Microsoft Fax and Scan stopped working with the last update

Microsoft Fax and Scan and the Microsoft Scan app rely on the scanner driver and Windows imaging services. After an update, common causes for “could not complete scan” or “cannot connect” include known issues with Windows Fax and Scan, WIA/WSD components, or missing features.

Try these steps in order:

1. Verify Windows Fax and Scan is installed (Windows 10/11)
   • Open Settings → System → Optional features.
   • Click View features.
   • Type fax and select Windows Fax and Scan if it is not installed.
   • Click Next → Install, then restart and test scanning again.
2. Check for known Windows Fax and Scan issues
   • On Windows 7/8/Server 2008 R2/2012 with WSD-based scanners, there is a known issue where clicking New Scan fails with:

     An error occurred while setting scanner properties. If another program is scanning, please wait for it to complete and try again.

   • This is caused by delays in transferring scan data from WSD scanners. Microsoft provides a hotfix for affected systems. Install the hotfix for the specific OS from the article “Error message when you click New Scan in Windows Fax and Scan on a Windows-based computer,” then restart.
3. If using Windows 7 and duplex (both-sides) scanning
   • On Windows 7, previewing a duplex scan using Feeder (Scan both sides) can fail with the same “An error occurred while setting scanner properties” message.
   • Workaround: set the scanner to single-side (simplex) mode when using Preview, then run the full duplex scan without preview.
4. Ensure Windows imaging components are updated
   • On Windows 8.1/Windows Server 2012 R2, scanning from Devices and Printers may fail to start the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) image processing filter.
   • Install update rollup 2919394 (for Windows 8.1/Server 2012 R2) to restore proper WIA filter behavior.
5. Confirm scanner driver/software
   • For home devices, ensure the printer/scanner’s own software and driver are properly installed and up to date. In similar cases, reinstalling the printer’s software resolved scan failures.

If the issue started immediately after a Windows update on an older OS (Windows 7/8/8.1/Server 2008 R2/2012/2012 R2), apply the relevant hotfix or update rollup above, then reboot and test.

References:

• Error message when you click New Scan in Windows Fax and Scan on a Windows-based computer
• Error when previewing a scan using Windows Fax and Scan: "An error occurred while setting scanner properties"
• WIA image processing filter fails when you scan from Devices and Printers in Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2
• Windows 11 Pro Missing Fax and Scan - Microsoft Q&A
• SCAN A DOCUMENT - Microsoft Q&A