Windows
Microsoft’s Windows Fax and Scan is a free, built-in tool for sending faxes and scanning documents on Windows 10 and 11—no extra downloads needed if you know where to look.
Still using a third-party fax app? You might be missing out on Microsoft’s official, no-cost solution that’s already on your system. Below, I’ll show you exactly how to access it, plus what to do if it’s missing or not working.
How to download Windows fax and Scan for free from Microsoft’s official source
Microsoft’s Windows Fax and Scan app is a hidden gem for sending faxes and scanning documents—yet many users struggle to find it. Unlike third-party tools, this app is pre-installed on Windows 10 (version 1809+) and Windows 11, but it’s often disabled or overlooked.
The good news? You don’t need to download anything extra if your system meets the minimum requirements. Let’s walk through how to access it safely and verify its legitimacy.
First, confirm your Windows version by pressing Win + R, typing winver, and checking the build number. If you’re on Windows 10 1809 or later or Windows 11, the app is already installed—you just need to enable it.
For older versions, Microsoft no longer supports it, so upgrading is your best option. Avoid pirated or unofficial downloads, as they risk malware or compatibility issues.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Only download from Microsoft’s official sources—never third-party sites promising "free" versions. Scammers often bundle malware with fake installers. Stick to the Microsoft Store or built-in Windows features for safety.
Here’s how to access Windows Fax and Scan step by step, whether it’s pre-installed or needs enabling:
If you encounter permission errors or the app crashes, right-click the Windows Fax and Scan shortcut and select "Run as administrator". This fixes many access issues. For Windows 11, also ensure your scanner drivers are up to date via Device Manager.
Pro tip: Use the OneDrive integration in the app to auto-save scanned documents to the cloud. Just link your Microsoft account in the app’s settings. This avoids cluttering your desktop while keeping files secure.
Still having trouble? Some users report issues with HP or Brother scanners not being detected. In this case, download the latest WIA drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Never use third-party "fixes"—they often introduce vulnerabilities.
Remember, Windows Fax and Scan is Microsoft’s official tool, so trust only Microsoft’s sources. Bookmark this guide for future reference, and share it with colleagues who still rely on outdated fax software!
Key features of Windows fax and Scan: what it can (and can’t) do
Microsoft’s Windows Fax and Scan app is a hidden gem for sending faxes and digitizing documents without third-party software. It’s pre-installed on most Windows 10 (version 1809+) and Windows 11 systems, but its capabilities often go underappreciated.
Whether you need to send a multi-page fax or scan a document with OCR (text recognition), this tool delivers—with some notable limitations.
The app excels at fax transmission via traditional phone lines or VoIP services, supporting both T.30 fax protocol and modern email-to-fax workflows. For scanning, it handles multi-page PDFs and JPEG exports, while its OneDrive integration lets you auto-save scans to cloud storage.
However, it lacks advanced features like batch processing or cloud fax storage, forcing users to rely on workarounds.
⚠️ CRITICAL LIMITATION: The app doesn’t store sent faxes or scans in the cloud—only locally or via manual OneDrive uploads. This makes it less convenient than paid services like eFax or MyFax, which offer web portals for fax history.
Here’s how it stacks up against alternatives in key areas:
For OCR (Optical Character Recognition), Windows Fax and Scan provides basic text extraction, but tools like Adobe Scan offer superior accuracy and searchable PDF exports. If you frequently send faxes, consider pairing it with a cloud fax service for history tracking.
The app’s OneDrive sync is useful, but manual uploads can be cumbersome compared to dedicated solutions.
Pro tip: Use the “Send Fax” feature with a VoIP provider like Google Voice for lower costs than traditional phone lines. Just ensure your modem/router supports fax passthrough if using a landline.
While Windows Fax and Scan is free and official, its lack of cloud fax storage and advanced OCR may push power users toward third-party tools. For most basic needs, though, it’s a reliable, no-frills solution that beats outdated fax software.