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Connect and power on a USB scanner; Windows will often install it automatically. If it does not, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device, select the scanner, then use Windows Scan to make a flatbed scan. The Windows 10 Settings path differs slightly, as noted below.
Connect a scanner in Windows Settings
The available connection method depends on your scanner. A flatbed may connect by USB or over a network; use Bluetooth only if the model supports it. Follow the scanner maker’s instructions for powering it on and, for wireless models, joining a network.
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| Connection | What to do | What to check if it is not found |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Connect the scanner to the PC and switch it on. Windows commonly installs local scanners automatically. | Check the cable and power, then use Add device. |
| Network or Wi-Fi | Connect the scanner to the network using its manufacturer’s instructions, then search in Printers & scanners. | If both devices use Wi-Fi, make sure they are on the same wireless network or SSID. |
| Bluetooth, if supported | Turn on Bluetooth and make the scanner discoverable according to its manual, then search in Printers & scanners. | Check Bluetooth support, discoverability, range, and Windows discovery settings. |
Windows 11: add the scanner
- Connect and power on the scanner. For a network scanner, first join it to the network using its manual.
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Beside Add printer or scanner, select Add device. Wait while Windows searches; this may take a few minutes.
- When your scanner appears, select it and choose Add device to install it.
Windows 10: add the scanner
Open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, then choose Add a printer or scanner and select the scanner when it appears. For Bluetooth scanners, Microsoft’s Windows 10 Bluetooth path is also Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
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Confirm Windows recognizes it
Return to Printers & scanners and look for the scanner in the device list. With an all-in-one printer, the entry may use the printer’s name rather than identifying itself as a scanner. Select that entry and look for Scanner settings.
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Scan a document or picture from the flatbed
- Search for and open Windows Scan. If it is not installed, Microsoft says to get it from the Microsoft Store.
- Place the document or picture face down on the scanner glass and close the cover.
- In Windows Scan, select the intended scanner. Set Source to Flatbed if necessary; the selected source should match where you placed the item.
- Choose an available file type: JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or Bitmap. Select Show more to choose a save folder. If you do not select another location, scans go to Pictures/Scans in your user folder.
- Select Scan.
If Windows cannot find the scanner
- Check power and connection: Make sure the scanner is on. For USB, check the cable connection; for Wi-Fi, confirm that the scanner and PC are on the same network.
- Remove and add it again: In Printers & scanners, remove the device and try adding it again. Microsoft also recommends checking the scanner manufacturer’s site for troubleshooting guidance and driver updates.
- For Bluetooth models only: Confirm the PC supports Bluetooth, turn it on, make the scanner discoverable, and check that it is within range. Windows has a Bluetooth discovery setting that may affect whether devices appear. Microsoft also notes that unshielded USB devices connected to USB 3.0 ports can sometimes interfere with Bluetooth.
- For model-specific issues: Wireless onboarding, driver requirements, compatibility, and menu names vary by scanner. Consult the manufacturer’s support information for the exact model.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft’s scanner guidance covers Windows 11 and Windows 10. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. The setup steps above describe the Settings paths, but do not change that support status.
Sources: Microsoft: Install and use a scanner in Windows; Microsoft: Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows; Microsoft: Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows; Microsoft: Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
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VIISAN 3120 A3 Flatbed Scanner, 1200 DPI, CIS Sensor, Scan 11.7" x 16.7" in 8 sec, Frameless, Auto-Scan, Document & Photo & Book Scanner, Design for Library, School and Soho. Supports Windows & Mac
- VIISAN 3120 is designed for high-quality scanning of artworks, photos, painting albums, books, magazines, newspapers, CAD drawings, and other large document items up to 304 x 426 mm (11.98" x 16.8") in size. It is ideal for school projects, business work, graphic designing, and digital publishing work. [Power Compatibility:] This A3 flatbed scanner is equipped with a universal power adapter (AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz, 12V/2A), making it fully compatible with standard voltage requirements in the United States and most countries worldwide. Simply plug it in and use it with confidence—no special converters or additional accessories needed.
- The VF3120 flatbed scanner offers the fastest scanning speed of 8 sec (200dpi, A3-size color). It also provides a maximum optical resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi which delivers a color depth of 48-bit vivid true-to-life image and realizes smoother and more detailed color gradients and variations
- The Auto-Scan function enables the scanner to scan automatically when the scanner lid is closed. It enhances the efficiency of the continuous scanning process. and LED Light Source, Save Energy, No Warm-Up Time, No More Waiting
- The VF3120 features in frameless and narrow boundary design which allows to scanning of large documents, photo albums, books, magazines, and thick items. It helps you work efficiently with four-panel buttons enabling scan, email, print, and even create a single or multipage PDF. All in a snap. (Note: The A3 flatbed uses a CIS sensor that can only scan flat paper images, not three-dimensional items. Otherwise, it will lead to unclear or blurred scanning results. So it is not recommended to scan clothes or CDs, acrylic sleeves, etc.)
- Compatible with Windows TWAIN, WIA, and MacOS ICA drivers. WIA only supports 600 dpi. Support Windows 7/8.1/10/11 and MacOS 10.15 or later for Image Capture (ICA) driver only. Note: To scan images at 1200 dpi, please use our supplied ViiScan software. It can scan up to 1200x1200 DPI for full-size A3 documents on Windows OS. For MacOS, the VF3120 scanner software can achieve 1200 dpi for a full-size A3 document. Regarding WIA, we currently only support scanning up to 600 dpi due to limitations imposed by Microsoft
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Epson Perfection V39 II Flatbed Photo Scanner 4800 dpi Optical Resolution
- CLEAR, DETAILED PHOTO SCANS — Achieve stand-out image clarity and detail with the Epson Perfection Scanner's 4800 dpi optical resolution1; Quickly enlarge your favorite photos with the help of this hardworking flatbed color scanner
- IMAGE AND DOCUMENT SCANNER — The versatility you need; Jumpstart your home and office projects with this compact and lightweight picture scanner; Easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents, and more
- ENHANCED SCANNING — Boost your scanning capability and creative projects by seamlessly stitching oversized images together or sending scans to cloud storage services³ with powerful Epson ScanSmart technology² included with this image scanner
- EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH SCANNING — Flatbed scanner allows you to scan documents and images in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons³ making scanning a breeze; Scan letter-sized documents in as quickly as 10 seconds⁴
- PHOTO RESTORATION MADE EASY — Restore color to faded photos with one click using Easy Photo Fix technology, ensuring your memories remain vibrant; This scanner for old photos is the simple way to bring new life to your memories
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Epson Perfection V19 II Flatbed Photo Scanner 4800 dpi Optical Resolution
- Amazing image clarity and detail — 4800 dpi optical resolution (1), ideal for photo enlargements
- Epson ScanSmart software included (4) — easily scan photos, artwork, illustrations, books, documents and more
- One-touch scanning (2) — scan in fewer steps with easy-to-use buttons (2)
- Restore color to faded photos — with one click, Easy Photo Fix technology makes it simple
- Scan books and photo albums — high-rise, removable lid
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Canon CanoScan LiDE 400 Slim Scanner, 7.7" x 14.5" x 0.4", Document & Photo Scanner, Black
- Enjoy high speed scanning in as fast as 8 seconds, with the included USB Type-C cable. With USB Type-C the Cano scan lied 400 has one cable for data and power.
- Preserve detailed photos and images thanks to 4800 x 4800 dpi resolution, and with image enhancements, such as color restore and dust removal, Your photos will continue to look great.
- Enjoy ease of use with 'EZ' Buttons. With auto scan mode, the Scanner automatically detects what you are scanning; built-in PDF buttons, scan and save multi-page pdf's that are editable and searchable
- Paper size: 8.27 x 11.69, 8.50 x 11.69
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