Scanner Not Working After Driver Installation

Causes, Fixes, and Step-by-Step Solutions (Windows & macOS)

Introduction

A scanner that suddenly stops working after installing or updating a printer driver is a common issue faced by home users and offices. In most cases, the problem is not hardware-related, but caused by driver conflicts, disabled services, or incorrect system permissions.

This guide explains why scanners fail after driver installation and provides step-by-step fixes for Windows and macOS, based on real-world troubleshooting scenarios.

How to Fix Print Jobs Stuck or Failing on Windows and macOS

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Common Causes of Scanner Not Working After Driver Installation

Before fixing the issue, understand the most frequent causes:

• ❌ Incorrect or incomplete driver package installed

• ❌ Scanner service (WIA / ICA) disabled

• ❌ Driver incompatible with OS version

• ❌ macOS printing system corruption

• ❌ USB or network connection conflicts

• ❌ Security permissions blocking scanner access

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Fix Scanner Not Working on Windows

1. Check Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

Most scanners rely on the WIA service.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type services.msc

2. Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)

3. Set:

   • Startup type: Automatic

   • Service status: Running

4. Restart the service

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2. Verify Scanner in Device Manager

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager

2. Expand:

   • Imaging devices

   • Printers

3. Look for:

   • Yellow warning icon ❗

4. If found:

   • Right-click → Uninstall device

   • Restart PC

   • Reinstall the official full driver package

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3. Install Full Driver & Utilities Package

Many users install print-only drivers, which do not include scanner components.

✔ Always download:

• Full Driver & Software Package

• From the official manufacturer website

Avoid third-party driver sites.

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4. Check Antivirus & Firewall

Temporarily disable antivirus during installation. Some security software blocks scanner services silently.

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Fix Scanner Not Working on macOS

1. Reset Printing System (Most Effective Fix)

This resolves most scanner issues on macOS.

Steps:

1. Open System Settings

2. Go to Printers & Scanners

3. Right-click inside the printer list

4. Select Reset Printing System

5. Restart Mac

6. Reinstall the printer & scanner driver

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2. Allow Scanner Permissions

macOS may block scanner access.

Steps:

1. System Settings → Privacy & Security

2. Open:

   • Files & Folders

   • Full Disk Access

3. Allow access for:

   • Scanner software

   • Printer utility apps

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3. Add Scanner Manually

1. System Settings → Printers & Scanners

2. Click +

3. Select the scanner from:

   • Default

   • IP (for network scanners)

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Network Scanner Troubleshooting (Wi-Fi Models)

If using a wireless scanner:

• Ensure scanner and computer are on same Wi-Fi network

• Prefer 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for better compatibility

• Restart:

  • Router

  • Printer/scanner

  • Computer

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Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✔ Use official driver only
✔ Install full driver package
✔ Restart after installation
✔ Check scanner services (WIA / ICA)
✔ Reset printing system (macOS)
✔ Verify permissions & firewall

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When Scanner Still Does Not Work

If the issue persists:

• Try an older driver version

• Update OS to latest stable release

• Test scanner on another computer

You can also refer to this related guide:
👉 How to Fix Printer Offline Error

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Conclusion

A scanner not working after driver installation is almost always a software or configuration issue, not hardware failure. By reinstalling the correct driver, enabling required services, and resetting system settings, most scanner problems can be resolved in minutes.

Following the steps above ensures stable scanning performance on both Windows and macOS.