This type of issue usually occurs when there is an incompatibility between the scanner and the version of Windows that you have installed on your system. It could be caused by a lack of updated or compatible drivers, or even a missing or damaged file that prevents the device from being identified.
In cases where a scanner is displaying as an “unknown device” in Windows, the first thing to do is to check the driver. Confirm the scanner is connected correctly to the PC, then go to its device entry in Device Manager. Under the Driver tab, update the driver (if available) or uninstall and reinstall the existing driver. If the driver fails to install or won’t recognize the scanner, try downloading its latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling the scanner from the Device Manager, then plugging it into a different USB port. This can sometimes fix an “unknown device” problem. If the scanner does not appear in the list of devices in Device Manager, it may be because the current port is not compatible with the scanner. So, try another port if available.
Finally, check if Windows is able to recognize the scanner. From Start > Settings > Devices, select Add a device on the right side of the window, and follow the wizard. If the scanner still shows up as an unknown device, you may need to contact the scanner manufacturer for further support.
It could also be possible that there is an underlying issue with the Windows OS itself. In this case, try performing a System File Checker (SFC) scan. This will check for any corrupted/missing system files and replace them if needed.
If all else fails, you can try resetting the system. This will restore the original state of the OS, which should hopefully fix the scanner issue. However, do be aware that this will remove any recently installed applications and settings, so it’s not recommended unless you have no other option.
In summary, if your scanner shows up as an unknown device in your Windows system, try updating/installing its driver, using a different USB port, using the Add a device feature in Windows, running an SFC scan, and finally resetting the system.