If your printer is printing normally but scanner is not working, not detecting, or failing to scan documents in Windows 10 or Windows 11, then this guide will help you fix the problem. Many users face errors like “The scanner failed to complete the scan”, “Cannot communicate with scanner”, “A problem prevented the document from being scanned”, or “Failed to connect to the device” even though printing works perfectly.
This issue usually happens because of scanner services, corrupted drivers, stuck print queue, connection problems, or outdated scan software. Follow all the methods below one by one.
Restart Printer Properly
Sometimes the scanner stops working because the printer connection gets stuck internally. A full power reset can fix it quickly.
- Turn OFF your printer completely.
- Remove the power plug from the wall socket.
- Disconnect the USB cable or network cable from the computer.
- Wait for at least 1 minute.
- Connect all cables again properly.
- Turn ON the printer.
- Restart your Windows PC.
-
Try scanning again.
If you are using a Wi-Fi printer, make sure the printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Restart Important Scanner Services
Windows scanner services are required for scanning to work properly. If these services stop, your printer may print normally but scanning will fail.
- Press Windows + R on keyboard.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service.
- Double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start if the service is stopped.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Now repeat the same process for these services:
• Print Spooler → Set to Automatic and Start the service.
• PrintScanBrokerService → Set to Automatic and Start the service.
After restarting these services, restart your computer and test the scanner again.
Use Windows Scan App
Sometimes the default printer software stops working properly. The official Windows Scan app can help detect the scanner again.
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Search for Windows Scan app.
- Install the app.
- Open the app after installation.
- Select your scanner from the list.
- Place a document on the scanner.
- Click Scan.
If the scan works here, then the problem is likely with your printer software instead of Windows.
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically fix printer and scanner issues.
- Open Settings.
- Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Find Printer.
- Click Run.
- Wait for Windows to detect and fix problems automatically.
After troubleshooting finishes, restart the computer and test scanning again.
Clear Printer Queue
A stuck print job or scan job can sometimes block the scanner completely.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type control printers and press Enter.
- Right-click your printer.
- Open See what's printing.
- Click Printer from top menu.
-
Select Cancel All Documents.
Now restart the printer and try scanning again.
Update Printer Driver
Old or corrupted printer drivers can cause scanner detection problems.
- Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
- Expand Printers or Imaging devices.
- Right-click your printer/scanner.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Wait for Windows to install updates.
Restart the computer after updating the driver.
Completely Uninstall and Reinstall Printer Driver
If nothing works, reinstalling the full printer package usually fixes scanner issues completely.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer.
- Click Remove device.
- Open Device Manager.
- Remove the printer from there too if visible.
- Restart the computer.
Now download the latest official driver from your printer brand website:
• HP Printer
• Canon Printer
• Epson Printer
• Brother Printer
• Dell Printer
Install the complete printer and scanner software package, then reconnect the printer and try scanning again.
Common Scanner Errors Fixed
These methods can fix errors like:
• The scanner failed to complete the scan
• Cannot communicate with scanner
• A problem prevented the document from being scanned
• Failed to connect to the device
• Scanner not detected
• Scanner offline
• Printer prints but scanner not working
• Scan failed error in Windows 11
• Wi-Fi printer scanner not working
Final Words
If your printer is printing correctly but scanner is not working, then the issue is usually related to Windows services, outdated drivers, stuck queue, or corrupted scan software. In most cases, restarting scanner services and reinstalling the official printer driver fixes the problem completely. Always install drivers only from the official HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, or Dell website for best compatibility.
