Speed, reliability, and compatibility are key considerations when purchasing a scanner for your Windows PC
A document scanner is the perfect addition for a family, home office, or small business operating in the Windows 10 environment. They allow you to accelerate your workflow, help reduce paper clutter, simplify retrieval of important information and for personal use, make it easier to send grandma that picture your kid made. And with the wealth of options out there, there’s a scanner that’s perfect for you.
While Windows 10 may seem like the default experience for most PC users, there are still considerations to keep in mind when choosing one of the many available scanners for Windows 10 — especially if you plan to upgrade your operating system in the near future. Read on for recommendations on how to get the most out of your Windows 10 scanner.
Need help picking the right scanner for your needs? Check out our guide, How to Choose the Right Scanner for Your Computer
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Scanners for Windows 10: Features to look for
Fast and reliable scanning speeds
Our recommendation: ScanSnap iX1600
What is a Windows 10 scanner?
A Windows 10 scanner is a desktop scanner that’s fully compatible with the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. This compatibility ensures advertised features work within the operating system, connect to other Microsoft-developed and Windows-compatible programs, and ensures smooth installation.
Windows 11: Should I upgrade?
Microsoft released Windows 11 on October 5, 2021, and is encouraging Windows 10 users to upgrade their operating system to receive the latest features and security updates. While many programs and devices built for Windows 10 will work seamlessly on Windows 11, some may experience unexpected issues or fail to work entirely. Confirm with your scanner’s manufacturer that your device and accompanying software are compatible before deciding to upgrade, as you may find yourself unexpectedly locked out.
Did You Know? ScanSnap scanners are fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. Click here to learn more.
Scanners for Windows 10: Features to look for
Fast and reliable scanning speeds
Every family or home office has different needs, whether you process hundreds of documents a day for work or just need to scan the odd tax document or receipt. Whatever your situation, your scanner should efficiently be able to scan whatever documents you throw at it without having to worry about paper jams or low-quality images.
Scanner speed is often signified by pages per minute (ppm), while image resolution is measured with dots per inch (dpi). Many scanners offer settings that increase image resolution at the expense of scanning speed. 30-40 ppm with 300dpi is a solid benchmark for an average black and white document.
The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is the mechanism that processes paper sheets through your scanner, so make sure it has features that ensure pages won’t get bunched up or torn during processing. The ADF should be able to hold at least a few dozen sheets. Also, look for attachments for keeping odd-sized papers and receipts organized.
Did You Know? PCMagazine described the ScanSnap iX1600 as “the ideal sheetfed document scanner” for home and small offices. Click here to read the full review.
Wireless connectivity
As families accumulate an assortment of computers and mobile devices for work and play, network connectivity isn’t just a nice-to-have feature — it’s expected. Many scanners come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to scan and send documents from any device on their home network. Ensure your scanner accepts both 2.5GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands for maximum compatibility with your network router.
Scanning software
Scanners often come bundled with proprietary software to take full advantage of the scanner’s capabilities. Features range depending on the manufacturer, but essentials include:
- Support for multiple file types like JPEG or PDF
- Auto-naming and sorting scanned files
- Customizable profiles for multiple users
- Image processing and touch-up features, like size detection and automatic rotation
- Ability to send scans directly to email or cloud storage services like Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or DropBox
Our recommendation: ScanSnap iX1600
We know you have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a home document scanner. We pride ourselves on having spent the last 50+ years designing and developing some of the most beloved electronics in the world, including our line of award-winning, easy to use, one touch ScanSnap scanners.
Our flagship scanner, the ScanSnap iX1600, provides an all-in-one solution for Windows 10 without sacrificing functionality or quality. The automated feeder can hold up to 50 sheets, providing rapid scans of up to 40 double-sided pages per minute. The built-in Ultrasonic Sensor and Brake Rollers detect and prevent jams regardless of paper types, and the included Receipt Guide helps organize and process delicate or awkwardly sized documents along with your regular output. Plus, the built-in touch screen and included software make processing and organizing your completed scans a snap. Click here to learn more and shop the full line of ScanSnap scanners.