How to Install a Scanner on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

This post shows students and new users how to install a scanner in Windows 11.

Learning how to add a scanner in Windows 11 can benefit users who want to scan physical documents into a digital format and store them on their computer or in the cloud. Windows 11 has a built-in app that allows users to scan documents easily and save them digitally anywhere.

You can start scanning pictures and documents by adding a scanner to your device or home network. Knowing how to install a scanner in Windows 11 can save time and effort for users who need to digitize documents frequently.

When you connect a scanner to your device or add a new scanner to your home network, you can usually start scanning pictures and documents immediately. If you add a scanner and it doesn’t work automatically, simply follow the steps below to get it installed properly.

To get started with adding new scanners to Windows 11, use the steps below:

Install a local scanner

Today, adding a scanner to a Windows computer is very easy. In most cases, all you have to do to set up a scanner is to connect it to your computer.

Plug the USB cable from your scanner into an available USB port on your computer, and turn the scanner on. Windows should automatically install the scanner drivers and configure them to work.

If that doesn’t work, here’s a way to do it manually. 

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Bluetooth & devices, then select Printers & scanners on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

Click Add a printer or scanner button on the Printer & scanner settings page. 

Wait for Windows 11 to find nearby scanners, choose the one you want to use from the list and select Add device.

If you get a message, “The printer I want isn’t listed,” click Add manually, as highlighted below.

Choose “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings” as highlighted below:

Next, select Use an existing post, then select the port on which the Printer is connected—usually a USB port.

If you have a CD or a download link to download the drivers for the scanner, insert the CD or download it from the manufacturer’s website.

It should also come with a driver CD or link to download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Visit the manufacturer’s website for the scanner drivers.

Next, go and install the scanner driver. Click the button Have Disk.

Then, browse to the location where the driver is saved. Browser the driver’s folder and select it. Then install it. Complete and test the Printer.

Add a Wireless scanner

Some scanners are wireless-enabled and work over wireless connections. If your scanner is connected to the network via wired or Wi-Fi and is turned on, Windows should also find it automatically.

Windows can find all available scanners on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless scanners or scanners plugged into another device and shared on the network.

Here’s a way to do it manually. 

1. Select Start  > Settings  > Devices > Printers & scanners, or use the following button. 
2. Select Add a printer or scanner. Please wait for it to find nearby scanners, choose the one you want to use, and select Add device.

If your scanner isn’t on the list, select The Printer I want isn’t listed, and then follow the instructions to add it manually.

You should be able to find a wireless or network printer by following the wizard above.

If the wireless scanner hasn’t been added to your home network, try reading the manual that came with the scanner to find help installing it in Windows.

It should also come with a driver CD or link to download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Conclusion:

• Adding a scanner in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that enhances productivity by digitizing documents and images.
• Users can easily set up both local and wireless scanners with the built-in settings in Windows 11.
• Following the step-by-step instructions ensures a smooth installation experience.
• Finding and installing the correct drivers is essential for proper scanner functionality.
• Regularly updating your scanner drivers can help maintain optimal performance and compatibility.
• By effectively utilizing a scanner, users can organize and store important documents digitally, making them easily accessible when needed.