How Do You Scan a Document to Your Windows Computer

Reduce clutter and bring yourself joy

We probably use more paper now than ever, even though it’s easier, faster, and cheaper to deal with digital documents. So scan those paper relics into your Windows computer and recycle the paper.

What File Type Should I Use?

Most scan apps can save the file in one or more formats:

Scan Documents into Windows with Windows Scan App

The best part of most printers is the scanner. It’s also the most common way to scan documents into Windows. How this works will differ a little from scanner to scanner.

Scanners, like those on all-in-one printers, have a flatbed or document feeder (sometimes both).

You can set where the resulting file will be saved by selectingScans. If you leave it atScans, it’s likely going to yourPictures>Scansfolder. It will create the Scans folder if one doesn’t exist.

Scan to Windows with Windows Fax and Scan

Yes, Windows Fax and Scan is still available. Although it’s older software, it does allow for more control over the scan.

Scan Documents into Windows with an iPhone

You don’t need a special app for the Apple iPhone to scan documents. It’s built into iOS as part of the Notes app. To share to Windows, you’ll need either a Teams or OneDrive account and have that registered on the iPhone. If you don’t, you can email it to yourself as well.

Scan Documents into Windows with Google Drive

Older Android versions could scan documents directly from the camera app. In recent versions, scanning has been moved into the Google Drive app.

To save to another folder within Drive, tapMy Driveand navigate to the desired spot and tapSelect. The app returns to theSave to Drivescreen. TapSave.

Scan Documents into Windows with the Office App

You can use the Microsoft Office app as a scanning app on Android and iOS devices. Microsoft also has the Lens app that works in the same manner. If you have a Microsoft 365 license, go with the Office app because it can do much more than just scanning.

Transfer Scanned Documents into Windows with the Office App

The Office scan program has another handy feature when you want to scan a document and access it on a computer that isn’t yours. TheTransfer Filesaction can do that, and you don’t even need a USB port or cable.

There are several scan programs for Windows, iOS, and Android, but why not use the built-in scan apps we’ve covered? They’re already there, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy using these methods to save files and time.

Guy has been published online and in print newspapers, nominated for writing awards, and cited in scholarly papers due to his ability to speak tech to anyone, but still prefers analog watches.Read Guy’s Full Bio

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How Do You Scan a Document to Your Windows Computer#

What File Type Should I Use?#

Scan Documents into Windows with Windows Scan App#

Scan to Windows with Windows Fax and Scan#

Scan Documents into Windows with an iPhone#

Scan Documents into Windows with Google Drive#

Scan Documents into Windows with the Office App#

Transfer Scanned Documents into Windows with the Office App#