How To Change Where Scanned Files Are Saved In Windows 11

The old Windows Fax and Scan program has been dropped from the recent versions of Windows 11. The modern Scan app is the default scanner app in the recent versions of Windows 11.

The new Scan app offers more features and options than the Windows Fax and Scan. The ability to save scanned files in PDF and XPS is one of the highlights of the Scan app.

With default settings, the Scan app saves all scanned documents and pictures to the Scans folder under the Documents folder.

If you wish to change this default location, you can do so as well. This guide shows you how to change the location where the Scan app saves scanned files on a Windows 11 PC.

Change the default location of scanned documents in Windows 11

Step 1: Ensure that the scanner is connected to your Windows 11 PC and turned on. The Scan app does not let you change its default settings unless a scanner is connected and powered on.

Step 2: Once the Scan app is launched, click the Show more link on the left pane to see all available scanner settings and options.

Step 3: Here, the Save file to field shows the default location. To change the default location, click on the entry of default/current location, browse to a folder where you would like the Scan app to save all scanned files, and then click the Select folder button. That’s it!

Step 4: You may now close the Scan app. From now on, the Scan app will save all scanned files to the newly selected location.

Did you know?

The Scan app in Windows 11 lets you save scanned files in PDF, XPS, OpenXPS, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and Bitmap file formats. To select a file type, on the left pane click on File type and then select a file type.