How to Fix a Scanner After a Windows Update

If your scanner stopped working after a Windows update, the update most likely replaced or broke the scanner driver, or reset the services and permissions the scanner needs. Fix it by restarting the Windows Image Acquisition service, reinstalling the scanner driver from the manufacturer, and allowing app access if your device uses those settings. Reconnecting the scanner and testing in the Windows Scan app usually restores it.

Why this happens

• Driver replaced or removed: Windows updates can swap a working scanner driver for a generic one, or remove an unsigned older driver.
• Windows Image Acquisition service stopped: This service, called WIA, must be running for most scanners, and an update can leave it stopped or disabled.
• Permissions reset: Some updates reset privacy or app permissions that scanner software relies on.
• TWAIN or app compatibility: Older scanning software may not work with the updated system until it is updated too.
• USB or port changes: An update can reset USB power settings, causing the scanner to be seen only now and then.

Is this normal?

Scanners and printers are among the most common devices to break after a major Windows update, because their drivers are sensitive to system changes. It is a well known issue and almost always fixable by reinstalling the driver.

Does it cause any problems?

You lose scanning until it is fixed, but printing may still work if you have an all in one device. Your saved scans and files are not affected, and the scanner hardware is not harmed.

How to fix or check it

1. Restart the scanning service. Press Windows key plus R, type services.msc, press Enter, find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), right click and choose Restart, and set its startup type to Automatic.
2. Check for more updates. Open Settings, Windows Update, and install any pending updates, since a follow up patch may include the fixed driver.
3. Reinstall the scanner driver. Download the latest driver for your exact model from the maker's support site and run their installer. For all in one devices, install the full driver package, not just the printer part.
4. Reconnect the device. Unplug the USB cable or remove the network device from Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Printers and scanners, then add it again.
5. Test with the built in Windows Scan app, available free from the Microsoft Store, to rule out third party software problems.
6. If you use older scanning software, check the maker's site for an updated version that supports your current Windows build.
7. Restart the computer after installing drivers, then try a scan again.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my scanner stop after a Windows update but the printer still works?

Updates often replace only part of an all in one driver, leaving printing intact while scanning breaks. Reinstalling the full driver package for your model restores the scanner side.

What is the Windows Image Acquisition service?

Windows Image Acquisition, or WIA, is the built in service that lets Windows talk to scanners and cameras. If an update stops or disables it, scanning fails, so restarting it and setting it to Automatic often fixes the problem.

Should I roll back the Windows update?

Try reinstalling the scanner driver first, since that fixes most cases without removing the update. Rolling back should be a last resort, because it also removes security fixes and Windows may reinstall the update later.