Scan to PC Not Working? Here's How to Try to Fix It!
If your printer or scanner won’t scan to your computer anymore, try these steps:
✅ 1. Check the Basics First
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Is the printer/scanner powered on?
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Is it connected to your network or directly to your PC (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB)?
Is your PC turned on and not asleep?
Try restarting both the printer/scanner and your computer to reset the connection.
✅ 2. Make Sure Your Computer Is on the Same Network
If using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, your computer and printer must be connected to the same network name (SSID).
On your PC:
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Click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet icon in the bottom right
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Check which network you’re connected to
On the printer:
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Use the printer’s display screen or app to check its network connection
✅ 3. Make Sure "Scan to Computer" Is Enabled
On HP and some other brands, this setting can turn off automatically after reboot or power loss.
HP Example:
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Open the HP Smart app on your computer
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Go to Printer Settings
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Look for Scan to Computer, then enable it
Other brands like Brother, Canon, or Epson may have similar settings in their own software.
✅ 4. Check the Scanner Driver and Software
Your PC needs the right scanner software installed.
Steps:
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Go to the printer manufacturer’s official website
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Search for your printer model
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Download and install the latest full software package or scanner drivers
🔗 Avoid downloading from third-party or unofficial sites—always use the manufacturer’s website.
✅ 5. Use Windows Scan Tool (To Test If Scanning Works at All)
Try scanning from Windows to make sure the scanner works.
Steps:
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Click Start and search for Windows Scan
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Open it (install from Microsoft Store if needed)
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Select your scanner
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Click Scan
If it works here, but Scan to PC from the printer fails, the issue is likely with the printer software or permissions.
✅ 6. Check Windows Defender Firewall
Your firewall might be blocking the printer's scan request.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall
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Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
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Make sure Scan software and printer apps are allowed on Private networks
✅ 7. Check File Permissions
Your printer may be trying to scan to a folder it no longer has permission to write to.
What to do:
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On your computer, check the folder your scanner sends files to (often
Documents > Scanned Documents) -
Right-click the folder > Properties > Sharing
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Make sure your user account has write access
✅ 8. Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Security Software
Some security software blocks scan-to-PC traffic. Try turning it off briefly and test scanning again.
🛑 If this works, adjust your antivirus settings to allow the printer/scanner or contact Pacific Northwest Computers for help.
✅ 9. Try a USB Connection (If You’re Using Wi-Fi)
To rule out network issues:
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Connect the printer/scanner to your PC with a USB cable
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Test scanning again using Windows Scan or your printer's scan software
✅ 10. Remove and Reinstall the Printer/Scanner
If all else fails, start fresh.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners
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Click your printer/scanner > Remove
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Restart your computer
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Reinstall using:
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HP Smart, Brother iPrint&Scan, Canon IJ Utility, etc.
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OR use the manufacturer’s setup tool from their website
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List of Printer & Scanner Manufacturer Support Sites:
Still Not Scanning?
Sometimes “Scan to PC” errors are caused by:
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A corrupted printer driver
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A misconfigured firewall
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Missing scan software
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Network permission issues
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