How to scan documents on Windows 10
If you need to scan physical documents, in this guide, we’ll show you two easy ways to get that done on Windows 10.
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Although we’re now living in a digital world, from time to time, you may still need to scan important documents, such as handwritten letters, contracts, forms, and more, for many reasons. For instance, when you need to sign and send an agreement digitally via email, you want to convert important papers into digital files for inventory or preservation purposes, etc.
If you have a multi-function printer or standalone scanner, you can probably walk up to the device and directly scan the document (or picture) onto a USB flash drive. However,Windows 10has two apps you can use to save you the trip to scan any documents and pictures directly onto your device without having to use the manufacturer software, whether you have a flatbed or feeder scanner.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through two methods to scan documents and photos on your device.
How to scan documents using Windows Scan app
Windows 10 has a modern app to scan documents using a scanner, but you must first download and install it from the Microsoft Store.
Install Windows Scan app
To install the Windows Scan app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will install, and you can proceed to convert documents from physical to digital.
Scan documents
To scan physical documents to PDF, JPEG, or another file format, use these steps:
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Once you complete the steps, the scanner will scan the document, and the app will save a digital copy in the Scans folder inside the Pictures profile folder unless you selected a different location.
If you scanned an image, the view option would open the file with the Photos app, and if you scanned a document as PDF, then the file will open with the default PDF viewer.
In the case that you’re in the market for a new all-in-one printer with scanning capability, then look no further than the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025 since it’s a reliable wireless printer that offers decent speed and good quality printing. Of course, it also includes a flatbed scanner with feeder functionality to scan both sides of the page. This is our best overall, but we haveother picks you may want to consider.
It prints and scans
The OfficeJet Pro 8025 is a great solution for your home office or small business. It’s full of smarts so that you can use it with the cloud.
How to scan documents using Windows Fax and Scan app
Alternatively, you can also use the legacy Windows Fax and Scan app. The app has been available for many years, and it includes all the essential features to scan documents and images. (If you have a modem and landline, you can also use it to send and receive faxes.)
To scan a document with the Windows Fax and scan app, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, you can find the output file in the “Scanned Documents” inside the Documents folder.
We’re focusing this guide on scanning documents, but the instructions will also work to convert printed pictures into digital copies.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
