With default settings, documents scanned using the built-in Windows Fax and Scan application are saved in the Scanned Documents folder located under the Documents folder.
Of course, you can right-click on a scanned page within the Windows Fax and Scan application, click the Save as option, and then select a location of your choice to save the scanned document/picture. But Windows 10 will continue to automatically save all scanned documents to the Scanned Documents folder.
If you often scan tens of documents, you might want to change the default location where scanned documents are saved to avoid filling up the system drive fast. Changing the default location of scanned documents is a good idea as it’s located in the system drive, which will be erased when you reinstall the Windows 10/11 operating system.
Method 1 of 2
Change the Scanned Documents folder location in Windows 10/11
Windows 10/11 offers a provision to move the Documents folder to a different location. Since the Scanned Documents folder is located under the Documents folder, we can use this provision to change the location of the Scanned Documents folder. The only downside is that it moves the Documents folder as well. If you want to move only the Scanned Documents folder without changing the location of the Documents folder, please refer to the directions in Method 2 (scroll down to see).
Note that all existing files and folders under the Documents folder will be moved to the new location.
Step 1: Open This PC or Computer. Right-click on the Documents folder (located in the navigation pane) and then click Properties.
Step 2: Switch to the Location tab. Click on the Move button, select a new location, and then click the Select Folder button to move the Documents folder and all folders under it.
Click the Apply button. Finally, click the Yes button when you get the confirmation dialog. This will move the Scanned Documents folder to the new location.
Method 2 of 2
Move the Scanned Documents folder in Windows 10/11
In this method, we create symbolic links to move only the Scanned Documents folder to a location of your choice. Here is how to do that.
Step 1: First of all, you need to take ownership of the Scanned Documents folder. Otherwise, you will get the “Access Denied” error while trying to create symbolic links.
Step 2: Next, you need to download free software called Symbolic Link Creator. Note a portable version of the tool is also available if you don’t want to install the tool.
Step 3: Run the Symbolic Link Creator with admin rights. Select the Folder symbolic link from the drop-down box, select the Scanned Documents folder, and then select a new location for the scanned documents folder.
Click the Create Link button to move the folder to the new location. That’s it!
Our how to save scanned documents and pictures as PDF files guide might also interest you.
Ant says
***DO NOT***
I repeat DO NOT use either of these methods.
Doing so will leave your computer in an un-usable state.
Simply install Windows Scanner from the Microsoft Store. When you open the app all your options are on the left side of your screen.
Go to “Save file to” it will have “Scans” by default. You can change the location of your saved scanned documents.
KD says
Very good Appreciated
Informative and right
ripov says
You can access your scanner using the built in winIdows tool C:\Windows\System32\wiaacmgr.exe the “import” screen has an option to change the save locationI f you save to one folder regularly,leave a shortcut to this exe file in that folder then its always at hand’
“M”do you know how to changethis location with a registry hack? please tell us maybe it can be modified automaticallyby a .reg file? thanks
Mark says
I agree this is a very poor solution.
M says
This is a bullshit solution, First method moves the WHOLE “Documents” Folder instead of just Scanned Documents, the second method demands using additional software. All solution can be made in the Registry.