Recommended Free Tools
If Windows 11 can’t find your scanner, first check its connection and add it in Windows settings. Then identify the scanner’s exact make and model before installing a driver. The title alone does not establish that your scanner needs a Broadcom driver: Microsoft documents a separate, narrowly defined Windows 11 issue affecting some USB-connected multifunction printers.
First, check whether Windows can find the scanner
- Make sure the scanner or multifunction printer is powered on and connected to your PC or network.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the control to add a device and let Windows search. Windows usually discovers local and network scanners automatically. See Microsoft’s instructions for installing and using a scanner.
If your scanner is part of an all-in-one printer, it may appear under the printer entry rather than as a separate scanner. Open the device’s management view and look for its scanner function.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Identify the device before looking for a driver
Find the exact manufacturer and model of the scanner or multifunction printer, then use that manufacturer’s support page to locate a driver compatible with Windows 11. Avoid choosing a driver based only on the word “Broadcom.” Broadcom’s support download search asks users to search by product name or model and narrow results by product and asset type. The title does not identify your scanner or establish that a Broadcom scanner driver exists for it.
Broadcom entries in the Microsoft Update Catalog cover driver categories beyond scanners. A search result bearing that name is not evidence that it matches your scanner.
#1 Best Overall
- PORTABLE SCANNER FOR USE ON-THE-GO — The fastest and lightest mobile single-sheet-fed compact document scanner in its class¹
- QUICK DOCUMENT SCANNING ― This Epson ultra-fast scanner scans a single page as quickly as 5.5 seconds²; Windows and Mac compatible
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING ― Portable scanner scans documents up to 8.5 x 72 in; Also easily digitizes receipts and ID cards to make accounting, bookkeeping, and organizing simpler
- INTUITIVE, HIGH-SPEED SOFTWARE — Epson ScanSmart Software³ is a smart tool allowing you to easily scan, review, and save; Stay organized easily with the help of this Epson scanner
- EASY SETUP — USB-powered connect to your computer for quick and simple scanning; No batteries or external power supply required to operate portable document scanner; Standard Connectivity: USB 2.0
Check whether the Windows update issue applies
Microsoft documents a specific Windows 11 problem that can make scanner functions on certain multifunction printers stop working. Check for this issue only if all of these conditions match:
- Your PC runs Windows 11 and has update KB5079473 or a later update.
- The multifunction printer is connected by USB.
- The printer supports Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) over USB.
In that scenario, Microsoft says non-printing functions, such as scanning or faxing, can become disconnected; the scanner driver may fail or the scanner may not be recognized. This notice does not apply to every scanner, every USB printer, or every Broadcom device. Microsoft says it has no confirmed workaround and is investigating. Read the current notice in Microsoft’s known-issues documentation.
Rank #2
- Scanner type: Document
- Connectivity technology: USB
- With Auto Scan Mode, the scanner automatically detects what you're scanning
- Digitize documents and images
A temporary reconnect attempt
Microsoft notes that, in some environments, removing the printer in Settings, disconnecting the USB device, and reconnecting it may temporarily restore detection. This is not a guaranteed fix or confirmed workaround.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STAY ORGANIZED – Easily convert your paper documents into digital formats like searchable PDF files, JPEGs, and more.Power Consumption : 2.5W or less (Energy Saving Mode: 0.7W). Suggested Daily Volume : 500 scans..Does it contain liquid: no
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE –lightweight and small in size, you can take the scanner anywhere from home offices, classrooms, remote offices, and anywhere in between
- HANDLES VARIOUS MEDIA TYPES – Digitize receipts, business cards, plastic or embossed cards, reports, legal documents, and more
- FAST AND EFFICIENT – No technical hurdles or complicated setups here; easily scan both sides of a document at the same time, in color or black-and-white, at up to 12 pages-per-minute, and with a 20 sheet automatic feeder
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY – Works with both Windows and Mac devices, be it laptop or computer
Rank #4
- OUR MOST ADVANCED SCANSNAP. Large touchscreen, fast 45ppm double-sided scanning, 100-sheet document feeder, Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, automatic optimizations, and support for cloud services. Upgraded replacement for the discontinued iX1600
- CUSTOMIZABLE. SHARABLE. Select personalized profiles from the touchscreen. Send to PC, Mac, mobile devices, and clouds. QUICK MENU lets you quickly scan-drag-drop to your favorite computer apps
- STABLE WIRELESS OR USB CONNECTION. Built-in Wi-Fi 6 for the fastest and most secure scanning. Connect to smart devices or cloud services without a computer. USB-C connection also available
- PHOTO AND DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION MADE EFFORTLESS. Easily manage, edit, and use scanned data from documents, receipts, photos, and business cards. Automatically optimize, name, and sort files
- AVOIDS PAPER JAMS AND DAMAGE. Features a brake roller system to feed paper smoothly, a multi-feed sensor that detects pages stuck together, and skew detection to prevent paper damage and data loss
Rank #3
- FAST SPEEDS - Scans color and black and white documents a blazing speed up to 16ppm (1). Color scanning won’t slow you down as the color scan speed is the same as the black and white scan speed.
- ULTRA COMPACT – At less than 1 foot in length and only about 1. 5lbs in weight you can fit this device virtually anywhere (a bag, a purse, even a pocket).
- READY WHENEVER YOU ARE – The DS-640 mobile scanner is powered via an included micro USB 3. 0 cable allowing you to use it even where there is no outlet available. Plug it into you PC or laptop and you are ready to scan.
- WORKS YOUR WAY – Use the Brother free iPrint&Scan desktop app for scanning to multiple “Scan-to” destinations like PC, Network, cloud services, Email and OCR. (2) Supports Windows, Mac and Linux and TWAIN/WIA for PC/ICA for Mac/SANE drivers. (3)
- OPTIMIZE IMAGES AND TEXT – Automatic color detection/adjustment, image rotation (PC only), bleed through prevention/background removal, text enhancement, color drop to enhance scans. Software suite includes document management and OCR software. (4)
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and remove the affected printer.
- Disconnect its USB cable from the PC.
- Reconnect the printer and check whether Windows detects its scanner function.
If the scanner still is not detected
- Confirm the model and connection type, then check the device manufacturer’s Windows 11 support information.
- Check whether the scanner appears under an all-in-one printer’s management view.
- If you are considering multiple driver options, compare their stated Windows 11 compatibility, device and connection type, driver source and version, and applicability to the installed Windows update.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
