HP Scanner Not Working on Windows 11? 4 Easy Tips to Try Out

Windows 11 » How To

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by Madhuparna Roy 

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Key notes

  • While scanning a document, users suddenly come across error messages like can't communicate with the scanner, scanner not found, etc. 
  • Check if the USB ports and the cables are working properly for USB scanners, or if the Internet is working fine for network scanners.
  • Try disconnecting the VPN (if you are using one) and check if it helps fix the scanning issue. 
HP scanner not working on Windows 11

The HP scanner not working on Windows 11 is a common issue and is often encountered after a Windows 11 upgrade. A similar issue with scanners is also noticed in other brands like Canon, Epson, Panasonic, etc.

However, scanners are prone to errors and hence, can stop working completely at times.

Apart from a recent upgrade to Windows 11, the issue could also arise due to outdated or faulty drivers, corrupted system files, broken Windows updates due to bugs, etc.

What can I do if the HP scanner is not detected in Windows 11?

As with any other external device you first need to check some basic things before starting the actual software tweaking:

  • First of all, make sure that the scanner or the multifunctional printer is turned on. At least a light on the printer’s panel should be lit to let you know about its status.
  • Also, check if the cables are properly attached to the PC and the scanner. If the scanner is built into the printer, printing a test page could confirm that it’s functioning properly.

In this post, we will guide you through some of the possible solutions that may help you fix the issue if there is a problem connecting to the HP scanner.

  1. Navigate to Start, right-click and select Run to launch Run Command. right click on Start and select Run
  2. In the search field, type services.msc and press OK.
  3. In the Service Manager window, go to the right side, and under the Names column, look for the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service. Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) in Services and double click
  4. Double-click on it to open its Properties window.
  5. In the Properties dialogues box, under the General tab, go to the Startup type field. Set it to Automatic. Under WIA properties set startup type to automatic
  6. Now, check if the Service status is running. If not, click on Start. Check if WIA is running, if not Start
  7. Press Apply and then OK to save changes and return to the Service Manager window.
  8. Repeat the above process for the DCOM Server Process Launcher service and, Shell Hardware Detection, Remote Procedure Call, and RPC Endpoint Mapper services as well.

Once done, close the Services window, restart your PC and check if the HP scanner is working now.

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

  1. To open Run Console, press the shortcut keys Win + R simultaneously.
  2. Write cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter hotkey to launch the elevated Command Prompt. Type cmd in Run console, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
  3. Now, run the below command in the Command Prompt (admin) window to open the hardware troubleshooter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticRun command in elevated cmd to open hardware troubleshooter
  4. As the Hardware and Devices pop up, click on Advanced. Click on Advanced in Hardware and devices troubleshooter
  5. Check the box next to Apply repairs automatically and press Next. enable apply repairs automatically in Hardware troubleshooter, press next
  6. Now, wait till Windows detects any issues. If any issues are found, it will apply the fix automatically.

Once the process is over, reboot your PC. Check if your HP scanner not working issue is resolved now.

A troubleshooter may help pull up the issues if your scanner won’t run due to a glitch.

3. Update drivers

To manually update drivers follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings from Start.
  2. Go to Windows Update, then select Advanced options.
  3. Select Optional updates.
  4. Expand the Driver updates section, then checkmark the scanner drivers.
  5. Reboot the computer.

If the scanner driver is outdated or corrupt, your HP scanner can stop working on Windows 11 hence, make sure to keep the drivers updated at all times.

To update the drivers, you may also visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver and install it on your PC.

There are third-party tools such as Outbyte Driver Updater, that can update the scanner driver for you automatically. With a few clicks, the program will scan your PC’s hardware and peripherals for potential driver upgrades.

The program detects your missing HP scanner driver and searches its database for important updates. After locating the most recent driver, the utility will replace or fix it. It is the quickest and easiest approach for renewing your HP scanner.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Enable compatibility mode

  1. Press the Win + R shortcut key to launch the Run console.
  2. Type control printers in the search bar and press Enter. Type diskmgmt.msc in Run console and hit Enter
  3. In the Devices and Printers window, right-click on the HP scanner and select Properties. right-click on HP scanner and select Properties
  4. In the Properties window, select the Compatibility tab. Now, go to Compatibility mode and enable the option – Run this program in compatibility mode for. Then, select any older Windows version from the drop-down. Enable compatibility mode for HP Scanner
  5. Press Apply and then OK to save changes and exit.

Now that you are done, check if the HP scanner is working fine.

4. Reinstall the HP Scanner

  1. Right-click on Start and select Device Manager. Right click on Start and select Device Manager
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand Imaging devices or Print Queues. Here, right-click on the HP scanner device and select Uninstall device. Right click on HP scanner device in Print queues in Device Manager and select Uninstall device
  3. As you see the Uninstall Device prompt, click on Uninstall to confirm.
  4. Once it’s completely uninstalled, reboot your PC.
  5. Now, visit the HP scanner’s official website, and download and install the latest scanner driver.

As the scanner driver is reinstalled, the HP scanner not working issue should be fixed now.

Alternatively, you can run the SFC and the DISM scan to find and fix any corrupt system files.

In case you have recently installed an update, uninstall the update and check if this helps fix the HP scanner not working issue on Windows 11.

If you’re also experiencing issues with the HP Smart app, our guide on how to resolve Windows 11 issues with the HP Smart app can offer additional troubleshooting methods.

For any other questions or advice, let us know all about them in the comments section below.

More about the topics: scanner, Windows 11

Madhuparna Roy

Madhuparna Roy Shield

A diploma holder in computers and with a keen interest in technology, Madhuparna is passionate about writing How-to guides and helping people solve the most intricate Windows issues. It all started with the evolution of mobile phones and Google, and that has now settled with Windows.