Printing works, but scanning doesn’t
A working print driver does not guarantee a working scanner. Check the hardware, connection and scanner component in that order.
Confirm that the printer has a scanner
Check the complete model and its specification. Similar-looking printers can have different functions: Brother HL-L2350DW is print-only, while HL-L2395DW includes scanning. Software cannot add a scanner to a print-only device. On a multifunction printer, also distinguish the flatbed from an automatic document feeder.
Check whether the computer finds the scanner
Confirm whether you are using USB, a network connection or a shared print queue. Access to a shared print queue does not automatically provide access to the scanner. For a network scanner, check the printer’s network status and whether the scanning application has selected the current device rather than an old address.
Choose scanner software by model and OS
On the manufacturer’s download page, look for scanner drivers or a package that explicitly includes scanning. The exact names vary: a Printer Driver entry can be print-only, while MP Drivers or a full package may include scanner components. Some supported devices also work with built-in scanning tools. Read the component list instead of choosing by download size alone.
On Windows, check protected print mode
Microsoft notes that some compatible printers have scanners that are unavailable in protected print mode. If scanning disappeared after enabling it, check the scanner against the linked Mopria list and read the manufacturer’s supported setup. On a managed computer, have the administrator choose the appropriate configuration.
A fresh page appears in the scanning application’s preview. Test feeder scanning separately if needed.
Common questions
Why can I print but not scan?
Printing and scanning use different functions and may need different software. First confirm that the model has scanning hardware, then check the connection and the manufacturer's scanner component. Installing a print driver alone does not guarantee scanning.
Will a full driver package add scanning to a print-only printer?
No. Software cannot add scanning hardware. For example, the Brother HL-L2350DW is a print-only model; the HL-L2395DW is a different model with scanning. Check the complete model number before looking for a scanner driver.
Official references
- Microsoft: Windows protected print mode
- Brother: HL-L2350DW support
- Brother: HL-L2395DW downloads
- Apple: Add a printer on Mac