The Scan app is part of both Windows 10 and its successor Windows 11. In Windows 11, only the Scan app is present by default, whereas Windows 10 comes with both Scan and Windows Fax & Scan by default.
One of the benefits of using the Scan app over its predecessor Windows Fax and Scan tool, is that it can save scanned documents and pictures in PDF without using any additional software.
The Scan app does not offer much over the Windows Fax and Scan utility. That said, you get all the basic settings and options required to scan documents and pictures.
Since the Scan app is relatively new, it still has some issues. At times, it fails to detect the scanner. Sometimes, it shows a “could not complete the scan” message during the scan.
If you have been encountering issues with the Scan app, you can consider repairing, resetting, or reinstalling it.
This guide shows you how to repair, reset and reinstall the Scan app in Windows 10/11.
Reset or repair the Scan app in Windows 10/11
Step 1: Open the Settings app. In Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & features page.
In Windows 11, navigate to Apps > Installed apps page.
Step 2: Look for the Scan app’s entry. In Windows 10, click on the Scan app’s entry and then click the Advanced options link.
In Windows 11, click the three dots next to the entry and then click Advanced options.
Step 3: This is the final step. Under the Reset section, click the Reset button to reset the Scan app settings to their default. Then, to repair the Scan app, click the Repair button. Note that Windows 10 does not offer the repair option for the scan app. That’s it!
Reinstall the Scan app in Windows 10/11
Step 1: In Windows 10, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features page. In Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Apps > Installed apps page.
Step 2: In Windows 10, click on the Scan app’s entry and then click the Uninstall option. In Windows 11, click the three dots next to it and then click the Uninstall option (refer to the picture below).
Step 3: In this step, you will be asked for confirmation. Click the Uninstall button again to uninstall and remove the Scan app from Windows 10/11.
Step 4: Once the Scan app is uninstalled, open the Microsoft Store app, search for the Scan or Windows Scan app, and then click on the Get/Install button to install the Scan app. Simple as that!
How to change scan settings in Windows 10/11 guide might also interest you.
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