The scanner, not working issues include scanner won’t scan, scanner not detected by your computer, or errors pop up when you’re using your scanner, etc.

The causes for these problems are various and sometimes hard to identify. As you can imagine, the connection problem can prevent your scanner from connecting to the computer, and the software and services problem in your computer are the possible reasons for this issue.

But don’t worry. We’ll help you fix the scanner not working.

Fix 1: Check the connection issue

Make sure you have turned the scanner on. Now you will have to see if the scanner is connected or not. In case you are using a USB cable, you must ensure that the cable works properly.

If it’s a network scanner make sure the internet connection is good and the scanner is connected to the network. VPN users can try disconnecting the computer from the VPN and then try to scan.

Fix 2: Enable WIA and Associated Services

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) is a Microsoft model which lets graphics software to communicate with imaging hardware like scanners and printers. Here is how you can enable WIA on your computer.

• On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
• Type services.msc and click OK.

• Scroll down and double-click Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).

• In the popup pane, ensure the Startup type is set Automatic, and the Service status is Running.

• If the Service status is already Running, click Stop to stop the service, then click Start to re-enable the service.
• Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Then restart your computer. Try to use your scanner again and see if it works now.

Fix 3: Troubleshoot Hardware Problems

It’s possible that there’s something wrong with your scanner, so run a troubleshooter in your computer to fix the issue.

• Type cmd in the Windows Search bar and select Run as administrator.

• Copy & paste the following command line into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

• Click Next in the popped-up window and the troubleshooter will start detecting hardware problems automatically.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the troubleshoot and fix the detected issue.

After that, try your scanner again and see if it’s working properly.

Fix 4: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows feature that scans corrupted system files and repairs it automatically.

Your scanner is not working because of some corrupted system files, so you can try SFC to fix the problem.

• Type cmd in the search box, right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

• In Command Prompt, type the following command, then press Enter.

sfc /scannow

• Then wait for Verification 100% complete. This can take a while.
• Once complete, Type exit in Command Prompt and press Enter to close the window.

• Restart your computer and see if your scanner begins to work.

Hopefully. any of the above methods has proved helpful in fixing the scanning problems with your printer.