How Do I Scan a Document or Picture to My Computer?
Learn how to scan a document or picture from a printer or scanner to your computer, including common connection and file-saving problems.
What’s happening?
A scanner or all-in-one printer can make a digital copy of a document or picture and save it to your computer.
The exact steps depend on the scanner, printer, and computer you have.
Common causes
- Scanner is not powered on
- USB or Wi-Fi connection problem
- Wrong scanner selected
- Required software is missing
- Document is positioned incorrectly
Things you can safely try
- Make sure the scanner or all-in-one printer is powered on.
- Place the document or picture on the scanner correctly.
- Check the connection.
The scanner may connect through USB or Wi-Fi.
- Open the manufacturer's scanning software or your computer's available scan feature.
- Select the correct scanner if more than one device is listed.
- Choose where you want the scan to be saved.
- Start the scan and wait for it to finish.
- Open the saved file to make sure the scan looks correct.
Stop here
If you are scanning an important legal, tax, medical, or financial document and are unsure where the file will be saved, stop before continuing.
Don't install scanning software from an unfamiliar website.
Stop before installing random scanner software from a pop-up or changing advanced driver settings if you are unsure what they do.
Still having trouble?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
LoTyde Tech Assistance provides friendly, patient technology help for residents throughout Indiana County and surrounding communities.
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
Get Technology Help