Windows Fax and Scan utility has been part of the Windows operating system for a long time. However, it’s not part of the new Windows 11.
In Windows 11, the Windows Fax and Scan tool has been replaced with the Scan app. Yes, the Scan app is also present in recent versions of Windows 10. In Windows 10, however, both Scan and Windows Fax and Scan are available, unlike 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 tool, considering 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 said, it 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 app, Windows 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 short, it’s not installed out of the box, but 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. So, no need to remove it. That said, if you do not like it, you 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 side, scroll down to see Optional features. Click on it.
NOTE: If Optional features is missing from Settings > System page, please check if present under Settings > Apps page.
Step 2: Here, click View features button present next to the Add an optional feature.
Step 3: In the resulting dialog, scroll 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: Here, click 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 page, you can see the status of the installation progress. Windows 11 might take a few minutes to complete the installation.
Step 5: Once installed, you can launch Windows Fax and Scan using search.
How to change scan settings in Windows 10/11 guide might also interest you.
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 mail, fax, or 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 OS, thank you very much, your 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
Thanks, very 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 work, only 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