Windows 11 Scanner App Cannot Find Network Scanner: Fix

When you open the Windows Scan app on Windows 11, your network scanner does not appear in the device list. This problem usually occurs because the scanner is on a different network subnet, a firewall blocks the discovery protocol, or Windows Scan only supports WSD devices and not older SLP or SNMP-based scanners. This article explains the root cause of the discovery failure and provides step-by-step fixes to make your network scanner visible.

Why Windows 11 Scan App Cannot Detect Your Network Scanner

The Windows Scan app, also called Windows Scan, is a Universal Windows Platform app that relies exclusively on the WSD protocol to discover scanners on the network. WSD uses multicast discovery on port 3702. If your network scanner uses the older SLP or SNMP protocols, or if your router or firewall blocks multicast traffic, the scanner will not appear in the app.

Another common cause is that the scanner and the Windows 11 PC are on different network subnets. WSD discovery does not cross subnets unless a WSD proxy is configured. Additionally, some enterprise network security policies disable WSD discovery entirely.

Steps to Make Your Network Scanner Visible in Windows 11

Method 1: Add the Scanner Through Windows Settings

This method manually adds the scanner by IP address, bypassing the WSD discovery limitation.

1. Open Windows Settings
   Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device
   Click the Add device button. Windows will search for nearby printers and scanners. Wait 30 seconds. If your scanner does not appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
3. Select Add a printer using an IP address
   In the Add Printer wizard, select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
4. Enter the scanner’s IP address
   Set Device type to TCP/IP Device. Enter the scanner’s IP address in the Hostname or IP address field. Click Next. Windows will detect the scanner and install the driver.
5. Complete the wizard
   Follow the on-screen prompts. After installation, the scanner appears under Printers & scanners. Open the Windows Scan app to verify.

Method 2: Use the Control Panel Devices and Printers

This method is an alternative to Settings and works for some scanner models that Settings cannot detect.

1. Open Control Panel
   Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter. Click View devices and printers under Hardware and Sound.
2. Click Add a printer
   Click Add a printer at the top of the window. Windows will scan for network printers and scanners.
3. Select The printer that I want isn’t listed
   If your scanner does not appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
4. Choose Add a printer using an IP address
   Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next. Enter the scanner’s IP address. Click Next and complete the driver installation.

Method 3: Install the Manufacturer’s Scanner Software

If your scanner uses SLP or SNMP protocols, the Windows Scan app will never detect it. Install the manufacturer’s scanning software from the support website. For example, Epson Scan 2, Canon IJ Scan Utility, or HP Scan. These applications use the scanner’s native protocol and will find the device on the network.

Method 4: Enable WSD on the Scanner (If Supported)

Some network scanners allow you to enable WSD in their embedded web server. Open a browser, enter the scanner’s IP address, log in, and look for Network Settings > WSD or Web Services. Enable WSD and save the settings. Restart the scanner. Then try the Windows Scan app again.

Common Issues When the Scan App Still Cannot Find the Scanner

Scanner on a Different Subnet

WSD discovery does not cross subnets. If your scanner is on a VLAN or a separate IP range, the Scan app will not see it. Use Method 1 or Method 2 to add the scanner by IP address. Alternatively, move the scanner to the same subnet as your Windows 11 PC.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking WSD Discovery

Windows Defender Firewall may block inbound WSD traffic. To check, open Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Ensure Network Discovery is enabled for both Private and Public networks. If you use a third-party antivirus, temporarily disable it and test the Scan app.

Windows Scan App Not Responding or Crashing

If the Scan app itself crashes, reset it. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find Windows Scan, click the three dots, select Advanced options, then click Reset. After the reset, restart Windows and try again.

Windows Scan App vs Manufacturer Software: Discovery Methods

Item	Windows Scan App	Manufacturer Software
Discovery protocol	WSD only	SLP, SNMP, WSD, Bonjour
Cross-subnet support	No	Yes with IP address entry
Firewall requirements	Port 3702 UDP open	Varies by protocol
Driver installation	Automatic via Windows Update	Manual download from website
Additional features	Basic scan only	OCR, multi-page PDF, advanced settings

The Windows Scan app is convenient for WSD-compatible scanners on the same subnet. For older devices or cross-subnet setups, manufacturer software is more reliable.

Conclusion

You can now fix the Windows 11 Scan app when it cannot find your network scanner by adding the device manually through Settings or Control Panel using its IP address. If the scanner uses older protocols, install the manufacturer’s scanning software instead. For persistent issues, ensure WSD is enabled on the scanner and that Windows Defender Firewall allows Network Discovery. As a final tip, use the Win + Shift + S keyboard shortcut for quick screen captures if scanning is not urgent.