How to Network a Scanner

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 Tested

You can connect several computers in a network to a single scanner. This allows each computer to access and use the scanner's functions, so that if a picture or document is scanned, it can be sent to multiple computers simultaneously. This is a useful setup for those who do not have (or want) scanners for each computer, such as a household, a classroom, or an office. The steps below detail how to network scanners in Windows Vista, 7, and Mac OS X using a networked computer as a dedicated file server.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Setting Up a Scanner for Mac OS X Networks

1
Open the Apple Menu and select "System Preferences."
2
Select "Sharing" in the View menu.

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3
Check the box next to "Scanner Sharing" to enable the option.
4
Select the scanner you want to share.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Connecting a Scanner to a Networked Computer Using Mac OS X

1
Open Image Capture or Printer/Scanner Queue.
2
Choose the scanner you're using from the "SHARED" group in the left pane.
3
Open Preview from the Applications Folder (or your dock if an icon is placed there).
4
Select "File," then "Import from Scanner," and then "Include Network Devices."
5
Select "File," "Import from Scanner," and then select the scanner your using.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Setting Up and Adding a Scanner to a Networked Computer Using Windows 7 and Vista

1
Open the Start menu and select "Control Panel."
- Select "Network" if you are using Windows Vista.
2
Type "network" in the search box. Click on "View network computers and devices" under "Network and Sharing Center." Disregard this step if you are using Windows Vista.
3
Find the scanner in the list of devices, right-click it, then select "Install."
4
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish adding the scanner.