How to Fix Scanner Error 0x00000015 on Windows?

When users initiate the scanning process, they encounter the error “The device is not ready. error code 0x00000015”. This error code indicates that the scanner cannot be accessed, mostly due to a communication issue between the scanner and the computer. The most common cause of this problem is the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service not running.

Other factors, including outdated drivers, USB connection issues, or conflicts with other software, can also cause this issue. 

1. Simply Press OK and Ignore

If this occurs to you for the first time, you can simply press OK and ignore it. The scanning process will continue. If not, proceed with the solutions below.

2. Enable Services

Scanning devices use various Windows services which, if not enabled, can cause issues that interrupt the scanning process and show this error. You can try enabling all the scanning-related services to ensure that all the required services are enabled and are not the root cause of this issue.

1. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
   
2. Ensure the following services are enabled and running:

   Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
   DCOM Server Process Launcher
   RPC Endpoint Mapper
   Shell Hardware Detection
   Windows Image Acquisition

3. If any of them are not enabled, right-click on it and select Properties.
   
4. Change the startup type to Automatic and press OK.
   
5. Restart your PC afterward.

3. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause issues while working, so updating drivers to the latest version will allow the hardware device to work properly, as most bugs are fixed in the latest versions.

1. Search for Device Manager in the search box and open it.
   
2. Locate the scanner device, right-click on it, and select the update option.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Clean Boot

Third-party software can interrupt the hardware devices and cause interruptions in their operation. Clean booting Windows will disable all third-party applications and services installed on the computer. This will ensure that no third-party software is causing problems with the scanning device.

You can check our article on How to Clean Boot Windows.

5. Reinstall Drivers

It might be possible that the drivers you’ve installed on your Windows are corrupted and causing this issue. You can reinstall drivers. This will remove the previously installed drivers and install a fresh version, which has a higher chance of solving this problem.

1. Search for Device Manager in the search box and open it.
   
2. Locate the scanner device, right-click on it, and select the uninstall option.
   
3. Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically install the recommended drivers for the hardware.