Install and Use a Scanner in Windows 10

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 right away on your Windows 10 PC. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing and using a scanner in Windows 10.

Step 1: Check if Windows Scan App is Already Installed

Before starting, check if the Windows Scan app is already installed on your Windows 10/11 PC. If not, visit the Windows Scan page in your web browser to automatically open the page in Microsoft Store app and download it.

Step 2: Turn On the Scanner

Make sure the scanner is turned on, if it's not already done.

Step 3: Configure the Scanner Settings

In the Windows Scan app, click on the Profile section and select the type of file you are going to scan as either Photo or Document. You can also change other default settings according to your preferences.

Step 4: Click the Scan Button

Click the Scan button to begin scanning the hard copy in the scanner.

Step 5: Preview and Save Scanned File

Once the scanning is completed, click the File menu and then click the Print option. In the Print dialog box, select Microsoft Print to PDF from the printer drop-down box, and then click the Print button. This will allow you to save the file as a PDF.

Step 6: Save Scanned File as PDF

At the Save Print Output As dialog, enter a name for your scanned file, select a location to save the file, and then click the Save button to save it as a PDF file.

Viewing Scanned Files

The Windows Scan app will also display a small banner once the scanning is completed, with an option to View the scanned file. You can also preview before scanning by clicking the Preview icon.

If your scanner doesn't automatically install, here's some help to get things working. Note that Windows Scan and Windows Fax and Scan are two different apps.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and use a scanner in Windows 10 and save scanned files as PDFs.

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