Xerox Scanner Not Working — Fix Scan to Computer
By Ryan Green · Updated August 2026 · Independent guide · PrinterCare USA LLC (not affiliated with any printer manufacturer)
It's frustrating when your Xerox all-in-one suddenly prints fine but refuses to scan. The print function and scan function use different drivers and communication pathways, so one can fail while the other works perfectly. This problem usually stems from driver issues, connectivity problems, or incorrect scanner settings rather than a hardware failure.
The good news is that most users can resolve this in under thirty minutes by following these proven steps. We will start with the simplest fixes and work toward more advanced troubleshooting so you regain scanning capability without unnecessary downtime.
How to fix it — step by step
- Verify the scanner is turned on and ready. Check the physical scanner glass or feeder on your Xerox machine to ensure nothing is blocking the scan path. Look at the control panel to confirm no error lights are illuminated and that the scanner bed shows a green ready status. If your model has a separate scanner power button, press it to ensure the scanning module is active and not in sleep mode.
- Test scanning directly from the printer panel. Use the buttons on your Xerox all-in-one's control panel to scan a test page directly to a USB drive or email without involving your computer. This tells you whether the hardware itself works or whether the problem is strictly with the computer connection. If this succeeds, your scanner hardware is fine and the issue is software or network related.
- Restart your computer and printer completely. Power off your computer completely and wait ten seconds before restarting it. At the same time, turn off your Xerox printer using its power button, wait thirty seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary memory and resets the communication between devices, which resolves many scanning issues caused by software conflicts.
- Check and reseat USB connections if wired. If your scanner is connected by USB cable, unplug the cable from both the printer and your computer. Inspect the connectors for bent pins, debris, or damage, then plug the cable firmly back into the USB ports on both devices. USB connections can loosen over time or accumulate dust, which disrupts scanner communication even when printing works fine.
- Download and install the latest scanner driver. Visit the official Xerox support website and search for your exact printer model number. Download the latest scanner driver and software suite for Windows 11 or macOS, whichever you use. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts completely, then restart your computer when prompted to ensure the new driver loads properly.
- Remove and reinstall the Xerox scanner in Device Manager. On Windows 11, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu. Locate your Xerox scanner under imaging devices, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device. Restart your computer so Windows automatically rediscovers and reinstalls the scanner with fresh settings.
- Verify network settings if using wireless scanning. If your scanner connects via network rather than USB, go to your Xerox printer's settings menu and confirm it is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Check that your computer and printer are on the same network and that no firewall is blocking scanning traffic. Some network security software blocks scanner communication even when printing works, so temporarily disable your firewall to test.
- Factory reset the scanner if nothing else works. Access your Xerox printer's settings menu through the control panel and locate the option to reset scanner or factory reset. This option clears all scanner settings and returns them to defaults, which resolves persistent software corruption. Write down any custom scanning settings before resetting so you can reconfigure them afterward.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my Xerox print fine but the scanner does not work at all?
Printing and scanning use completely separate driver software and communication systems, so one can fail independently. Your scanner driver may be corrupted or outdated while your printer driver remains functional. The scanner may also be in sleep mode, disconnected from the network, or blocked by firewall rules.
What should I do if I see an error message like 'Scanner not found' on my computer?
This message means your computer cannot communicate with the scanner, which usually indicates a driver problem or connection issue. First uninstall and reinstall the scanner driver as described in step six, then check that your USB cable is plugged in securely or that your wireless network connection is stable. If the error persists, try connecting the scanner to a different USB port or computer to isolate the problem.
Can I still use the printer function while the scanner is broken?
Yes, your printer function will continue working normally since it uses different internal systems from the scanner. You can keep printing while troubleshooting the scanner issue without any impact on printing quality or reliability. However, you will not be able to scan, email scans, or use any scanning features until you complete the repair steps.
How much does it cost to hire a professional if I cannot fix this myself?
Many IT support services offer remote diagnostics and driver installation for around $49, which is considerably cheaper than an on-site technician visit. Remote support allows a technician to access your computer and update drivers while you watch, completing the fix in twenty to thirty minutes. If your issue requires parts replacement or on-site service, you would typically pay between $150 and $300 depending on your location and warranty status.