Microsoft’s recommended way to scan on Windows 11 is the free Windows Scan app. It works with most printers and scanners once they are installed, and saves scans to a Scans folder inside Pictures by default. Your printer maker’s own app is an alternative with more options.
Quick Answer
Open the Windows Scan app (install it from the Microsoft Store if needed), choose your scanner, source and file type, place the page, and click Scan. The file is saved in Pictures, Scans.
How to Scan from a Printer to a Windows 11 PC
- Turn on the printer or scanner and make sure it appears in Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Printers and scanners.
- Search Start for Windows Scan and open it, or install it from the Microsoft Store.
- Choose the scanner, then the Source: Flatbed, Feeder or Auto.
- Pick a file type (JPEG, PNG, TIFF or Bitmap) and, under Show more, a save location.
- Place the page face down on the glass, or in the feeder, and click Preview to check it.
- Click Scan, then View to open the result or Close to scan another page.
Scanning Options
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Windows Scan app | Free, simple, saves to Pictures, Scans |
| Printer maker’s app | More features, like scan to PDF |
| Windows Fax and Scan | Older tool, still on some PCs |
| Scan to email or cloud | Set up on the printer itself |
| Multi-page PDF | Scan images, then print to PDF, or use the maker’s app |
Printer busy? See how to clear the printer queue in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- Scanner not found: reinstall the driver. See how to install a printer driver on Windows 11.
- Only printing works: some all-in-ones need the maker’s full software package for scanning.
- Blank scans: check the page is face down and the lid is closed.
- On Windows 10, read how to scan with Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows Scan save a PDF?
The app saves images. Print the image to Microsoft Print to PDF, or use the printer maker’s app for multi-page PDFs.
Where do scans go?
Pictures, Scans, unless you choose another folder.
Can I scan over Wi-Fi?
Yes, if the printer is added to Windows over the network.
Can I scan from my phone instead?
Many printer apps and notes apps can scan with the phone camera.
Summary
- Confirm the scanner is installed.
- Open Windows Scan.
- Choose scanner, source and file type.
- Preview, then Scan.
- Find the file in Pictures, Scans.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.