WIA Driver Required: How to Fix Scanner Error

If your scanner or multifunction device displays a "WIA driver required" message, it may indicate an issue with the device’s software or Windows drivers. WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) is a Microsoft interface standard designed for communication between hardware like scanners and cameras within Windows. When there's an error with the WIA driver, the scanner may not function properly. Let’s go over the main methods to resolve this issue.

1. Update Scanner Drivers

A common cause of WIA issues is outdated or corrupted scanner drivers. To update them, follow these steps:

  • Go to Device Manager (right-click "This PC" → "Manage" → "Device Manager").
  • Locate your scanner in the device list, right-click on it, and select Update Driver.
  • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and follow the prompts.

If Windows doesn't find any updates, try downloading the latest driver version directly from the scanner manufacturer’s official website and installing it manually.

2. Restart the WIA Service

The WIA service manages communication between the scanner and Windows. If it isn’t running, the device might not work correctly. Here’s how to restart it:

  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • Find Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) in the list and double-click it.
  • In the window that opens, ensure the startup type is set to "Automatic". Then click Start if the service is not already running.

3. Check the System for Errors

Sometimes WIA errors are related to corrupted Windows files. You can check and repair these with a built-in utility:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (type cmd in the search bar, right-click, and select "Run as Administrator").
  • In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete, and Windows will repair any issues found.

4. Reinstall the Scanner

If the previous methods didn’t work, try removing the device from the system and reinstalling it:

  • Go to Control Panel → "Devices and Printers".
  • Find your scanner, right-click, and select Remove device.
  • Restart your computer and reconnect the scanner. Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.

5. Update Windows

In some cases, WIA issues arise from an outdated version of Windows. Ensure all updates are installed:

  • Go to Settings → "Update & Security" → "Windows Update".
  • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.