How to Fix HP Printer Scanner Not Working After Windows 10 Update?

Windows 10 updates are designed to improve system performance and security, but sometimes they can cause compatibility issues with connected devices. If your HP printer scanner is not working after a Windows 10 update, you are not alone. Many users experience scanning errors, driver conflicts, or scanner detection problems after major system updates.

Why HP Printer Scanner Stops Working After Windows 10 Update?

After a Windows update, the following issues may occur:

Outdated or incompatible HP scanner drivers
Windows replacing HP drivers with generic drivers
Disabled Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service
Corrupted system files
Firewall or security software blocking scanner communication
HP printer software not updated

Understanding the root cause helps you apply the correct solution.

Restart Your HP Printer and Computer

Before performing advanced troubleshooting, start with a basic restart:

Turn off your HP printer.
Shut down your computer.
Disconnect the printer from power for 60 seconds.
Restart your computer.
Turn the printer back on and reconnect it.

Sometimes Windows updates temporarily interrupt device communication, and a restart restores functionality.

Update or Reinstall HP Printer Scanner Drivers

One of the most common reasons for scanning issues is outdated or incompatible drivers.

Steps to Update HP Scanner Drivers:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Imaging Devices or Printers.
Right-click your HP printer scanner.
Select Update Driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If updating does not fix the issue:

Reinstall the Driver:

Go to Device Manager.
Right-click your HP scanner.
Select Uninstall device.
Restart your computer.
Reinstall the latest HP software package.

Reinstalling ensures proper compatibility with the latest Windows 10 version.

Check Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) Service

The scanner depends on the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) service to function.

How to Enable WIA Service:

Press Windows + R.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Locate Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
Double-click it.
Set Startup Type to Automatic.
Click Start, then Apply.

If WIA is disabled, the scanner will not work.

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor Tool

HP provides a diagnostic utility that automatically detects and fixes scanning problems.

Steps:

Download and install HP Print and Scan Doctor.
Open the tool.
Select your HP printer.
Click Fix Scanning.
Follow on-screen instructions.

This tool can repair driver conflicts, connectivity issues, and corrupted scanner settings.

Check Windows 10 Privacy Settings

Sometimes Windows updates modify privacy settings that block scanner access.

To Allow Scanner Access:

Open Settings.
Go to Privacy.
Click Camera and Microphone.
Ensure apps are allowed access.
Enable access for scanning apps.

Incorrect privacy settings can prevent scanner applications from functioning.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Security software may block scanner communication.

Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall.
Try scanning again.
If scanning works, add the HP software to the exception list.
Re-enable security software.

Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for printers.

Go to Settings.
Select Update & Security.
Click Troubleshoot.
Choose Printer.
Run the troubleshooter and apply fixes.

This tool detects common configuration errors.

Roll Back Windows Update (If Necessary)

If the issue started immediately after a Windows update and no solution works:

Go to Settings.
Click Update & Security.
Select View update history.
Choose Uninstall updates.
Remove the most recent update.

This should only be used as a last resort.

Reset HP Printer

Resetting the printer can resolve firmware conflicts.

Turn the printer on.
Disconnect the power cord while it is on.
Wait 60 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord.
Turn the printer back on.

When to Contact HP Customer Support

If none of the above methods work, you may need professional assistance. Contact HP customer support if:

The scanner is not detected at all
Driver installation repeatedly fails
You receive persistent hardware error codes
The scanner hardware may be damaged

HP technical support can guide you through advanced troubleshooting or service options.

Prevent Future Scanner Issues After Windows Updates

To avoid similar issues:

Keep HP printer drivers updated regularly
Install Windows updates carefully
Create system restore points before major updates
Use official HP software packages
Restart your printer after large updates

Proactive maintenance helps prevent compatibility conflicts.

Conclusion

If your HP printer scanner is not working after a Windows 10 update, the issue is usually related to driver conflicts, disabled services, or system changes made during the update. By updating drivers, enabling WIA service, adjusting privacy settings, and using HP diagnostic tools, you can quickly restore scanning functionality.