how to getting my computer to recognize my scanner

Patricia Young 5 Reputation points
2026-02-06T19:29:42.33+00:00

I uploaded documents 2days ago by putting them on my printer/scanner and ran the scan and they were upload to File on my computer. But today my computer said scanner not found

Windows for home | Other | Apps
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  1. AI answer

    2026-02-06T19:30:23.4+00:00

    To troubleshoot the issue of your computer not recognizing your scanner, you can try the following steps:

    1. Reconnect the Scanner: Unplug the scanner from your computer and then plug it back in. Ensure that it is powered on.
    2. Check Device Manager: Go to Device Manager on your computer and see if the scanner is listed under "Imaging devices". If it has a yellow exclamation mark, there may be a driver issue.
    3. Restart Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service: Sometimes, the WIA service may not function properly. You can try stopping and restarting this service:
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
      • Find "Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)" in the list, right-click it, and select "Restart".
    4. Reinstall Scanner Drivers: If the scanner is still not recognized, consider uninstalling the scanner from Device Manager and then reinstalling it. You can also check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.
    5. Try a Different USB Port: If you are using a USB scanner, try connecting it to a different USB port on your computer.
    6. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up to date, as updates can sometimes fix compatibility issues.
    7. Use a Different Application: If you are using a specific application to scan, try using another application to see if the issue persists.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consult the scanner's manual or contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance.

    References:

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  2. EmilyS726 267.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-06T20:17:52.2766667+00:00

    Hello,

    What's your scanner's brand and model?

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