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Printer Help Guide

Printer Scanner Not Working? Setup and Troubleshooting

Updated August 2026 • Beginner-friendly • Windows-focused

Printer troubleshooting illustration

Confirm that the scanner is installed

Many all-in-one printers install printing and scanning components separately. Open your printer manufacturer's app or Windows scanner settings and confirm that the scanner is detected.

Check the connection

For Wi-Fi devices, keep the computer and printer on the same network. For USB devices, reconnect the cable directly to the computer and avoid a faulty hub while testing.

Update the printer software

Install the latest supported printer/scanner software from the manufacturer's official website or use Windows' supported driver mechanisms. Reboot after a major software installation if requested.

Check permissions and apps

If the scanner works in the manufacturer's app but not another application, the issue may be application-specific. Try scanning a simple document from the manufacturer's utility first.

Need a model-specific path? Use the Printer Model Finder on the homepage to tell us your brand, model and issue.