# [phone]How to Fix Printer Not Scanning After Windows Update

Windows updates are meant to enhance performance, fix bugs, and improve security. However, it's not uncommon for such updates to interfere with external devices—printers and scanners being among the most affected. If your printer suddenly stops scanning after a Windows update, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to restore scanning functionality, no matter the brand or model of your printer.

For immediate assistance, you can also call **tech support at [phone] (toll-free in the USA)**.

## Why Do Printers Stop Scanning After Windows Updates?

There are several potential reasons why a Windows update may affect your printer’s ability to scan:

* **Driver Conflicts or Overwrites**
* **Corrupted or Missing Scanner Software**
* **Windows Firewall or Security Settings**
* **WIA or Imaging Services Disabled**
* **USB Port or Wi-Fi Communication Errors**
* **Compatibility Issues with New Windows Build**

Understanding these causes can help you better identify the fix that works for you.

## Basic Troubleshooting Checklist

Before diving into advanced fixes, go through this quick checklist:

* ✅ Is the printer powered on?
* ✅ Is it connected via USB/Wi-Fi?
* ✅ Have you restarted your computer and printer?
* ✅ Is scanning software still installed?
* ✅ Is your printer’s scan feature available on another device?

If everything checks out and scanning still fails, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

## Solution 1: Reinstall Printer Drivers

The most common issue after a Windows update is a corrupted or incompatible driver.

### Steps:

1. **Open Device Manager**
Press `Windows + X` → Click on **Device Manager**.

2. **Find Imaging Devices or Printers**
Look for your scanner or printer name.

3. **Right-Click and Uninstall Device**
Confirm the uninstallation.

4. **Disconnect Printer**
Unplug the USB cable or turn off Wi-Fi.

5. **Reboot Your PC**
Restart your computer.

6. **Reconnect and Let Windows Reinstall the Driver**
Plug your printer back in or connect it to Wi-Fi.

7. **Visit Manufacturer's Website**
Download and install the latest drivers compatible with your version of Windows.

**Brand-specific driver pages:**

* HP: [https://support.hp.com](https://support.hp.com)
* Canon: [https://www.usa.canon.com](https://www.usa.canon.com)
* Epson: [https://epson.com/Support](https://epson.com/Support)
* Brother: [https://support.brother.com](https://support.brother.com)

Still not working? Call tech support at **[phone]**.

## Solution 2: Use Windows Scan App

The traditional scan utility might stop working after updates. Windows has a built-in **"Windows Scan"** app.

### Steps:

1. **Open Microsoft Store**
2. Search for **Windows Scan**
3. Click **Install**
4. Open the app and try scanning again

If the scan completes successfully, the issue lies with your original scanner software. Consider reinstalling or updating it.

## Solution 3: Restart Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

WIA is a key service for scanning. If it’s disabled, your scan will fail.

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + R` → Type `services.msc` → Press Enter
2. Locate **Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)**
3. Right-click → **Properties**
4. Set **Startup Type** to **Automatic**
5. Click **Start** if it’s not already running
6. Click **Apply** and then **OK**

Also, ensure the following services are running:

* **Remote Procedure Call (RPC)**
* **Shell Hardware Detection**
* **Dcom Process Launcher**

## Solution 4: Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, the firewall may block the scanner’s communication with the computer.

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + I` → Go to **Update & Security**
2. Click **Windows Security** → **Firewall & Network Protection**
3. Select your active network → **Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall**

**Warning**: Only disable it temporarily for testing. If scanning works, create an exception rule for your scanner software.

Need help with firewall settings? Call **[phone]**.

## Solution 5: Run the Printer/Scanner Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters for hardware issues.

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + I` → Go to **System** → **Troubleshoot**
2. Click **Other troubleshooters**
3. Scroll down to **Printer** or **Scanner**
4. Click **Run**

Follow on-screen instructions. Windows will attempt to detect and fix issues automatically.

## Solution 6: Check for Optional Updates

Sometimes the latest drivers are provided under “Optional Updates.”

### Steps:

1. Go to **Settings** → **Windows Update**
2. Click **Advanced Options**
3. Select **Optional Updates**
4. Expand the **Driver Updates** section
5. Check any printer/scanner-related updates and install

## Solution 7: Re-add the Scanner via Control Panel

Sometimes your scanner disappears after a Windows update.

### Steps:

1. Open **Control Panel** → **Devices and Printers**
2. Click **Add a device**
3. Wait for Windows to detect the scanner
4. If not found, click “The printer/scanner I want isn’t listed” and follow instructions

If you’re unable to locate your device, call support at **[phone]**.

## Solution 8: Use Manufacturer’s Scanner Utility

Some manufacturers have dedicated scanner apps (e.g., HP Smart, Epson Scan 2, Canon IJ Scan Utility).

### Steps:

* Visit the support page of your printer’s brand
* Download the official scan utility
* Install and run the tool
* Try scanning again

This bypasses Windows’ scan drivers and uses the OEM’s custom protocols.

## Solution 9: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

If all else fails, the update itself might be the culprit.

### Steps:

1. Go to **Settings** → **Windows Update**
2. Click **Update History**
3. Scroll to **Uninstall Updates**
4. Find the most recent update affecting printing/scanning (KB number)
5. Click **Uninstall**

Reboot your PC and test the scanner again. Be sure to **pause Windows updates** if this works.

## Solution 10: Switch USB Port or Reconnect Wi-Fi

If you’re using a USB connection:

* Switch to a different port
* Avoid using USB hubs or extensions

If using Wi-Fi:

* Reconnect your printer to the network
* Print a **Wireless Network Test Report** from the printer's control panel
* Ensure your PC and printer are on the **same Wi-Fi network**

## Solution 11: Check Scanner Sharing and Permissions

For shared network scanners:

1. Go to **Control Panel** → **Devices and Printers**
2. Right-click on your scanner → **Scanner Properties**
3. Click the **Sharing** tab
4. Enable **Share this scanner**
5. Go to **Security** tab and ensure you have permission to scan

## Solution 12: Update the Operating System Again

Sometimes Microsoft patches bugs introduced in previous updates.

### Steps:

1. Open **Settings** → **Windows Update**
2. Click **Check for Updates**
3. Install all **critical and cumulative updates**
4. Reboot and retry scanning

## Additional Tips Based on Printer Brands

### HP Printers

* Download the **HP Print and Scan Doctor** tool
* Run diagnostics
* Reinstall the HP Smart app

### Epson Printers

* Use **Epson Scan 2**
* Ensure **Event Manager** is enabled in startup

### Canon Printers

* Use **IJ Network Tool**
* Reinstall **Canon Quick Menu** and **Scan Utility**

### Brother Printers

* Use **Brother iPrint\&Scan**
* Check **ControlCenter4** configuration

Still stuck? Call **[phone]** (USA Toll-Free) for expert help.

## Preventing Future Scanner Issues After Updates

* ✅ **Set a Restore Point** before installing major Windows updates
* ✅ **Keep OEM software up to date**
* ✅ **Back up drivers** using tools like DriverBackup!
* ✅ **Avoid using beta or insider versions of Windows** if scanning is mission-critical

## When to Call for Help

If you’ve tried all the solutions above and your scanner still isn’t working, there might be deeper system conflicts or hardware malfunctions.

Call **[phone]** (Toll-Free USA) for:

* Remote diagnostic support
* Driver reconfiguration
* Network scan setup
* Device compatibility checks
* Troubleshooting advanced firewall/router issues

## Conclusion

Windows updates can disrupt printer scanning, but there are many effective fixes available. Whether it’s updating your drivers, restarting essential services, or reinstalling software, each solution targets a common post-update issue. With this guide, you should be able to restore scanning functionality on your printer.

If you still need help or prefer expert remote support, **call [phone]**. We're here to ensure your printer gets back to full working condition—**quickly and reliably**.