Here are some quick and easy instructions on how to scan a document from printer to computer either a Windows PC or Mac.
These same steps will work regardless of what operating system you’re running, whether it be Windows 10 or macOS 11.
You’ll just need to make sure that the drivers are already installed and that your printer is up and running before getting started.
In some cases, your printer model might come with software that includes not only its drivers but also a whole suite of programs that take full advantage of all the device’s features. In this instance, there’s probably also a scanning program included among those other programs.
Table of Contents
You should scan it on Windows
If you’re a Windows user, your computer should automatically catch your device once it’s plugged in via the USB port. However, if your computer does catch it, you may have to set the machine up manually.
No doubt your printer is a wireless or network device, Windows should automatically detect it, provided it’s connected to your network or to the computer’s Bluetooth connection.
Related Post: How to Scan from Printer to Computer?
Adding a Printer
Before beginning this process, please double-check the following to ensure successful completion: that your printer has power and is turned on, as well as being properly connected to your computer.
If you have a network or wireless printer, please also check to see if it’s connected to the same network as your computer.
If everything is in working order, restart your printer and see if your computer will detect it now. If it still doesn’t, then we can proceed with adding your printer manually.
- To add a printer or scanner, click on the Start button, then go to Settings. In the Settings window, click Devices then Printers & scanners.
- You should click the “Add printers & scanners “option, and press the “Add a printer or scanner”. The computer will then search for devices that are connected to your computer or network and add them to the list of available printers and scanners.
- After your computer has located all the devices in the area, select the one you want to connect to and click “Add device.” Your machine will be added to the list of available options for scanning.
- If your printer isn’t appearing in the list of available devices, you can click on the “The printer that I want isn’t listed” link. Windows will open a wizard that will guide you through adding your printer.
Related Post: How To Scan a Document on an HP Printer?
Fax and Scan
- To use the Windows Fax and Scan app, first, click on Start and then go to Windows Accessories > Windows Fax and Scan. A New Scan window will then appear. Make sure you’ve chosen the correct device under Scanner; if not, click on Change to pick the right one.
- To scan your document, select your device and adjust your scan settings. Then click on “preview” to begin scanning. You can see how your document will appear, and make changes if necessary. When you’re happy with the results, click on “scan” to save the image.
- After you save your image, it will appear in the main window of the Windows Fax and Scan app. You can access the file by going to your Documents > Scanned Documents folder.
Related Post: How to Fax from Printer?
Printer Troubleshooter
Check Internet Connection
If your internet connection is weak or unstable, this will affect your ability to scan. Check the strength of your internet connection.
If you’re experiencing a weak or unstable connection, try resetting your router. Additionally, check your router settings to ensure the proper configuration is enabled.
Update Drivers
Your printer may not work properly if you have outdated, buggy, or missing printer drivers. In this case, you should install or update the driver to fix the issue.
Use Printer Software
If you have attempted all other potential solutions but the problem still persists, you should then try scanning a document using your printer’s software.
This type of software is designed to work with your printer, so you shouldn’t run into any issues.
FAQs about How to Scan a Document from Printer to Computer?
How do I scan a document from my HP printer to my computer?
To scan using the HP Smart app, first, click the “Scan” tile on the app’s home screen. Then, select an option from the top menu bar.
If you’re scanning an original document, you can place it on the printer scanner glass or into the automatic document feeder (ADF).
Once you’ve done that, select your desired scan job type, size, color, and resolution settings. Finally, click “Scan” in the lower right corner to begin the scanning process.
How do I scan a document and send it as a PDF?
The best way to scan a paper document to PDF is by using Adobe Acrobat. To do this, go to the ‘Tools’ tab and select ‘Create PDF.’ This will pull up the ‘Create a PDF from any format’ interface.
From here, select ‘Scanner’ to see the available options. The ‘Create PDFs from Scanner’ interface has a setting or gear icon that, when clicked, shows all the settings for the selected option.
Why is scan to email not working?
If you’re having trouble sending a file via email, it might be because the file is too large. Most email accounts have a maximum file size limit, so if your file is too big, it won’t go through.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to scan a document from printer to computer. In this blog, we covered three methods that can be used to do this task.
Please keep in mind that a scanner is necessary to use these methods. In the first method, you will connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable.
Once the printer is connected you can use the scanner on your printer to scan directly to the printer. The second method is to use the scanner on your printer to scan a document and save the document to the computer.
In the third method, you will scan the document using your computer’s scanner, and then print the document to the printer.