Windows Fax and Scan utility has been part of the Windows operating system for a long time. Howeverit’s not part of the new Windows 11.
In Windows 11the Windows Fax and Scan tool has been replaced with the Scan app. Yesthe Scan app is also present in recent versions of Windows 10. In Windows 10howeverboth Scan and Windows Fax and Scan are availableunlike in Windows 11.
Most users will not miss the Windows Fax and Scan utility as the new Scan app offers everything available in Windows Fax and Scan toolconsidering that the Fax features are no longer needed.
The Scan app is a good one. It even lets you automatically save scanned documents as PDFs. That saidit rarely fails to recognize the connected scanner or shows “Something went wrong” during the scan process.
If you often need to scan documents and pictures and prefer the old Windows Fax and Scan tool over the new Scan appWindows 11 offers an option to install the Windows Fax and Scan tool. The thing is that Windows Fax and Scan has been made optional feature. In shortit’s not installed out of the boxbut you can install it.
This guide shows you how to install Windows Fax and Scan tool in Windows 11.
Install Windows Fax and Scan feature in Windows 11
NOTE: The Windows Fax and Scan tool can coexist with the Scan app. Sono need to remove it. That saidif you do not like ityou can uninstall the Scan app by going to Settings > Apps > Installed apps page.
Step 1: Navigate to Windows 11 Settings > System page. On the right sidescroll down to see Optional features. Click on it.
NOTE: If Optional features is missing from Settings > System pageplease check if present under Settings > Apps page.
Step 2: Hereclick View features button present next to the Add an optional feature.
Step 3: In the resulting dialogscroll down the list to see Windows Fax and Scan entry.
Select the check box next to the entry and then click the Next button.
Step 4: Hereclick on the Install button to install the Windows Fax and Scan. Note that your Windows 11 PC must have an active internet connection to install Windows Fax and Scan.
On the Settings > System > Optional features pageyou can see the status of the installation progress. Windows 11 might take a few minutes to complete the installation.
Step 5: Once installedyou can launch Windows Fax and Scan using search.
How to change scan settings in Windows 10/11 guide might also interest you.
William E Corey says
Everything is fine until I am supposed to click “next” to install; there is no “next” buttononly a “remove” button.
Dana says
Windows fax and scan is greyed outi cannot open or run it? It is also not listed under optional featureson my new laptop.
I just need a scanner. Which would you suggest if I am unable to use the Windows fax and scan?
Cynthia says
I found the Windows Fax and Scan. Once you click on the ‘View Features’ buttona list is populated. If Windows Fax and Scan is not in this listat the top of the window is a link to ‘See Available Features’. Here you will find the Windows Fax and Scan feature. Proceed as directed. Not sure if everyone has this issuebut the download took a long timeapprox. 20 mins.
John Klecker says
With Windows 11 there is no Fax and Scan either in the Apps section or under Systems / Optional Features / View or edit optional features. Due to this is their a way to download the Fax and Scan feature?
Temporary View says
Install Windows Scan from the Microsoft Store
M Gradie says
The comment that the fax feature is no longer needed is insulting. I need to provide my credit union with some documents and the options are to mailfaxor drive 30 minutes to drop them off in person. Sounds to me like I need a fax feature. Installing it was easy. Getting it to work is another thing. Instructions on how to do that would be appreciated.
Alexander says
“Couldn’t add”. What to do?
baye says
there is no fast downloading and installation
Dar Joneson says
What happened to my FAX and scan history?
admin says
Please ensure that you have admin rights and try again.
Dan Kutsche says
All both methods do is tell me that it “couldn’t add”.
Joe says
Unfortunately the optional features button is no longer displayed in Win11. But if you search Settings it will appear then you can follow the rest of the instructions.
Bev' says
Help! No “optional features” option showing up on my new computer!
Pete says
I don’t even have the Optional Features tab on my version of Windows 11
C Andrada says
Go to: Systems
Select: Optional Features
Scroll down to: Windows Fax and Scan
Sandy B. says
This worked very well! Thanks so much for showing us these clear instructions. I’m so glad to have a familiar and useful program on my new computer!
Jan says
As written by Matt “Fax and scan” is no longer listed as optional feature in Windows 11. Nevertheless you can install it by opening powershell as administrator and executing:
Dism /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
Matt says
Doesn’t work anymore settings no longer includes the option to install Fax and Scan.
rs says
Yes Windows 11 DOESN’T INSTALL ‘FAX’ function (process) is needed for a person to be able to SCAN documents with a Win 11 OSthank you very muchyour answer is correct! Easy to follow these instructions to fix your scanner.
M P CHANDRA SEKHAR says
Scan App in windows 11 is installed. How can I tell the Scan to put 2 or more pages in a file?
Unknown says
Thanksvery helpful.
admin says
Scan app cannot create one single file out of several scanned documents. Use this workaround: https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-combine-multiple-pictures-into-one-pdf-in-windows-10/
Klaus-Peter Millenet says
Scan App in windows 11 is installed. How can I tell the Scan to put 2 or more pages in a file?
Mark says
Windows Fax and Scan installed but Fax doesn’t workonly scan.
Keith Bickford says
This requires a FAX modem or FAX server.
syukur ramdani says
thx for the Information
Deng says
Windows Fax and Scan isn’t listed as an option in Windows 11. I would appreciate advice.
Thorsten H. says
Windows Fax and scan found and installed under Windows 11 pro. Works fine!
k says
really thanks!
Bobsr says
Windows fax and scan is not listed under optional feature please help thank you
fouad says
thanks a lot