How do i scan something from my printer to my computer

Question

Stacie Coulter 0

Im having trouble scanning something from my printer to my computer

Aiza Suleman 0 Reputation points

2026-06-02T18:12:30.7066667+00:00

To scan a document from your printer to your computer, first make sure your printer is properly connected to your PC either through USB or Wi-Fi. Place the document you want to scan on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder. On your computer, open the Windows Scan app or the scanning software provided by your printer manufacturer, such as HP Smart or Canon Scan Utility. Select your printer from the available devices, adjust the scan settings if needed, and then click on the Scan option. Once the scan is complete, save the file to your desired location on your computer.

3 answers

Aiza Suleman 0 Reputation points

2026-06-02T18:12:30.7066667+00:00

To scan a document from your printer to your computer, first make sure your printer is properly connected to your PC either through USB or Wi-Fi. Place the document you want to scan on the scanner glass or in the automatic document feeder. On your computer, open the Windows Scan app or the scanning software provided by your printer manufacturer, such as HP Smart or Canon Scan Utility. Select your printer from the available devices, adjust the scan settings if needed, and then click on the Scan option. Once the scan is complete, save the file to your desired location on your computer.

Answer 1

Bulldog 2,285

Did your scanner come with an owners guide, or can you find it on the manufacturer's website?

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Answer 2

John Jefferson Doyon 71,865 Independent Advisor

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

What is the make and model of your printer?

Also, how is the printer connected to your computer, USB cable or Wi-Fi?

Most printers can scan using the manufacturer's scanning app or the Windows Scan app. Once I know the printer model, I can give you the exact steps.

I look forward to your reply.

0 comments

Answer 3

Use the built-in Windows tools to install the scanner part of the printer and then scan to the computer.

Make sure the printer/scanner is connected and turned on.
Verify Windows sees the scanner:
- Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (or Devices > Printers & scanners on some versions).
- Check that the printer/scanner appears in the list. If it does not:
  1. Select Add device (or Add a printer or scanner).
  2. Wait for Windows to find the device, then choose it and select Add device.
Install the Windows Scan app if needed:
- Right-click Start > Search.
- Type Windows Scan.
- If Scan does not appear, install it from Microsoft Store using this link: Windows Scan.
Scan from the Windows Scan app:
- Open Scan from the search results.
- Put the document/photo on the flatbed (face down) or in the document feeder, as the printer’s instructions specify.
- In the Scanner dropdown, select the printer’s scanner.
- In Source, choose Flatbed, Feeder, or Auto-configured to match how the document was placed.
- In File type, choose the format (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or Bitmap).
- Select Show more, then under Save file to, choose the folder where scans should be saved.
- Select Scan.
Find the scanned file:
- Open File Explorer.
- Browse to the folder chosen in Save file to.
- If no folder was chosen, look in Pictures\Scans in the user folder.

If the printer includes its own scanning software, installing the manufacturer’s software can also provide additional scan options.

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