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Windows 11 and Windows 10 can scan from a USB or network scanner, including the scanner built into many multifunction printers. Microsoft’s app is called Scan, although you find it by searching for Windows Scan.
Before starting, connect the scanner, switch it on, and place the original on the glass or in the document feeder. Windows should normally detect and install a local USB scanner automatically.
Windows 10 note: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The steps below still apply to the operating system, but Windows 10 no longer receives Microsoft’s free security fixes, software updates, or technical support.
Check that Windows detects the scanner
First confirm that Windows can see the scanner. The settings path depends on your version:
#1 Best Overall
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
| Windows version | Menu path |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners |
| Windows 10 | Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners |
Look for the scanner in the list. A multifunction printer may be listed mainly as a printer. Select it, choose Manage, and inspect the available device options. If Windows recognizes its scanner, one option begins with Scanner:.
If it is missing, check that the device is powered on and that its USB cable is firmly connected. On the relevant Printers & scanners page, select Add device and follow the prompts to search for and add the scanner. For a network scanner, make sure the computer and scanner are on the same Wi-Fi or wired network, then use Add device; you may need the scanner manufacturer’s setup software or driver if automatic discovery fails.
Open the Windows Scan app
- Right-click Start and select Search.
- Type Windows Scan.
- Under Apps, select the result named Scan.
If no Scan app appears, install Windows Scan from the Microsoft Store. On Windows 11 SE devices, users cannot download apps from the Store; an organization’s IT administrator manages available apps instead.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsPlace the document or picture
Use the scanning surface that matches the original:
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- Enjoy high speed scanning in as fast as 8 seconds, with the included USB Type-C cable. With USB Type-C the Cano scan lied 400 has one cable for data and power.
- Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restore and dust removal, Your photos will continue to look great.
- Enjoy ease of use with 'EZ' Buttons. With auto scan mode, the Scanner automatically detects what you are scanning; built-in PDF buttons, scan and save multi-page pdf's that are editable and searchable
- Paper size: 8.27 x 11.69, 8.50 x 11.69
- Flatbed glass: place the document or picture face down on the glass and close the cover.
- Document feeder: place the pages in the feeder. The correct face-up or face-down orientation varies by scanner, so check the device’s markings or manual.
If the scanner has both a flatbed and a feeder, either can be used. The paper source selected in the app must match the location of the original.
Scan a document in Windows 11 or Windows 10
- In the Scan app, open the Scanner drop-down menu and select the scanner you want to use.
- Open Source and select Flatbed, Feeder, or Auto-configured. Choose Flatbed for an item on the glass and Feeder for pages in the feeder. Auto-configured is usually suitable when the device supports it.
- Choose a format from File type. The available formats documented for Windows Scan are JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and Bitmap.
- To change the destination, select Show more. Under Save file to, select the folder link.
- In the Select Folder window, browse to the destination folder and select Select Folder.
- Select Scan at the bottom of the app window.
The app saves the scan automatically. There is no separate Save dialog or Save button after the scan. If you did not choose another location, look in:
Pictures/Scans
Open or find the scanned file
After the scan finishes, the app shows View and Close at the top:
- Select View to open the scanned item in the Photos app. Photos can also edit the image.
- Select Close to finish the current job and prepare Scan for another job.
To locate the file manually, right-click Start, select File Explorer, and browse to the folder you selected. If you kept the default location, open your user profile’s Pictures/Scans folder.
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- CLEAR, DETAILED PHOTO SCANS — Achieve stand-out image clarity and detail with the Epson Perfection Scanner's 4800 dpi optical resolution1; Quickly enlarge your favorite photos with the help of this hardworking flatbed color scanner; scan up to 8.5" x 11.7"
- IMAGE AND DOCUMENT SCANNER — The versatility you need; Jumpstart your home and office projects with this compact and lightweight picture scanner; Easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents, and more
- EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH SCANNING — Flatbed scanner allows you to scan documents and images in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons³ making scanning a breeze; Scan letter-sized documents in as quickly as 10 seconds⁴
- PHOTO RESTORATION MADE EASY — Restore color to faded photos with one click using Easy Photo Fix technology, ensuring your memories remain vibrant; This scanner for old photos is the simple way to bring new life to your memories
- HIGH-RISE REMOVABLE LID — Scanner also features a high-rise, removable lid that allows you to preserve and organize information straight from pages; USB-powered for portability
How to scan multiple pages
For a stack of pages, place them in the scanner’s document feeder and set Source to Feeder or Auto-configured, depending on the device. Select Scan and follow the scanner’s normal feeder process.
Windows Scan’s documented file-type choices are image formats rather than PDF. If you need a PDF, scan the pages as images and use an application that can combine or print them to PDF. The exact multi-page and PDF workflow depends on the scanner manufacturer’s software; Windows Scan itself should not be expected to show a PDF option.
Troubleshoot Windows Scan
The scanner does not appear in the Scanner list
Windows has not successfully detected or installed the scanner. Confirm that it is switched on and connected, then return to the relevant Printers & scanners page, select Add device, and check whether Windows can find it. Disconnecting and reconnecting a USB scanner, trying another USB port, or restarting both the scanner and PC can also resolve a detection failure.
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One-click scans. No signup required.
A multifunction printer appears, but no scanner is obvious
Do not assume the scanning hardware is unavailable just because the device is shown as a printer. In Printers & scanners, select the multifunction device, choose Manage, and look for an entry beginning with Scanner:. If it is absent, install the full driver package supplied by the printer manufacturer rather than only a basic print driver.
Rank #4
- CLEAR, DETAILED PHOTO SCANS — Achieve stand-out image clarity and detail with the Epson Perfection Scanner's 4800 dpi optical resolution1; Quickly enlarge your favorite photos with the help of this hardworking flatbed color scanner
- IMAGE AND DOCUMENT SCANNER — The versatility you need; Jumpstart your home and office projects with this compact and lightweight picture scanner; Easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents, and more
- ENHANCED SCANNING — Boost your scanning capability and creative projects by seamlessly stitching oversized images together or sending scans to cloud storage services³ with powerful Epson ScanSmart technology² included with this image scanner
- EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH SCANNING — Flatbed scanner allows you to scan documents and images in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons³ making scanning a breeze; Scan letter-sized documents in as quickly as 10 seconds⁴
- PHOTO RESTORATION MADE EASY — Restore color to faded photos with one click using Easy Photo Fix technology, ensuring your memories remain vibrant; This scanner for old photos is the simple way to bring new life to your memories
The scan does not start or scans from the wrong place
Check Source. Choosing Flatbed while the paper is in the feeder, or choosing Feeder while the document is on the glass, can prevent the intended workflow. Select the source that matches the physical location of the original, or try Auto-configured.
The scan was saved somewhere unexpected
Windows Scan saves automatically to the selected folder. If you did not change Save file to, check Pictures/Scans rather than Documents or Downloads. You can reveal the destination setting by selecting Show more in the app.
The app cannot access the destination folder
On Windows 11, review Start > Settings > Privacy & security > File system. Let apps access your file system must be enabled for applicable Store apps, and individual app or service access may also be controlled there. On a managed computer, an administrator may have disabled the setting; Windows can display Some settings are managed by your organization.
Settings to remember
| Setting | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Scanner | The scanner or multifunction device you want to use |
| Source | Flatbed for the glass, Feeder for the feeder, or Auto-configured |
| File type | JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or Bitmap |
| Save file to | A folder selected through Show more; otherwise Pictures/Scans |
FAQ
Where does Windows Scan save files by default?
If you do not select a different destination, Windows Scan saves the file in your user profile’s Pictures/Scans folder.
Best Value
- VIISAN 3120 is designed for high-quality scanning of artworks, photos, painting albums, books, magazines, newspapers, CAD drawings, and other large document items up to 304 x 426 mm (11.98" x 16.8") in size. It is ideal for school projects, business work, graphic designing, and digital publishing work. [Power Compatibility:] This A3 flatbed scanner is equipped with a universal power adapter (AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz, 12V/2A), making it fully compatible with standard voltage requirements in the United States and most countries worldwide. Simply plug it in and use it with confidence—no special converters or additional accessories needed.
- The VF3120 flatbed scanner offers the fastest scanning speed of 8 sec (200dpi, A3-size color). It also provides a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi which delivers a color depth of 48-bit vivid true-to-life image and realizes smoother and more detailed color gradients and variations
- The Auto-Scan function enables the scanner to scan automatically when the scanner lid is closed. It enhances the efficiency of the continuous scanning process. and LED Light Source, Save Energy, No Warm-Up Time, No More Waiting
- The VF3120 features in frameless and narrow boundary design which allows to scanning of large documents, photo albums, books, magazines, and thick items. It helps you work efficiently with four-panel buttons enabling scan, email, print, and even create a single or multipage PDF. All in a snap. (Note: The A3 flatbed uses a CIS sensor that can only scan flat paper images, not three-dimensional items. Otherwise, it will lead to unclear or blurred scanning results. So it is not recommended to scan clothes or CDs, acrylic sleeves, etc.)
- Compatible with Windows TWAIN, WIA, and MacOS ICA drivers. WIA only supports 600 dpi. Support Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and MacOS 10.15 or later for Image Capture (ICA) driver only. Note: To scan images at 1200 dpi, please use our supplied ViiScan software. It can scan up to 1200x1200 DPI for full-size A3 documents on Windows OS. For MacOS, the VF3120 scanner software can achieve 1200 dpi for a full-size A3 document. Regarding WIA, we currently only support scanning up to 600 dpi due to limitations imposed by Microsoft
Why can’t I find a PDF option in Windows Scan?
Microsoft’s current Windows Scan instructions list JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and Bitmap as the file types. PDF is not listed as a built-in output option, so you need another application or the scanner manufacturer’s software to create a PDF.
Why does Windows Scan not show my scanner?
Make sure the scanner is powered on and connected, then verify it under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 11 or Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 10. Select Add device to search for it; a missing device may require the manufacturer’s driver.
Is the Windows Scan app free?
Windows Scan is available through the Microsoft Store. If it is not installed, search the Store for Windows Scan and install it. Windows 11 SE devices cannot download Store apps without help from their organization’s administrator.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Should a page go face up or face down in the feeder?
It depends on the scanner. Follow the arrows or diagrams on the feeder and the scanner’s documentation. Pages placed on a flatbed should be face down on the glass.
Is there a Save button after scanning?
No separate Save action is normally required. Windows Scan automatically saves the result to the selected folder and then offers View or Close.
The Bottom Line
Connect and power on the scanner, verify or add it under Printers & scanners, open the Scan app by searching for Windows Scan, select the correct scanner and paper source, then choose Scan. Windows saves the result automatically—normally to Pictures/Scans—and the built-in app outputs image formats rather than PDF.
Quick Recap
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