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“You need a WIA driver to use this device” is an error that is currently troubling the users who try to use their scanner on Windows OS. If you are also troubled with the same, then do not panic.
A lot of users come across this problem. Through this post, we talk about the fixes for “You need a WIA driver to use this device”. But, before moving on to that, first, let’s understand what is a WIA driver is and why you get this error.
What is WIA Driver in Windows 10?
WIA is an abbreviation for Windows Image Acquisition, i.e., Microsoft’s driver model. It establishes a communication channel between graphics software and imaging hardware. It works like an API (application programming interface) for Windows which helps in establishing a proper connection with video devices, cameras, and other equipment.
Why you get the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error?
If the WIA driver is outdated, missing, or corrupt, then you get the “you need a WIA driver to use this device” error. Getting rid of this error is not as difficult as it seems at the first instance, you simply need to try the solutions shared below.
if you are already familiar with what this error means and are only interested in knowing its solution, then below is a glimpse of the most recommended fix for this as well as all the other errors.
How to Fix “You need a WIA driver to use this device” Scanner Driver Error
You get the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error if your image acquisition drivers are out of date, missing, or incompatible. To resolve this issue, simply try the below fixes for “You need a WIA driver to use this device”.
Method 1: Enable the WIA service
You can effortlessly remove the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error by enabling the WIA service. Here’re the steps to do it.
- Press Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch the Run box
- In the Run box, type services.msc and press Enter
- Locate and double click on WIA
- Choose Automatic from the drop-down menu and click on Start
- Lastly, select Apply to enable WIA service.
Also know: Snappy Driver Installer Review
Method 2: Remove the WIA driver
Sometimes, uninstalling and then reinstalling the WIA driver also works as one of the best fixes for the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error. Below are the simple steps to do it.
- Launch the Run box and enter devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager
- Locate and expand the Imaging Devices category
- Right-click on the scanner device you need to uninstall
- Choose the Uninstall Device option from the menu that comes up
- Click on the Uninstall button to confirm the uninstallation, and then restart the computer.
Once you restart the PC, Windows automatically reinstalls the WIA driver.
Method 3: Upgrade the WIA Driver
Updating the WIA driver works like magic to eliminate the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error. Although the drivers can be updated manually using Device Manager, still we recommend you use free software to update drivers such as Bit Driver Updater. This software saves your time from manual driver hunt and lets you update them automatically with ease. Below are some of the striking features of Bit Driver Updater.
- Lets you update all outdated drivers in a single click
- Supports multiple languages
- Allows you to backup and restore the driver updates
- Automatically scans for outdated, missing, and corrupt drivers
- Enables you to schedule the driver scans.
The following steps will help you to download, install, and use the Bit Driver Updater:
- Download the latest version of Bit Driver Updater by clicking on the button below
- After the file is downloaded, install it.
- Launch the Bit Driver Updater application after install
- From the Main Screen of the driver updater, click on ‘Scan’ to scan your PC from outdated drivers. A list of all the outdated drivers, with WIA driver, will appear.
- Click on the ‘Update All’ button to update all the drivers.
The stated steps will update all the outdated drivers on your PC. This is not the end and you’ll get to know many other functionalities of Bit Driver Updater after using it.
Common Queries: How to Fix “You need a WIA driver to use this device” Error
The above-explained methods will help in solving all your problems related to “You Need a WIA Driver to Use this Device”. If you still have some doubts, we hope that these FAQs will help you.
Q.1 What is the need for a WIA driver on a Windows 10 computer?
It is very important to have a proper WIA driver installed on your PC. WIA helps in establishing a good connection between different imaging and video devices. It is a bridge between imaging applications and devices. So the program is very helpful for device manufacturers, users of scanners, and all the developers. You can easily update the WIA driver through Bit Driver Updater.
Q.2 How do I Install a WIA driver for scanning on my computer?
You don’t need to install the WIA driver as it comes integrated with the windows. However, it can get outdated with time. You can easily install or update the WIA driver through Bit Driver Updater as explained above.
Q.3 How do I download a WIA driver in Windows 10?
You don’t have to download the WIA driver in Windows 10 as it comes integrated with the operating system. If you are facing problems with the driver, you should update it using Bit Driver Updater for the best results.
Wrap-up: You need a WIA driver to use this device Problem [Full Fixed]
These were the quick and simple fixes for the “You need a WIA driver to use this device” error. Try them and get rid of this issue permanently. If you need more assistance, then let us know through the comment box below.
