Install & Use Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11

This guide explains exactly how to install, enable, and set up Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11. 

Installing Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11 is usually simple because the application already comes built into the operating system. In most cases, users only need to enable related Windows features, update the system, and connect a compatible scanner or printer. 

Let’s learn the process in detail!

Understanding Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11

Windows Fax and Scan is a built-in Microsoft utility that allows users to:

• Scan physical documents to a computer
• Save scanned images and PDFs
• Send and receive faxes using a fax modem
• Manage scanned files in one place
• Preview scanned documents before saving them

The tool works with most modern printers and scanners that support Windows 11, drivers. If you own an all-in-one printer from brands like HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother, there is a very good chance it already supports Windows Fax and Scan.

Unlike newer apps such as Windows Scan, this program focuses more on traditional desktop document management and fax support.

Install & Use Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11

To install or enable Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11, open the Start Menu, search for Windows Features, select Turn Windows features on or off, and make sure the required printing and scanning services are enabled. Then search for Windows Fax and Scan from the Start Menu and launch the app. If the app is missing, update Windows and enable related scan services before restarting your computer.

Step 1: Check Whether Windows Fax and Scan Is Already Installed

The very first thing you should do is check whether the application already exists on your Windows 11 computer.

Many users spend time trying to install the app even though it is already available on their PC.

Start by clicking the Start Menu on the taskbar. You can also press the Windows key on your keyboard.

Inside the search bar, type Windows Fax and Scan.

If the app appears in the search results, that means it is already installed and ready to use. Click the application to open it.

When the app launches successfully, you do not need to install anything else. You can move directly to scanner setup and begin scanning documents.

However, if the app does not appear in the search results, continue with the next step because Windows features related to scanning may be disabled.

Step 2: Open Windows Features Settings

Windows 11 includes many optional features that can be turned on or off. Sometimes, scanning components are disabled after a Windows update or during a fresh installation.

To access these settings, click the Start Menu and type Windows Features.

From the results, select Turn Windows features on or off.

A small settings window will open, showing optional Windows components. This list may take a few seconds to load completely.

Inside this menu, carefully look through the available features. While there is no separate checkbox specifically called Windows Fax and Scan, several related components help the app function correctly.

Make sure features related to:

• Print and Document Services
• Windows Scan Services
• Microsoft Print to PDF

are properly enabled if available on your system.

If you see an unchecked feature related to printing or scanning, enable it by clicking the checkbox.

Once done, click the OK button.

Windows may take several minutes to apply the changes. During this process, your computer might temporarily freeze or show a loading screen. This is completely normal.

After Windows finishes configuring the features, restart your PC.

Step 3: Update Windows 11 Completely

One major reason Windows Fax and Scan may fail to appear is outdated system files.

Updating Windows ensures your PC receives missing drivers, scan services, and compatibility patches.

To update your computer, open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.

On the left side menu, click Windows Update. Next, click the Check for updates button.

Windows 11 will now search Microsoft servers for available updates. Depending on your internet speed, this may take a few minutes.

If updates are found, download and install all of them.

Some updates may specifically include:

• Scanner compatibility fixes
• Printer driver improvements
• Windows component repairs
• Security updates for system apps

After installation finishes, restart your computer even if Windows does not ask you to do so.

Once the PC restarts, search again for Windows Fax and Scan using the Start Menu.

In many cases, the app becomes available immediately after updating Windows.

Step 4: Install Your Scanner or Printer Properly

Even if Windows Fax and Scan is installed, the program will not work unless your scanner or printer is correctly connected.

If you own an all-in-one printer, make sure it is powered on and connected to your computer.

There are usually three connection methods available:

• USB cable connection
• WiFi wireless connection
• Ethernet network connection

For beginners, a USB connection is usually the easiest and most reliable setup method.

Connect the scanner or printer to your PC using the provided cable. Windows 11 should automatically detect the hardware.

You may see notifications such as:

• Setting up the device
• Installing drivers
• Device ready

Wait until installation completes fully.

If Windows cannot find the correct drivers automatically, visit the official manufacturer website for your printer or scanner and download the latest Windows 11 driver package.

Installing the proper drivers is extremely important because Windows Fax and Scan depends on those drivers to communicate with your hardware.

Without the correct drivers, the app may open but fail to detect your scanner.

Step 5: Open Windows Fax and Scan

After your scanner is installed and Windows is updated, you can finally launch the application.

Open the Start Menu and type Windows Fax and Scan.

Click the app from the search results.

The first time the program opens, it may look slightly old compared to modern Windows 11 apps. That is completely normal because this tool has existed in Windows for many years.

Inside the application, you will see sections like:

• Fax
• Inbox
• Outbox
• Sent Items
• Scans

At the top toolbar, click New Scan.

If your scanner is connected correctly, Windows should automatically display your scanner name.

If no scanner appears, click Change and select your connected scanner manually.

Step 6: Configure Your First Scan

Now it is time to scan your first document.

Place a paper document or image inside your scanner.

Most printers have either:

• A flatbed glass scanner
• An automatic document feeder

If you are using a flatbed scanner, place the paper face down on the glass surface and close the lid carefully.

Inside Windows Fax and Scan, click New Scan.

A settings window will appear with several scan options.

You can customize:

• Color format
• File type
• Brightness
• Resolution
• Paper size

For normal documents, use these settings:

• Color format: Color or Grayscale
• File type: JPG or PNG
• Resolution: 300 DPI
• Paper source: Flatbed

Click the Preview button first.

This allows you to check whether the document is positioned correctly before saving the final scan.

If everything looks good, click Scan.

Windows will process the document and save it inside the Scans section.

Step 7: Save and Organize Your Scanned Files

After scanning, you should save your files properly so they are easy to find later.

Inside Windows Fax and Scan, right-click your scanned document. Select Save As.

Choose a folder location such as:

• Documents
• Desktop
• Pictures
• OneDrive

Give the file a clear name like:

• Tax Document 2026
• School Certificate
• Passport Scan

Using clear file names makes future searching much easier.

You can also create dedicated folders for important paperwork to keep everything organized.

Step 8: Set Up Fax Features in Windows 11

If you want to send or receive faxes, additional hardware is required.

Modern computers usually do not include built-in fax modems anymore. You may need:

• An external USB fax modem
• An active phone line
• Fax compatible hardware

Inside Windows Fax and Scan, click the Fax option. Windows will launch the Fax Setup Wizard.

Follow the on-screen instructions to:

• Connect the modem
• Configure your fax number
• Choose automatic or manual receiving
• Set sender information

Once configured, you can send faxes directly from your Windows 11 PC.

For most home users today, scanning features are far more common than faxing, but the option still exists for businesses and offices.

Windows Fax and Scan is Missing

Sometimes the app still does not work correctly after installation. Here are several common fixes beginners should try.

• Restart the computer completely instead of using sleep mode.
• Reconnect the scanner cable securely.
• Check whether your scanner appears inside Device Manager.
• Install the latest printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
• Run the Windows troubleshooter for printers and scanners.
• Update Windows again to ensure all optional updates are installed.

You can also try using the newer Windows Scan app from the Microsoft Store if Windows Fax and Scan experiences compatibility issues.

In some situations, antivirus software may interfere with scanner detection. Temporarily disabling third-party antivirus tools can help identify the problem.

FAQs

Is Windows Fax and Scan free in Windows 11?

Yes. Windows Fax and Scan is completely free and included with Windows 11.

Can I download Windows Fax and Scan separately?

No. The app is built directly into Windows. You normally enable it through Windows features or access it from the Start Menu.

Why is Windows Fax and Scan missing on my PC?

The app may not appear because Windows is outdated, scan services are disabled, or the search index needs refreshing.

Does Windows Fax and Scan support PDF scanning?

The tool mainly saves files in image formats. Some scanners include additional software for direct PDF support.

Can I use Windows Fax and Scan without a printer?

Yes. You only need a compatible scanner device. An all-in-one printer is not required.

Is Windows Fax and Scan better than Windows Scan?

It depends on your needs. Windows Scan offers a more modern interface, while Windows Fax and Scan provides classic desktop scanning and fax management tools.

Can Windows 11 send faxes without a phone line?

No. Traditional faxing still requires a phone connection and fax-compatible hardware.