Restart Windows if DISM requests it.
Check whether the feature is installed
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
DISM /Online /Get-Capabilities | findstr /i "Fax Scan"To query the feature directly, run:
DISM /Online /Get-CapabilityInfo /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0Look for a state such as Installed. If the capability is listed as available but not installed, retry the /Add-Capability command.
Open Windows Fax and Scan
After installation, open Start and search for:
Windows Fax and ScanYou can also use either of these methods:
- Press Windows key + R, type
wfs, and press Enter. - Open
C:WindowsSystem32WFS.exein File Explorer.
If WFS.exe is not present, the Feature on Demand did not install correctly or Windows cannot access its package files.
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What to do if Windows Fax and Scan is not listed
Try the alternate Settings path
On some Windows 11 builds, the page is located at Settings > Apps > Optional features rather than under System. The direct URI ms-settings:optionalfeatures is also useful when the Settings navigation has changed.
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Microsoft’s current Features on Demand catalog identifies the capability as:
Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0Do not use these commonly copied alternatives:
FaxScanClient~~~~0.0.1.0
Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0Those are not the current capability name in Microsoft’s catalog. An incorrect name can produce an unknown-capability error.
Check for company restrictions
On a work or school computer, an administrator may have hidden Optional features or blocked Windows from downloading Features on Demand. One relevant Group Policy setting is:
User Configuration
> Administrative Templates
> Control Panel
> Programs
> Hide "Windows Features"Mobile-device-management policies can also restrict Settings pages or control where optional Windows content is obtained. Contact the administrator rather than changing policy settings on a managed PC.
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Installation can fail if Windows Update is disabled, a proxy blocks Microsoft update servers, or organizational update policies force the computer to use a WSUS server that does not provide the required Feature on Demand content. Temporarily connecting to a permitted network may help on a personal computer, but do not bypass company update policies on a managed device.
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Fix error 0x800F081F
The error commonly appears with the message The source files could not be found.
It means Windows could not locate the package or files needed for the installation.
First repair the Windows component store:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthWhen that command finishes, run System File Checker:
Sfc.exe /ScannowRestart the computer and try the Settings installation or the DISM capability command again. If the computer uses WSUS or another enterprise update service, an administrator may need to configure an alternate Features on Demand source or permit access to Windows Update.
Fix a missing Optional features page
If Settings > System > Optional features does not exist, test the direct page by pressing Windows key + R and running:
ms-settings:optionalfeaturesIf that does not open the page, possible causes include:
- Your Windows 11 build uses the older Settings > Apps > Optional features location.
- A Group Policy or MDM policy hides optional features.
- A Settings-page visibility policy restricts the page.
- The Windows servicing store or related system components are damaged.
On an organization-managed computer, ask your administrator whether Optional features have been intentionally hidden.
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Why no scanner appears after installation
Installing Windows Fax and Scan does not install the scanner’s hardware driver. The application and scanner support are separate.
Make sure the scanner is powered on and connected. For a USB scanner, reconnect the cable and allow Windows time to detect it. You can also check:
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Select Add device if Windows does not list the scanner. Network scanners may require the manufacturer’s driver or scanning software, and the PC must be able to communicate with the scanner over the network.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why scanning works but faxing does not
A scanner and a fax connection are different requirements. Windows Fax and Scan can scan when Windows has a compatible scanner and driver, but traditional faxing requires supported fax hardware or a configured fax service.
A Wi-Fi router, broadband modem, or ordinary internet connection does not by itself provide the analog fax modem used by the traditional Windows Fax and Scan fax workflow. You may need a physical fax modem and suitable telephone connection, or a separate online fax service.
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Windows Fax and Scan versus Windows Scan
Windows Scan is a separate Microsoft Store app designed for scanning. It does not replace Windows Fax and Scan’s fax features. If you specifically need the older fax workflow, install the Windows Fax and Scan Feature on Demand rather than installing only Windows Scan.
Do not use the old Control Panel instructions
Older guides often tell you to open Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off. That route may not display Windows Fax and Scan on current Windows 11 installations because the application is now supplied as a Feature on Demand.
Use Settings > Optional features or the DISM command instead.
FAQ
Was Windows Fax and Scan removed from Windows 11?
No. It remains available as the Windows Feature on Demand named Print Fax Scan. It is simply no longer installed by default on Windows 11 versions released after 22H2.
What is the DISM command to install Windows Fax and Scan?
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0.
Where is Windows Fax and Scan after installation?
Search Start for Windows Fax and Scan. You can also press Windows key + R, enter wfs, or run C:WindowsSystem32WFS.exe.
Why does Windows Fax and Scan not appear in Optional features?
Check the alternate path Settings > Apps > Optional features, then try the DISM installation command. On managed computers, Group Policy, MDM, WSUS, proxy settings, or Windows Update restrictions may hide or prevent installation.
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Can Windows Fax and Scan send faxes over Wi-Fi?
Not by itself. Traditional faxing generally requires a supported physical fax modem and telephone connection, or a separate online fax service. Wi-Fi and a normal broadband connection do not automatically provide fax hardware.
The Bottom Line
Install the feature from Settings > System > Optional features > View features by searching for fax, or run the elevated DISM command with the exact capability name Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0. Once installed, launch it with wfs. If the installation fails, repair Windows with DISM and SFC, then check Windows Update, organization policies, and the Feature on Demand source.
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