How to Get Gimp to Recognize My Scanner

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The GIMP image editing application for Windows allows you to scan images directly into the app from any TWAIN-compliant scanner. If you try to scan an image but your scanner doesn't show up in GIMP, there's a problem with your scanner's TWAIN drivers in Windows. Either they're not installed, or they need to be updated to a newer version. The surest way to get the right drivers for your scanner is to use the disc that came with the scanner, or to download the latest drivers directly from the Web.

Locate the disc that came with the scanner, or download the latest TWAIN-compliant drivers from the scanner manufacturer's website.

Connect your scanner to your computer and turn the scanner on.

Press "Windows-X" on your keyboard, and then select "Device Manager" from the options in Windows 8. In Windows 7, click the Start button, type "device manager" into the search field, and then select "Device Manager" from the results.

Click the arrow next to "Imaging Devices." If the scanner isn't listed here, click the arrow next to "Other Devices" to display the listing for the scanner.

Right-click the scanner name and select "Update Driver Software."

Click "Browse My Computer for Driver Software," and then click "Next."

Click the "Browse" button, and then navigate to the folder containing the downloaded drivers. If you want to install the drivers from a disc instead, insert the disc and navigate to the drive letter. Click "OK."

Click "Next" to install the new drivers, and then click "Close."

Launch GIMP to see if the app recognizes your scanner. Click "File," "Create," and then "Scanner/Camera." The scanner name will appear in the "Sources" box if the correct TWAIN drivers are installed.