How To Connect A Flatbed Scanner To Your Device Using Windows Settings

Install or add a local scanner

To install or add a local scanner that connects directly to your computer using a USB cable, open the Settings ⚙️ app by pressing the Win and the I key together. Select Bluetooth 🔷 & devices from the sidebar menu, and then click on Printers & scanners to let Windows automatically detect your plugged-in hardware.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win and the I key together on your keyboard.

   

2. Select Bluetooth 🔷 & devices from the left sidebar menu.

   

3. Click on Printers & scanners to open the list of connected hardware.

   

4. Click the Add device button near the top of the window.
5. Wait for Windows to scan for connected hardware. When your flatbed scanner appears in the list, click Add device next to it.

Install or add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth scanner

Open the Settings ⚙️ app, click Bluetooth 🔷 & devices on the left menu, select Printers & scanners, and click the Add device button to let Windows scan for available wireless equipment.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win and the I key together.
2. Click Bluetooth 🔷 & devices on the left menu.
3. Select Printers & scanners.
4. Click the Add device button.

   

5. Click the Add manually link if Windows fails to detect your network scanner automatically.

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7. Choose the option to add a Bluetooth 🔷, wireless or network discoverable device, then select your flatbed scanner from the search 🔍 results and follow the on-screen prompts.

Verify the scanner is installed

To verify the scanner is installed properly, open Settings ⚙️ and go to Bluetooth 🔷 & devices, then Printers & scanners. Scroll through your connected hardware list to find your flatbed scanner model name, and click the entry to check its status and confirm Windows recognizes the device.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ and navigate to Bluetooth 🔷 & devices, then Printers & scanners.
2. Scroll through the list of connected hardware to locate your flatbed scanner model name.
3. Click on the scanner entry to expand its status and verify that it shows as ready or idle.

Scan a picture or document with the Windows Scan app

To scan a picture or document with the Windows Scan app, download the ⬇️ free tool from the Microsoft Store if you do not already have it. Lift the scanner lid, place your paper face down on the glass pane, align it with the corner marker, and use the app interface to capture your digital file.

1. Lift the lid of your flatbed scanner and place your document or photo face down on the glass pane, aligning it with the corner markers. Close the lid.
2. Open the Start menu ⊞, type Windows Scan, and press Enter to launch the app.
3. Check the Scanner dropdown menu at the left of the app window to ensure your correct flatbed scanner model is selected.
4. Select your source type as Flatbed.
5. Choose your file type from options such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF under the File type dropdown.
6. Click the Preview button to test the alignment and crop area, or click the Scan button immediately to begin capturing the document.

Find saved scans in File Explorer

To find saved scans in File Explorer 📁, press the Win and the E key together on your keyboard to open the file manager window. Click on Pictures in the quick access navigation pane on the left side, and then double-click the Scans folder to view all your captured documents and images.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and the E key together on your keyboard.
2. Click on Pictures in the quick access navigation pane on the left side of the window.
3. Double-click the Scans folder to open it. All documents and images captured through the Windows Scan app are automatically saved inside this directory.

What to do next

What to do next after setting up your hardware involves managing your imaging devices inside Windows. Return to the Printers & scanners menu in your Settings app at any time if you need to set a default device, remove old hardware, or check the connection status of multiple scanners.