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- HP Community
- Printers
- Scanning, Faxing, and Copying
- Error message the scanner is in use

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06-13-2023 07:31 AM
The message "The scanner is currently in use" typically indicates that another program or process on your computer is accessing the scanner, preventing it from being used by other applications. There are several possible reasons why you might receive this message:
Background processes: Check if there are any background processes or applications running on your computer that could be using the scanner. Look for applications that may automatically launch and try to access scanning functionality, such as antivirus software or cloud backup services. Temporarily disabling or closing such applications can help determine if they are causing the conflict.
Multiple applications accessing the scanner: Ensure that you don't have multiple scanning applications open simultaneously. If another program is actively using the scanner, it can prevent other applications from accessing it. Close any other scanning software or applications and try using the scanner again.
Connection or driver issues: Make sure that the scanner is properly connected to your computer and that the correct drivers are installed. A loose or faulty connection, or outdated/incompatible drivers, can cause conflicts and result in the scanner being in use by another application. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver updates and try reinstalling the scanner drivers if necessary.
Scanning service or process: Occasionally, a scanning service or process may get stuck or fail to release the scanner after completing a scan. In such cases, restarting your computer can help resolve the issue by terminating any lingering scanning processes.
System resource limitations: Insufficient system resources, such as memory (RAM) or processing power, can sometimes cause conflicts with scanner usage. Try closing any unnecessary applications or processes that may be using up system resources and try scanning again.
If the issue persists, it may be helpful to provide more specific details about the scanner model, the operating system you are using, and any error messages you receive. This can assist in providing more targeted troubleshooting steps or seeking assistance from the HP community or support.