How to Fix No Scanners Detected Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Encountering the “No Scanners Detected” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you need to scan documents urgently. This issue usually occurs when your computer cannot recognize the connected scanner.

Fortunately, fixing this problem is often straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps. Whether you are using a USB or a network scanner, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the error.

By following these instructions carefully, you can quickly get your scanner up and running again without needing technical expertise.

Let’s walk through the easiest and most effective solutions to fix this error on your Windows 11 PC.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure your scanner is properly connected to your computer via USB or network.
Check that the scanner is powered on and ready to use.
Ensure that your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version.
If you recently installed new software or updates, restart your computer before troubleshooting.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

Sometimes, the error simply happens because the scanner is not correctly connected to your computer. Start by examining the USB cable or network connection.

Unplug the USB cable from your scanner and computer, then plug it back in securely.
If you are using a wireless scanner, verify that your scanner is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
Try using a different USB port on your computer to rule out a faulty port.
If possible, test the scanner on another computer to confirm it is working properly.

Proper connection is essential because if your PC cannot detect the scanner physically, software fixes won’t help.

Step 2: Restart the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

The Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service helps Windows communicate with imaging devices like scanners. Restarting this service can fix recognition issues.

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Scroll down to find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
Right-click on it and select Restart. If it’s not running, select Start.
Close the Services window and check if your scanner is detected now.

Restarting this service can refresh the connection between Windows and your scanner.

Step 3: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that automatically detect and fix common hardware problems.

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Hardware and Devices and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect any issues with your scanner.

This tool can fix driver conflicts or other issues preventing your scanner from being recognized.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Scanner Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are a common cause of scanner detection problems. Updating or reinstalling drivers can resolve this.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Look for your scanner under Imaging devices or Other devices.
If you find your scanner, right-click it and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
If the scanner isn’t listed or updating doesn’t help, right-click and choose Uninstall device.
After uninstalling, disconnect the scanner and restart your PC.
Reconnect the scanner and let Windows reinstall the drivers automatically.

Keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility and smooth communication between your scanner and Windows.

Step 5: Add the Scanner Manually

If Windows doesn’t detect your scanner automatically, you can add it manually through the Settings app.

Open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click Add device at the top.
Wait while Windows searches for nearby devices.
If your scanner appears, select it and follow the instructions to add it.
If not listed, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
Select the appropriate port and driver for your scanner, then complete the setup.

Manual addition can help if automatic detection fails due to driver or network issues.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Scan App

Sometimes, the default Windows scanning software may not detect your scanner, but the Windows Scan app can.

Open Microsoft Store and search for Windows Scan.
Install the app and launch it.
See if the app detects your scanner and allows you to scan documents.

This app supports a wide range of scanners and can bypass some detection issues.

FAQs

Why is my scanner not detected after updating to Windows 11?

Updates can sometimes cause driver incompatibility or service disruptions. Reinstalling or updating drivers usually fixes this.

Can a faulty USB cable cause the “No Scanners Detected” error?

Yes. A damaged or loose cable can prevent the scanner from connecting properly. Always use a good-quality cable and test different ports.

Do I need to install scanner software manually?

In most cases, Windows installs drivers automatically. However, for specialized scanners, installing manufacturer software ensures full functionality.

How do I know if my scanner is compatible with Windows 11?

Check the scanner manufacturer’s website for Windows 11 compatibility and updated drivers.

Will reinstalling Windows fix the scanner detection issue?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort and usually unnecessary. Try all troubleshooting steps before considering this.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your scanner still isn’t detected, consider these final options:

Visit the scanner manufacturer’s support website: They may have specific drivers or patches for Windows 11.
Contact customer support: The manufacturer can provide expert help or repair options.
Use Windows Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for hardware issues: https://support.microsoft.com
Try a different scanner: Testing another scanner can help determine if the issue is hardware-related.

Conclusion

The “No Scanners Detected” error on Windows 11 can usually be fixed by checking connections, restarting key services, running troubleshooters, and updating drivers. These steps ensure your computer and scanner communicate properly.

Remember to start with simple fixes like checking cables and restarting your PC before moving on to more advanced solutions. Using the Windows Scan app or manually adding your scanner can also help in tricky cases.

By following this guide, you should be able to resolve most scanner detection issues and get back to scanning your documents quickly and efficiently.