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Windows Fax and Scan
Faxing is still essential for many businesses and individuals, even today. While Windows Fax and Scan has been a popular option, many users are now looking for more online fax alternatives due to the additional administrative and compliance features efax services offer. This guide covers how to fax in Windows 10 and 11, common issues with Windows Fax and Scan, and why an online fax service like Notifyre is the best fax solution for modern faxing.
What is Windows Fax and Scan?
Windows Fax and Scan, available on Windows 10 and 11, lets users send and receive faxes via a fax modem with a phone line or you are connected to a fax server. While suitable for light use, it’s not ideal for businesses or those seeking a more efficient or flexible solution.
Things You Need Before You Can Use Windows Fax and Scan
Before you can send or receive faxes with Windows Fax and Scanner, make sure you have the necessary hardware and setup:
A fax modem (external USB or internal) with drivers installed.
A telephone line for faxing over traditional networks.
Access to a fax server (if using a network connection).
A computer running Windows 10 or 11 with the app installed.
How to Fax in Windows 10 or Windows 11
To fax from Windows Fax and Scan, follow these steps:
Open Windows Fax and Scan: Type “Fax and Scan” in the search bar and select the app from the results.
Set Up the Fax: Choose the "New Fax" option from the toolbar.
Connect to a Fax Modem or Server: To send and receive faxes, you need to connect to a fax modem or server.
Enter Sender Information: You will be asked for sender details, including your name and company information.
Attach Your Document: Select the file you want to fax (Windows Fax and Scan supports PDFs and other formats).
Scan Multiple Pages: If you need to fax multiple pages, you can use the scanner to capture each page. To fax Windows Fax and Scan multiple pages, ensure your scanner supports multi-page scanning, and you can select all pages for faxing.
Send the Fax: Enter the recipient's fax number and click "Send."
Note: Ensure that your Windows Fax and Scan sender information is set up correctly, as this data will appear on the cover page when sending a fax. Alternatively, when using a digital fax service such as Notifyre users can create custom fax coversheets and set default headers within their fax account.
Common Problems with Windows Fax and Scan
Windows Fax and Scan offers basic faxing capabilities; however, users have reported several common issues:
1. Windows Fax and Scan Missing: A common problem that users encounter is the fax and scan missing error. The "Windows Fax and Scan Missing" error occurs when the application isn't available on your system, often because it hasn't been installed by default. To fix this, you can manually add it by accessing Windows Optional Features through the Start Menu, enabling the fax and scan feature, and following the prompts to complete the installation.
2. Windows Scan and Fax Cannot Access Documents Folder: Another common issue is the inability of Windows Fax and Scan fax for Windows to access the documents folder. This could be a permission issue or a result of a missing or corrupt file. Try running the application as an administrator or adjust folder permissions to resolve this.
3. Fax Viewer Windows Problems: When trying to view received faxes, you might encounter problems with the picture and fax viewer in Windows 10 or Windows 11. Ensure that the Windows Fax and Picture Viewer or Windows Fax and Photo Viewer is properly installed.
4. Scanning Multiple Pages with Windows Fax and Scan: Windows Fax and Scan may not recognise multi-page settings. Ensure your scanner is configured for multi-page scanning and select the option in the software.
Windows Fax and Scan FAQs
Where is the sender information file location?
Can I fax without a phone line?
Is Windows Fax and Scan Free?
Do I need to download software?
Why Notifyre is the Best Alternative to Windows Fax and Scan
While Windows Fax and Scan serves basic fax needs, it lacks the advanced features and flexibility required for business faxing. Here’s why Notifyre is the better fax alternative:
1. No Need for a Phone Line
Unlike Windows Fax and Scan, which requires a dedicated phone line and fax modem, Notifyre lets you send faxes directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone without the need for additional hardware. If you'd like to use your existing fax number, Notifyre also offers the option to port your number over for easy use.
3. More File Formats Supported
Notifyre supports multiple file formats, including PDF, Word, Excel, and more, so you aren’t limited to the types of files Windows Fax and Scan can process.
4. Pay-as-You-Go
Benefit from a pay-as-you-go fax pricing model, paying only for the faxes you send, making it an affordable option for both occasional and regular users.
6. Advanced Features for Businesses
Notifyre offers features such as fax broadcasting, email to fax, and fax activity reporting. Notifyre users can invited unlimited team members and manage permissions within their admin account.
7. Global Reach and Scalability
Notifyre allows you to send faxes internationally to over 200 destinations.
8. High-Quality Transmissions
Faxes are sent in Standard Quality (200 x 98 DPI) by default, but you can easily upgrade to High Quality (200 x 196 DPI) for sharper documents. For an additional cost, Notifyre's platform ensures high quality transmissions.
9. Convenience and Ease of Use
Send and receive faxes seamlessly from any device, such as your smartphone or computer, eliminating the need for a fax machine.
10. Secure and Reliable
For businesses, especially those in healthcare, security is a priority. Notifyre provides an ISO 27001 certified faxing solution, ensuring the privacy of sensitive information.
How to Send and Receive Fax Without Windows Fax and Scan?
You can send and receive faxes even if you don’t have Windows Fax and Scan. All you need to do is sign up with Notifyre. Here are the things you need to do.
Login to Your Notifyre Account: If you don’t have an account yet, sign up here.
Check Your Account Balance: Ensure you have topped up your account with funds to send a fax.
Select "Send": From the left menu, click on "Fax."
Fill in the "From" Fax Number: Choose either the "Notifyre System Number" or one of your saved numbers.
Enter the "To" Fax Number:
Upload a Document: Attach a document to send.
Click “Send Now”: You’ll receive an email confirming whether it was successfully sent or failed. You can also check the delivery confirmation or status code in the "Fax Activity" section of Notifyre. Learn about fax status codes.
Say Goodbye to Windows Fax and Scan and Fax Smarter with Notifyre
Windows Fax and Scan offers a basic solution for sending faxes in Windows 10 and Windows 11 but requires additional hardware, such as a fax modem and telephone line, which many individuals may not have. It also lacks the advanced features and flexibility that businesses need. In comparison, Notifyre provides a modern, secure, and reliable solution for all your faxing needs, offering cloud-based faxing, superior functionality, and global reach without the limitations of traditional faxing tools.
Upgrade your faxing experience with Notifyre.
Enjoy secure, flexible, and modern faxing. Sign up today to get started!
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