If you are facing ‘You need a WIA driver to use this Device’ error while trying to scan a document using your printer or scanner, then you are in right place for solution. In this post, we are discussing on how to fix this issue with several easy steps. Let’s take a look at error message.

“You need a WIA driver to use this device. Please install it from the installation CD or manufacturer’s website and try again”

About WIA Driver

WIA stands for Windows Image Acquisition, is essential software associated with Microsoft Windows Operating System. WIA is proprietary Microsoft driver software that enables Graphics card driver to communicate with imaging hardware like digital cameras/webcams, scanners, and digital video equipment.

Windows Image Acquisition offers a framework through which a device can present its unique capabilities to Windows Operating System, and application can invoke those features. Its driver is designed with User Interface UI component and a driver core component, loaded into two different processes spaces. It is supported by certain scanners model.

As mentioned, WIA driver is software act as mediator between graphics card driver and hardware device like cameras, scanners, and digital video equipments. If this WIA driver is not properly installed or missing/corrupted for some reason, then it might possible that Windows OS couldn’t recognize these hardware. It means you will not be able to use your cameras, scanners, and digital video equipments if WIA driver is missing.

WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) Driver is missing

When Windows Image Acquisition Service is disabled in your Windows OS based computer, or WIA is missing, then imaging hardware can’t work in your computer. Problematic WIA driver is one of the core reasons behind this issue. If WIA driver is missing, outdated/corrupted, or is incompatible on your Windows computer, then you will see the “You need a WIA driver to use this device. Please install it from the installation CD or manufacturer’s website and try again” error message while you try to access imaging hardware like cameras and scanners in your computer. Let’s go for solution.

How to fix ‘You need a WIA driver to use this Device’ Error in Windows 10/8.1/8?

Method 1: Make WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) Service is enabled

This error occurs in your Windows device while trying to use scanner or printer possibly due to disabled WIA service. So, you need to enable it if really disabled.

Step 1: Press “Windows + R” keys together from keyboard to open “Run Dialog Box”

Step 2: In the opened ‘Run Dialog Box’, type ‘services.msc’ and hit ‘Ok’ button to open ‘Services’ window

Step 3: In the opened ‘Services’ window, locate ‘Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)’ service

Step 4: Double-click on it to open its “Properties’

Step 5: In the ‘WIA Properties’ window, set ‘Startup type’ to ‘Automatic’

Step 6: Click on “Start” button in ‘Properties’ window under “Service Status” section. If Service Status is not showing ‘Running’, then at first click ‘Stop’ button and then click ‘Start’ button

Step 7: Finally, click on ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ to save the changes

Method 2: How to reinstall WIA Driver on Windows 10

Missing WIA driver causes several problems like Windows 10 can’t recognize imaging hardware (Scanners or cameras). In this case, you can fix this issue by uninstalling the current WIA driver and install the correct driver.

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + X’ keys together from keyboard and select ‘Device Manager’

Step 2: In the opened ‘Device Manager’, locate and expand ‘Imaging Devices’ category

Step 3: If you can’t see this category, go to ‘View’ tab and select “Show hidden Devices”

Step 4: Now, right-click on ‘Scanner Device’ you are using and select ‘Uninstall’ and follow on-screen instructions to finish uninstall process

Step 5: After that, reboot your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall WIA driver in your computer.

Method 3: How to update WIA driver on Windows 10?

WIA driver missing or is not compatible in your computer, occurs possibly after Windows 10 upgrade. In this case, you need to update the WIA driver to fix this issue. If are facing this issue with your scanner, then reinstall scanner driver update in your computer.

Step 1: Insert Scanner driver package installation CD/DVD into your computer if you have, and install WIA driver. If you don’t have, you need to visit your scanner or imaging hardware manufacturer’s website, search for latest scanner driver and firmware, and download the driver package.

Step 2: After that, double-click on ‘Setup file’ or ‘Downloaded file’ and follow on-screen instructions to finish installation.

Step 3: Once done, restart your computer to see the changes and check if the problem is resolved.

Method 4: Run ‘Hardware and Devices’ troubleshooter

Windows 10 built-in troubleshooter allows you to detect and fix System problems automatically. So, you can try this tool to fix ‘You need a WIA driver to use this Device’ error.

Step 1: Press “Windows + I” keys together from keyboard to open “Settings” App

Step 2: In the opened “Settings” App, click on ‘Update & Security >Troubleshoot’

Step 3: Now, click on ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button under ‘Hardware and Devices’ section

Step 4: Wait to complete the troubleshooting process. This will scan your computer to detect the issue and will fix it automatically.

Step 5: Once done, please check if the trouble is resolved.

Conclusion

I hope this post helped on how to fix You need a WIA driver to use this Device Error on Windows 10 with several easy methods. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. If this post really helped you, then you can share this post with others to help them.