This is a new laptop. My old one provided a listing of options available, (i,e, scan, file explorer... and more) I'm confused. I need to scan a document to attach to an email.

ROBBIE LENOX 0 Reputation points
2026-11-07T05:34:31.02+00:00

this is a new laptop. my old one provided a listing of options available such as scan, file explorer... and more I'm confused I need to scan a document to attach to an email

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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  1. SD - IA 182.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-07T06:58:45.1666667+00:00

    Hi,

    Connect your scanner or printer to the laptop (USB or Wi-Fi).

    Click Start and type Windows Scan.

    Open the Windows Scan app. If it is not installed, download it from the Microsoft Store.

    Select your scanner from the list.

    Place your document on the scanner glass or in the document feeder.

    Choose the file type (PDF, if available) and click Scan.

    Once scanning is complete, click View to locate the scanned document.

    You can then right click the document click Send To > Email to email the same.

    I hope this information is helpful. Kindly rate the thread if you have no other questions. Have a fantastic week.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-07T05:34:57.4733333+00:00

    Use the Windows Scan app to save the document on the laptop, then attach that saved file to a new email.

    1. Scan the document

    1. Turn on the printer/scanner and place the document:
      • Flatbed: face down on the glass.
      • Document feeder: follow the direction shown on the feeder.
    2. Right-click Start, select Search, and enter Windows Scan.
    3. Open Scan from the results.
      • If it is missing, search for Windows Scan in the Microsoft Store and install it.
    4. In the Scan app:
      • Under Scanner, select your printer/scanner.
      • Under Source, select Flatbed, Feeder, or Auto-configured.
      • Choose a file type such as JPEG or PNG.
      • Select Show more to choose where the file will be saved.
    5. Select Scan. Windows saves the completed scan automatically. If no folder was selected, look in File Explorer → Pictures → Scans.^1^

    2. Attach it to the email

    If using Outlook:

    1. Open Outlook and select New mail.
    2. Select Attach File—usually shown as a paperclip.
    3. Select Browse or Browse This PC.
    4. Open Pictures → Scans, or the folder selected while scanning.
    5. Select the scanned file and choose Open.
    6. Confirm the file name appears in the email, then address and send the message.^2^

    Other email services use similar wording: look for a paperclip, Attach, or Attach files button while composing the message.

    If the scanner is not listed

    Go to Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners:

    1. Select Add device beside Add printer or scanner.
    2. Wait for the scanner to appear, then select Add device.
    3. For a wireless scanner, ensure the laptop and scanner are connected to the same wireless network.
    4. If it is an all-in-one printer, select the printer and check whether Scanner settings appears.^1^

    References

    1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/install-and-use-a-scanner-in-windows#scan-a-picture-or-document-with-the-windows-scan-app)
    2. Add pictures or attach files to emails in Outlook
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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