No user is immune from problems with the scanner. The causes of malfunctions can be very different, as well as the ways to solve them. We will tell you about them in this material.
Rebooting the device
The method that is always worth trying first. A full system reboot easily copes with one-time failures in operation. It is enough to turn off the scanner for a couple of minutes and unplug the cable from the socket. Also, to be on the safe side, you can also reboot the computer itself. Then plug everything back in and try to scan some documet.
Reinstalling drivers
For comfortable operation of the gadget, you need to install its own driver. To do this, open the manufacturer’s website, select the device model and download the boot file. After that, install the drivers according to the instructions and reboot the computer.
Reinstalling USB Input Drivers
In some cases, the reason for the scanner not working may be a broken USB port on the computer or the drivers for it have crashed. If moving the cable to another USB input does not help, you need to reinstall the drivers. To do this, you need to:
- Launch Device Manager via Start;
- In the menu that opens, open the item “USB controllers”;
- Right-click on the USB port and select “Update Drivers”.
Troubleshooter
In some cases, the built-in tools are enough to solve problems. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Press the Win and R key combination, and in the window that appears, enter the command control printers;
- In Devices and Printers, find your scanner and right-click on its icon;
- From the options that open, select “Troubleshooting”.
All that remains is to follow the instructions and fix the problem if any is found.
Cable and socket fault
If the computer does not see the connected scanner, the problem may be in the cable or socket. Carefully inspect the cables for damage or kinks.
If everything looks fine on the outside, check the cable on another working device. If there is no reaction to such manipulations, it is enough to buy a new cable. If the gadget still does not work with the replacement, then you should contact the service center.
Clearing the print queue
An option that is only suitable for MFPs. The fact is that the scanner may stop working because the device itself is busy performing another operation. Usually, this is a frozen print queue that needs to be deleted. To do this:
- Open the “Devices and Printers” tab, right-click on the MFP icon and select “View print queue”;
- In the window that opens, first click on “Printer”, and then “Clear print queue”.
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Wi-Fi Problems
If the device is connected to the computer via Wi-Fi, you should check the quality and stability of the wireless connection. First of all, remove all interfering obstacles, and also move the device itself closer to the connection source. If this does not help, then restart the router and reconnect to Wi-Fi again.
Software conflict
This case is typical for some Canon models. The software of these MFPs sometimes conflicts with the built-in Windows Fax and Scan application, which is why the latter must be disabled.
- Launch Control Panel and go to Programs;
- Click on “Turn Windows features on or off” and find “Printing and Document Services
- Expand it and uncheck the corresponding item.
- After all the manipulations, all that remains is to reboot the computer.
Replacing cartridges
And again the nuances of the MFP operation. Usually, if the ink in the printer runs out, it does not affect the functionality of the scanner. But on some models, manufacturers have added an automatic blocking of the entire device due to empty cartridges. The issue is resolved by replacing them yourself or calling the right specialist.
Selecting a default scanner
If too many printers and scanners are connected to the computer, the user may make a mistake in selecting the right model. To avoid such situations, open “Devices and Printers”, right-click on the program icon and select “Use by default”.
Incompatibility of versions
Owners of older scanner models usually face this problem. Their outdated software conflicts with a more modern version of Windows. In this case, you can only scan the necessary documents on another computer with a more suitable operating system.
Disabling silent mode
Some MFPs can be equipped with a silent mode, which reduces the volume of the gadget, but in return turns off the scanner. To disable this mode, you must:
- From Start, go to Settings and open Devices and Printers;
- In the Printer Properties, go to the Maintenance section and open Quiet Mode Settings.
There you can fine-tune this mode or turn it off completely. On some devices, the button for turning the silent mode on and off is located right on the body.
Other scanning software
Sometimes it happens that the scanner for some reason can work through another program. To do this, you should install and try one of the many free programs, such as Scan2PDF or RiDoc
Mechanical failure of the scanner
If the wires are in order, the network is stable, and all the necessary drivers are installed on the computer, then most likely the problem lies in the breakdown of the scanner itself. In this case, you should contact the service center, because otherwise there is a high risk of completely breaking the gadget.