How to fix Scanner not working or Hangs problem windows 11

There are many reasons the scanner not working, or your scanner might fail to connect correctly with your PC or laptop. Connection issues, driver problems, incorrect settings or Windows Image Acquisition services not running are common. Users report the scanner hangs, and it takes Task Manager to end task before I can use it again. If the scanner not working or Windows PC displays error message “Cannot communicate with the scanner,” this article helps you diagnose and fix the problem and ensure your scanner functions smoothly again.

Scanner Hangs While Scanning (Not working)

If your scanner hangs or stops working during a scan, several factors could be at play, including insufficient computer memory, conflicting software (antivirus or firewall), or issues with the scanner’s drivers or hardware.

• Incompatible or missing scanner drivers can prevent communication between the scanner and Windows.
• Loose USB cables, faulty ports, or unstable network connections can disrupt scanner functionality.
• The essential Service Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) enables communication between Windows and the scanner might be stopped or not running.
• Again, there may be Security software that interferes with scanning applications or If the scanner is not set as the default device, Windows may fail to detect it properly.

Check Scanner Connections

Before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting, verify that the scanner is properly connected:

• If using a USB scanner, ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the scanner and computer.
• Try using a different USB port or cable to rule out hardware issues.
• If using a network scanner, ensure both the PC and scanner are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Restart both the scanner and computer to refresh the connection and eliminate temporary glitches.
• If available, try connecting the scanner to another computer to determine whether the issue is with the scanner or the PC.

Restart Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

The WIA service is essential for Windows to communicate with scanners. If this service is disabled or malfunctioning, your scanner may not function properly.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
• Right-click and select Restart.
• Double-click WIA, set Startup type to Automatic, and click OK.
• Restart your computer and check if the scanner works.

In addition, move to the Log On tab, select the local system account and make sure Allow service to interact with the desktop is checked.

Note: Also check it’s Related services are running:

• Remote procedure Call RPC
• DCOM Server Process Luncher
• RPC Endpoint Mapper
• Shell Hardware Detection

Update or Reinstall Scanner Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can prevent Windows from recognizing your scanner. Installing the latest drivers can resolve compatibility issues and improve scanner performance.

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand Imaging devices or Printers.
• Right-click your scanner and select Update driver.

• Click Search automatically for drivers.
• Restart your PC after the update and check if this helps fix the scanner not working problem.

If updating does not work, reinstall the driver:

• Open the device manager, right-click the scanner and select Uninstall device, then Restart your PC.
• Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it.
• Restart your PC again and check if the scanner is working.

Allow the Scanner Through Windows Firewall

Again, security settings may block the scanner from communicating with Windows. Allowing the scanner software through the firewall ensures that it can establish a connection with the system.

• Press Win + S, type Windows Security, and open it.
• Go to Firewall & network protection > Allow an app through firewall.
• Click Change settings and look for your scanner software.
• Ensure both Private and Public checkboxes are enabled.
• Click OK and restart your computer.

Check and Reset Scanner Settings

If the scanner is not set as the default device, Windows may have trouble detecting it. Resetting the scanner settings can help resolve misconfiguration issues.

• Open Control Panel (Win + R, type control, press Enter).
• Go to Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your scanner and select Set as Default Device.
• Open your scanner’s software and check if any settings need to be adjusted.
• Try scanning again to see if the issue is resolved.

Add Your Scanner Manually via Settings

If Windows does not automatically detect your scanner, you can manually add it through the Settings app.

• Open Settings (Win + I).
• Click Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Click Add device to start searching for your connected scanner.
• Allow a few minutes for Windows to locate nearby scanners.
• Once detected, your scanner will be added to the list of devices.
• Try scanning again to check if the issue is resolved.

Repair Corrupt System Files

Corrupt system files can interfere with device functionality, including scanners. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can repair these files.

• Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• Type command sfc /scannow and press Enter, wait for the scan to complete, and then restart your PC.
• In addition, run DISM restore health command to scan and repair Windows image for corruption.  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once the scanning process completes 100% restart your PC and check if the scanner is working.