The Windows Fax and Scan program is a classic desktop application designed to help users scan documents and photos and send/receive faxes.
Windows Fax and Scan was part of all recent versions of the Windows operating system, including early builds of Windows 11, but it’s no longer installed by default in Windows 11. That is, Windows Fax and Scan is no longer preinstalled in Windows 11. It’s not available for download on the Windows 11 Store as well.
The Fax and Scan program is now offered as an optional feature that users can install by navigating to Windows 11 Settings > System > Optional features page. Many users who are trying to install Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11 are reporting that the Fax and Scan entry is missing from the Optional features page. If you are also encountering the same issue, it could be because of the reasons mentioned below.
You are running Windows 11 on an ARM-powered PC
While Windows Fax and Scan is available for all editions of Windows 11, including Windows 11 Home, users who have installed Windows 11 on an ARM-powered PC do not see the Windows Fax and Scan app entry in the Settings > System > Optional features page, as Windows Fax and Scan does not support ARM processors.
Most users are not aware that they have an ARM-powered PC. Most OEMs are offering ARM-powered laptops and tablets these days as they are power efficient. For instance, some Microsoft Surface models are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which is an ARM-based processor. So, please refer to our how to check if your Windows 11 PC is ARM-based guide, and then, if on a non-ARM PC, try the method given below.
If you are using an ARM-powered PC, use the built-in Scan app to scan documents and pictures if you are not interested in the Fax feature. You can also use your scanner’s official software to scan documents and pictures. For instance, HP offers an app called HP Smart and HP Scan and Capture for its printers and scanners.
Try installing Windows Fax and Scan via Command Prompt
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do that, search for Command Prompt, right-click its entry, and then click the Run as administrator option.
Step 2: Type the following command and then hit the Enter key to install the Fax and Scan.
DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Fax.Scan~~~~0.0.1.0
Ensure that you are trying to install Windows Fax and Scan via the Settings app and not Control Panel
Many users are trying to open the classic Windows Features dialog via the Control Panel only to find that Windows Fax and Scan is not listed there. Windows Fax and Scan can only be installed from the Settings app. Refer to our how to install Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11 guide for directions.
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