Many of the classic apps have been dropped from the all-new Windows 11. One of them is the classic Windows Fax and Scan.
On Windows 11, the Scan app is the default scanner app. As its name suggests, the Scan app allows you to scan and save documents and pictures to your PC.
One of the important features of the Scan app is the ability to save scanned documents in PDF instead of saving them in JPEG or PNG format. Yes, the Scan app can save scanned documents directly in PDF without using any third-party software.
This guide will show you how to use the Scan app to save scanned documents in PDF in Windows 11.
Save scanned documents in PDF on Windows 11
Step 1: Ensure your scanner or all-in-one printer is connected to the computer and turned on.
Step 2: Launch the Scan app. If the Scan app is missing for some reason, you can install it from the Microsoft Store.
Step 3: Once the Scan app is launched, on the left pane of the app, your scanner’s entry shows up. If you have connected two or more scanners, please select the one you want to use from the drop-down.
NOTE: If the Scan app shows the “To get started, connect a scanner” message, please check if the scanner/printer is connected to your PC and turned on.
Step 4: Now, select the Source as Flatbed scanner or Feeder. This is the crucial step, as the default Auto-configured option does not let you save scanned documents in PDF.
Step 5: Next, from the File type drop-down, select the PDF option. And if the PDF option is missing, it’s likely because you have not selected Flatbed scanner in the previous step.
Step 6: Finally, click on the Scan icon to scan the document and save it. Note that you can also click on the Preview icon before clicking the Scan button to preview the document.
How to change scan settings in Windows 10/11 guide might also interest you.
Roman says
Can this app scan to multiple pages to one PDF file?
White says
Ditto – thank you for this valuable information. Saved me a lot of time and frsustration!
Sister P. says
I truly appreciate you posting this information. I started using Windows 11 last year, and I was tired and sick due to several situations. I haven’t had the time to figure out why the Windows Scan App would not allow me to scan documents to .pdf format. I never even paid attention to the source tab in the app. I was missing the obvious; it was right in front of me. Today, I told myself I don’t feel good and have a horrible headache, but I have to figure this out.
I just thanked God for you. Thanks for posting this valuable information, which saved me money and time! I can’t now take a pill and lie down until the pain goes away. Thanks, Gracias, Molto Obrigado, Grazie Mille, Domo Arigato Dosaima, Go Raibh Maith Agat, Danke, Salamat! Dio vi benedica!