How to troubleshoot and fix a network printer that prints but scanner is not detected over the network in Windows 11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to troubleshoot and fix a network printer that prints but scanner is not detected over the network in Windows 11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When a network printer can print without issue but the scanner is not detected by Windows 11, the problem is almost always related to how Windows discovers and communicates with scanning services. Printing typically uses a standard port, while scanning relies on additional discovery protocols such as WSD (Web Services for Devices) or a vendor-specific scan driver. This guide walks you through resolving scanner detection issues step by step.

Quick Fix Steps

If you are short on time, try these steps in order. Most scanner detection problems are resolved by step 2 or 3.

1. Restart your printer and computer.
2. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall for Private networks and test scanning.
3. Reinstall the full printer driver package from the manufacturer's website.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Confirm the printer's network connection and IP address

Before troubleshooting software, verify that the printer is reachable on your network.

1. On the printer's control panel, print a network configuration or status page. The method varies by manufacturer — look for a Network or Reports menu.
2. Note the printer's IP address (for example, 192.168.1.25).
3. On your Windows 11 computer, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
4. Select your printer and click Printer properties.
5. Go to the Ports tab and confirm the checked port matches the printer's IP address. If the port is a WSD port (it will contain WSD in the name), note this — it is relevant for the next step.

Step 2: Check Windows Defender Firewall settings

Windows Firewall can block the discovery protocols that scanning requires, even when printing works fine.

1. Open the Start menu and type Windows Security, then press Enter.
2. Click Firewall & network protection.
3. Click your active network profile (usually Private network for a home or small office).
4. Toggle Microsoft Defender Firewall to Off temporarily.
5. Try scanning again using your usual scanning application (e.g., Windows Scan, Windows Fax and Scan, or the manufacturer's scan utility).

Step 3: Enable and verify WSD services

Windows 11 uses WSD (Web Services for Devices) to discover scanners on the network. If these services are disabled, scanning will fail even when printing works.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Function Discovery Provider Host in the list.
3. Double-click it and set Startup type to Automatic. If the service is not running, click Start.
4. Repeat for Function Discovery Resource Publication.
5. Locate SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host. Set both to Automatic and start them if they are not running.
6. Close the Services window and restart your computer.

Step 4: Allow the printer through Windows Firewall (if firewall was the cause)

If scanning worked with the firewall disabled, create a permanent exception rather than leaving the firewall off.

1. Re-enable Microsoft Defender Firewall for your network profile.
2. Open the Start menu and type Allow an app through Windows Firewall, then press Enter.
3. Click Change settings (administrator rights required).
4. Look for Network Discovery in the list. Tick both Private and Public columns.
5. Look for File and Printer Sharing. Tick both Private and Public columns.
6. Click OK and test scanning again.

Step 5: Reinstall the scanner driver

Windows 11 may install a generic print driver that lacks scanning support. Installing the full manufacturer driver package often resolves scanner detection.

1. Visit the printer manufacturer's support website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Kyocera).
2. Search for your exact printer model and download the full feature software and driver package for Windows 11 (64-bit). Avoid "basic" or "print-only" drivers.
3. Before installing, remove the existing printer entry:
   • Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select your printer and click Remove.
4. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Choose a Network or Wireless connection type when asked.
5. During installation, the software should automatically detect the printer on the network. If it does not, enter the printer's IP address manually when prompted.
6. After installation completes, restart your computer and test scanning.

Step 6: Use the manufacturer's scan utility

Windows' built-in scanning tools (like Windows Scan) may not work with all network scanners. The manufacturer's own software is often more reliable.

1. Open the Start menu and search for your printer brand (e.g., HP Smart, Canon IJ Scan Utility, Epson Scan, Brother iPrint&Scan).
2. Launch the utility and look for a Scan or Scanner option.
3. If the utility prompts you to select a scanner, choose your printer from the list.
4. Perform a test scan.

Troubleshooting

Scanner still not detected after reinstalling drivers

• Check that the printer's firmware is up to date. Visit the manufacturer's support page and install any available firmware updates.
• Try connecting the printer to the computer via USB temporarily. If scanning works over USB but not over the network, the issue is network-related, not driver-related.
• Ensure the printer is not in Sleep or Deep Sleep mode. Some printers disable scanning services while asleep. Wake the printer from its control panel before scanning.
• Check if your router has AP Isolation or Client Isolation enabled. This feature blocks communication between devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Disable it in your router's settings.

Scanner appears but scanning fails

• Ensure the scanner glass or automatic document feeder (ADF) is clean and free of obstructions.
• Check that the scanner lid is closed properly if scanning from the flatbed.
• Try scanning at a lower resolution or in a different format (e.g., PDF instead of JPEG) to rule out file size or format issues.
• Restart the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service:
  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
  3. Right-click it and select Restart.

If you have tried all the steps above and the scanner is still not detected, contact the printer manufacturer's support for further assistance.

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