If your HP scanner is not working, don’t worry. This is a common scanner problem and you can fix it quickly and easily.
Why is my HP scanner not working?
The HP scanner not working issues include the scanner won’t scan, the scanner not being detected by your computer, or errors popping up when you’re using your scanner, etc.
The causes for these problems are various and sometimes hard to identify. As you can imagine, the connection problem can prevent your scanner from connecting to the computer, and the software and services problems in your computer are the possible reasons for this issue.
But don’t worry. We’ll help you fix the scanner not working on HP.
How to fix the HP scanner not working
Here are solutions that have helped people resolve the same issue. You don’t need to try them all; just work your way down the list.
- Check the connection issue
- Enable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service and associated services
- Update your scanner driver
- Troubleshoot hardware problems
- Run System File Checker
Fix 1: Check the connection issue
To use your scanner, you need to make sure that your scanner is powered on in the first place.
Then you should check the connection issue. If you’re using a USB scanner, check the USB ports and USB cables to ensure it works properly. While you’re using a network scanner, ensure your computer has a good Internet connection, and your scanner connects to your computer under the Internet. In addition, if you’re using VPN on your computer, try disconnecting VPN from your computer and scanning again.
If you’ve checked the above steps and your HP scanner still doesn’t work, don’t worry. There is something else to try.
Fix 2: Enable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service and associated services
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) is a Microsoft model that allows graphics software to communicate with imaging hardware such as scanners and cameras. So you should enable WIA service in your computer if your scanner stops working. Here’s what you need to do:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
- Type services.msc and click OK.
- Scroll down and double click Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
- In the popup pane, ensure the Startup type is set Automatic, and the Service status is Running.
If the Service status is already Running, click Stop to stop the service, then click Start to re-enable the service.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Then restart your computer. Try to use your HP scanner again and see if it works now.
If your HP scanner issue still persists, follow these steps to enable some more services:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
- Type services.msc and click OK.
- Ensure these services are set to Automatic and the Service status is Running.
- Remote Procedure Call RPC
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
- RPC Endpoint Mapper
- Shell Hardware Detection
INFORMATION:
The Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service is dependent upon the Shell Hardware Detection Service, while the Shell Hardware Detection Service is dependent upon these services: Remote Procedure Call RPC, DCOM Server Process Launcher, and RPC Endpoint Mapper.
- Save the changes and try your scanner again to see if it works.
Fix 3: Update your scanner driver (Windows PC)
A missing or outdated scanner driver can cause your HP scanner not to work, so you should update your scanner driver up to date.
There are two ways to update your scanner driver: manually and automatically.
Manually update scanner driver – You can go to the website of your scanner manufacturer, find the latest driver for your scanner, and install it on your computer. This requires time and computer skills.
Automatically update scanner driver – If you don’t have time or patience, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can download and install your drivers by using either the Free or Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version, it takes only 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money-back guarantee):
- Download and install Driver Easy.
- Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
- Click the Update button next to your scanner to download the latest driver (you can do this with the FREE version), then install it on your computer.
Or click Update All to automatically download and install all problem drivers in your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
If you need assistance, please contact Driver Easy’s support team at support@drivereasy.com.
4) Restart your computer to take effect.
Then try scanning with your scanner to see if it works.
Fix 4: Troubleshoot hardware problems
It’s possible that there’s something wrong with your scanner, so run a troubleshooter in your computer to fix the issue.
- Type cmd in the Windows Search bar and select Run as administrator.
- Copy & paste the following command line into the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Click Next in the popped-up window and the troubleshooter will start detecting hardware problems automatically.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the troubleshooting and fix the detected issue.
After that, try your scanner again and see if it’s working properly.
Fix 5: Run System File Checker
System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows feature that scans corrupted system files and repairs it automatically.
Your HP scanning is not working because of some corrupted system files, so you can try SFC to fix the problem.
- Type cmd in the search box, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- In Command Prompt, type the following command, then press Enter.
sfc /scannow
- Then wait for Verification 100% complete. This can take a while.
- Once complete, Type exit in Command Prompt and press Enter to close the window.
Restart your computer and see if your scanner begins to work.
So there you have it – Five effective methods to fix the HP scanner not working. Hope this post comes in handy and resolves your problem.