If your scanner won’t work after an update on Windows, there are a few potential solutions you can try to get your device up and running again.
1. Check the Scanner Compatibility
Before doing anything else, make sure that your scanner is compatible with the version of Windows you have installed. If it isn’t compatible, then there’s no point in trying to make it work. To check the compatibility of your scanner, search online for its manufacturer’s website, where you’ll likely find a list of compatible hardware and software.
2. Update Your Scanner Driver
Assuming your scanner is compatible with the version of Windows you’re using, the next step is to make sure your scanner driver is up to date. To do this, open the Device Manager on your computer and find the scanner device. Right-click the entry and select “Update Driver” to check if there’s an updated version available.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Scanner Software
Another potential solution is to uninstall and reinstall the software that came with your scanner. To do this, open the Programs and Features window on your computer and locate the software in the list. Right-click it and select “Uninstall”. Once it is removed, download the latest version of the software from the manufacturer’s website and install it.
4. Check the Scanner Connection
If the above steps don’t fix the problem, you may want to double-check the connection between your scanner and computer. Make sure the cable is securely connected, and that the ports are properly configured. You may also want to try a different cable or USB port if available.
5. Disable Antivirus and Firewall Software
In some cases, antivirus or firewall software can interfere with the operation of the scanner, so you may want to temporarily disable them to see if this helps. After disabling the software, try scanning again. If it works, you’ll know the problem is related to the security software. In which case, you’ll need to configure it so that it doesn’t interfere with the scanner.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Windows
The last option is to uninstall and reinstall Windows itself, which is obviously a drastic measure. If none of the above steps helped, then this may be worth considering as a last resort. Be aware, though, that you’ll lose any programs and files not backed up, so make sure you have everything you need first.
If your scanner still won’t work after trying all of the above solutions, then it’s likely that the device has simply become too old to work with the most recent version of Windows. In this case, you’ll need to look into investing in a new scanner.