Fix: Epson Scanner Not Working After Windows 11 Update

After upgrading to Windows 11, many Epson scanner users encounter frustrating issues:

• Their scanner isn’t recognized by the system, or
• The scanning software fails to launch or crashes unexpectedly.

Why does this happen?

The primary reason is outdated or incompatible drivers.

Most Epson scanners rely on drivers designed for older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 or earlier.

These drivers may not function properly on Windows 11 due to changes in the operating system’s architecture or security features.

But that’s not all. Here are some other common causes:

• Corrupted drivers: If the scanner drivers are damaged or improperly installed, the scanner may not function correctly. This can happen due to incomplete updates, software conflicts, or system errors.
• Connectivity issues: Problems with the USB connection, faulty cables, or incorrect port settings can prevent the scanner from being detected by your computer.
• Conflicting applications: Other software on your system, such as antivirus programs or third-party scanning tools, might interfere with the scanner’s operation. These applications can block necessary permissions or cause resource conflicts.
• Windows 11 settings: New privacy and security features in Windows 11, such as enhanced permissions for devices, might block the scanner from functioning unless explicitly allowed.

Don’t worry—this issue is fixable!

In this article, we’ll walk you through several proven methods to resolve the problem and get your Epson scanner working smoothly on Windows 11.

Before You Begin:

Make sure your scanner is properly connected to your computer. Even a minor disconnection can prevent the device from communicating with your system.

Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect the USB cable for visible damage or loose connections.
• Try using a different USB port or cable to rule out hardware-related problems.

A stable connection is essential for your scanner to work as expected.

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Before diving into more complex solutions, start by running the Windows Printer Troubleshooter.  (Yes, the printer troubleshooter. We know the problem is with your scanner, but this tool is designed to handle issues with imaging devices, including scanners, as they often share similar drivers and system resources.)

This built-in tool automatically scans for and fixes common printer-related issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Navigate to Troubleshoot and click on Additional troubleshooters.
4. Locate Printer in the list and click Run the troubleshooter.

2. Disable Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

The Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service acts as a bridge between your computer and imaging devices like scanners.

Sometimes, this service can cause conflicts with Epson’s software, especially after a Windows update.

Temporarily disabling WIA can help clear outdated or incompatible settings, giving your scanner a fresh start to reconfigure itself properly.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, locate Windows Image Acquisition, right-click on it, and select Properties.
3. In the Properties window, change the Startup Type to Disabled.
4. Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.

3. Stop Conflicting Applications

This issue often occurs when other applications conflict with the printer spooler. If the spooler is already in use by another program, it can prevent the scanner from functioning properly, as the device is tied up by the conflicting process.

This is particularly common with 2-in-1 devices, such as printer-scanner combos, where both functions rely on the same spooler service.

To resolve this, you can stop any unnecessary applications or clear the spooler queue to free up the device for scanning.

1. Press Windows + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager, look for any applications that might be using the Print Spooler service. Close these applications by selecting them and clicking End Task.

4. Use Microsoft Scanner Application

If Epson’s scanner app is not working, try the Microsoft Scan app. This official tool is optimized for Windows 11 and simplifies scanning by enabling seamless communication between your scanner and the operating system.

1. Search for the Microsoft Store in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. In the search bar, type Microsoft Scan and press Enter.
3. Click on the Get button, then select Install to download the application.
4. Wait for the installation to complete, then try scanning using the newly installed app.

5. Contact Epson Support

If none of the solutions above resolve the issue, it’s time to reach out to Epson Support. Their team is equipped to handle technical problems and can provide personalized assistance to fix the error.

Here’s how you can get in touch:

1. Visit the official Epson Support page here.
2. Use the live chat feature for instant help.

Alternatively, you can call their support hotline for direct assistance.

Pro Tip: Before contacting support, make sure you have the following details ready:

• Your printer model number.
• A brief description of the error and the steps you’ve already tried.
• Any error codes or messages displayed on your printer.

This will help the support team diagnose and resolve your issue faster.