Windows 11 Scanner Not Responding While Printer Works: Proven Fixes (WIA, Drivers, Network, Updates)

A common Windows 11 problem occurs when a multifunction printer prints successfully but scanning fails. This usually indicates that printing-related drivers are functioning, while the scanning stack (WIA, scanner services, manufacturer scan software, or network scanning protocols) is misconfigured or broken.

The steps below focus on the most frequent causes seen on Windows 11, including driver mismatches, stalled scan services, and update-related network scanning issues. The solutions apply to major brands such as HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and other all-in-one devices.

Start with quick wins that fix most scan failures

1) Power cycle the device and retest

Many scanning failures come from the scanner firmware or Windows device session being stuck.

• Unplug the printer/scanner from power.
• Wait about 30 seconds.
• Restart the PC.
• Reconnect power and test scanning again.

2) Restart the Windows scanning services (WIA-based repair)

Windows scanning often relies on the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service. When services hang after updates or driver changes, printers can still print while scanning stops responding.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, then press Enter.
2. Restart these services (right-click each one → Restart):
   • Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
   • Shell Hardware Detection
   • Function Discovery Provider Host (especially for network scanners)
   • Function Discovery Resource Publication (especially for network scanners)
3. For each service: open Properties and confirm Startup type is set to Automatic.

After changes, restart the PC and try the scan again.

The most common root cause: driver mismatch

Windows 11 may install a generic “class” driver that supports printing but does not correctly support scanning. The result is a device that prints reliably but fails to scan in Windows apps such as Windows Fax and Scan or in manufacturer utilities.

3) Remove the current scanner device and reinstall the full manufacturer package

1. Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager).
2. Expand Imaging devices or Scanners and Cameras.
3. Find the scanner entry for the multifunction device.
4. Right-click it → Uninstall device.
5. If shown, enable Delete the driver software for this device.
6. Restart the PC.

Then install the correct drivers and scanning software directly from the printer manufacturer (not from Windows Update). Examples:

• HP: Install the HP Smart app and the full feature software package from HP support.
• Canon: Install IJ Scan Utility and the matching driver package.
• Epson: Install Epson Scan 2 and required drivers.
• Brother: Install ControlCenter and the full driver suite.

Important: After reinstalling, test scanning using the manufacturer’s app first. If scanning works there but fails in a specific third-party program, the issue may be application configuration rather than the device.

Fix model-specific scan settings: “Scan to Computer” mode

Many multifunction devices require explicit enabling of scan-to-computer functionality. If this option is disabled on the device or in the scan utility, the printer can still print while scanning fails to reach the PC.

Check the scan utility settings for options similar to:

• HP: Open HP Smart → device settings → enable Scan to Computer.
• Canon: Open IJ Scan Utility → ensure settings allow scanning from the operation panel.
• Epson: Open Epson Scan 2 → enable network scanning when applicable.
• Brother: Open ControlCenter4 → register the PC in scan settings.

When scanning is network-based: address protocol and firewall issues

If the device is connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, scanning may fail due to discovery or protocol issues even while printing continues.

4) Ensure Windows discovery and sharing features are enabled

• Go to Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.
• Open Advanced sharing settings and confirm network discovery and related sharing options are enabled as required.

5) Check firewall and antivirus temporarily (for testing)

Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus protection only to confirm whether it blocks scanning ports. After identifying the cause, add permanent exceptions for the printer/scanner software.

6) Watch for duplicate scanner entries (eSCL vs USB)

In Device Manager, the scanner may appear twice under Imaging devices, such as one entry labeled for eSCL and another for USB or a different interface. If scanning uses USB, removing the eSCL-related entry (or uninstalling the non-matching entry) can resolve the conflict.

Update-related scanning breakage: apply the scan-specific Windows patch

In some Windows 11 releases, scanning protocols for network scanners can break after updates. If the scanning problem started after a Windows update, check for and apply the relevant patch for eSCL/network scanning behavior.

The practical approach is:

• Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
• If an update introduced the issue, install the follow-up scan fix patch when available, or review whether a rollback is needed as a temporary workaround until a patch is installed.

Advanced alternatives when built-in and vendor tools fail

If Windows tools and manufacturer software still do not scan reliably, switching scan engines can help.

• NAPS2 (free): Often supports devices where default utilities fail.
• VueScan (paid): Useful for certain scanner hardware and driver compatibility scenarios.

Quick checklist to resolve “printer works, scanner does not”

• Power cycle the printer/scanner and restart the PC.
• Restart WIA and related discovery services.
• Uninstall the scanner device from Device Manager (delete driver software if offered).
• Install the full scanner software and drivers from the manufacturer.
• Enable Scan to Computer in the scan utility.
• If network scanning: verify discovery settings, review firewall restrictions, and address protocol compatibility.
• Apply any Windows update patch that specifically addresses network scanning behavior.

If the printer/scanner brand and exact model number are provided, troubleshooting can be narrowed to the correct scan utility settings, driver package choice, and the most likely Windows protocol involved.