USB printer still prints, but the scanner is missing

If a USB all-in-one still prints but Windows 11 suddenly cannot find its scanner, you may be seeing a Windows problem Microsoft is currently investigating.

Does this sound like your problem?

This guide is a good match if all three are true:

• The printer is connected to the computer by USB.
• Printing still works.
• The scanner or fax feature disappeared or will not install in Windows 11.

Try one safe reconnect

1. Click Start → Settings.
2. Open Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
3. Select the all-in-one printer and choose Remove.
4. Unplug the printer's USB cable from the computer.
5. Wait a few seconds.
6. Reconnect the USB cable.
7. Give Windows a moment to find the device.
8. Check Scanner settings again, or try a scanning program you already use.

Microsoft says reconnecting the USB device can bring the scanner back temporarily on some affected computers.

If the scanner is still missing

If printing still works, do not factory-reset the printer or repeatedly uninstall unrelated software. Keep Windows updated and check the printer maker's official support page for your exact model.

If the printer uses Wi-Fi instead of USB, use the general scanner guide.

Official source