If you have an Epson scanner or an Epson all-in-one printer and want an easier way to scan documents, photos, receipts, and other files, Epson ScanSmart is a useful application to have on your computer. It gives you a straightforward interface for scanning, reviewing, editing, saving, printing, emailing, and sharing scanned files.
The installation process is usually simple, but there is one important detail to understand first. Epson ScanSmart is model-specific software, so the correct version and supporting scanner drivers depend on your Epson device. Epson provides software through the support page for individual products, and some models use a Driver and Utilities Combo Package Installer that can install ScanSmart along with the scanner driver and other required utilities.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to download, install, launch, and test Epson ScanSmart on a Windows computer.
Important
Before starting, make sure your Epson scanner or multifunction printer is turned on and that your computer has an active internet connection. If you’re using a network scanner, your computer and Epson device should generally be connected to the same network. If you’re using USB, keep the USB cable available, but follow the installer instructions about when to connect it.
It’s also important to download ScanSmart from Epson’s official support resources rather than an unknown third-party website.
Epson’s support pages identify compatible software for individual models, while some newer products provide a combined installer containing the scanner driver, Epson Scan 2, ScanSmart, and Epson Software Updater.
Install Epson ScanSmart Software on Computer [Complete Guide]
To install Epson ScanSmart on a Windows computer, go to the official Epson support website, search for your exact scanner or printer model, open its Downloads section, select your Windows version, download the recommended ScanSmart or driver package, run the installer, follow the on-screen instructions, restart your computer if requested, and then open Epson ScanSmart from the Windows Start menu to test your scanner.
Let’s learn the steps in detail!
Step 1: Identify Your Epson Scanner or Printer Model
The first thing you need is your exact Epson model number. This matters because Epson ScanSmart isn’t necessarily distributed as one universal installer for every Epson scanner.
Look at the front, top, or back of your Epson device for a model name such as ES-400, ES-500W, ES-C220, ET-3700, or another model number. You can also check the label attached to the device or its original documentation.
If you’re using Windows, you can also check whether the device is already recognized by your computer. Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and look for your Epson device.
Once you know the exact model, write it down. You’ll use this information to locate the correct software package.
Step 2: Open the Epson Support Page for Your Device
Now it’s time to find the correct download.
Open your web browser and go to Epson’s support website. Search for your exact Epson model number, then select the matching product from the search results.
Go to Epson Support > Your Product > Downloads.
This step is important because Epson’s downloads can vary considerably between models. For example, Epson support pages may provide Epson ScanSmart, Epson Scan 2, scanner drivers, and Epson Software Updater separately, while some products provide a combo package that installs several components together.
Don’t simply download the first scanner program you see. Make sure the product name shown on the support page matches the Epson device sitting on your desk.
Step 3: Select Your Windows Version
After opening your Epson product’s download page, look for the Operating System section.
Go to Epson Support > Your Product > Downloads > Operating System.
Select the version of Windows installed on your computer. For example, if you’re using Windows 11, select Windows 11. If you’re using Windows 10, select Windows 10.
If you’re unsure which version you’re running, go to Start > Settings > System > About. Look under Windows specifications to identify your Windows edition and version.
Choosing the correct operating system helps Epson display software that is appropriate for your computer. Some Epson products now specifically support newer Windows 11 configurations, including certain ARM-based devices.
Step 4: Download Epson ScanSmart or the Recommended Software Package
Once you’ve selected Windows, examine the available downloads.
Look for an entry named Epson ScanSmart, Epson ScanSmart Software, or a Driver and Utilities Combo Package Installer. The exact name depends on your Epson model.
Go to Downloads > Recommended For You > Epson ScanSmart or Driver and Utilities Combo Package Installer > Download.
For some Epson devices, the combo package is the easiest option because it can obtain the scanner driver, Epson Scan 2, Epson ScanSmart, and Epson Software Updater together. Epson’s current support pages show this approach for several supported models.
If Epson provides ScanSmart as an individual download, download that package instead.
Save the installer somewhere easy to find, such as your Downloads folder.
Step 5: Run the Epson Installer
After the download finishes, open the installer.
Go to File Explorer > Downloads > Epson Installer.
The filename can vary depending on your Epson model and software version. It may be an .exe file on Windows.
Double-click the downloaded installer. If Windows displays a User Account Control prompt asking whether you want to allow the application to make changes to your device, select Yes if you’ve downloaded the installer from Epson’s official support page.
The Epson setup program should now appear.
Read the installation information and continue through the setup screens. Depending on the package, you may see options for the scanner driver, Epson Scan 2, Epson ScanSmart, and other Epson utilities.
Step 6: Accept the Software License Agreement
During installation, you’ll normally be asked to review Epson’s software license terms.
Go to Epson Setup > License Agreement > Accept > Next.
Read the agreement if you want to review the licensing terms, then select the option required to accept it and continue.
The installer may then ask which components you want to install. If you’re a beginner and the recommended configuration is available, keeping the default recommended selections is generally the simplest approach.
Don’t remove the scanner driver just because you’re mainly interested in ScanSmart. The scanning application and the underlying scanner software work together, and having the appropriate driver installed can be essential for ScanSmart to communicate with your device.
Step 7: Install the Required Scanner Software
Now allow the installer to copy the necessary files to your computer.
Go to Epson Setup > Software Selection > Install > Next.
Depending on your Epson model, the installer may install Epson ScanSmart, the scanner driver, Epson Scan 2, and Epson’s update utility. The exact components can vary by product.
This part can take several minutes. Don’t close the installer while it’s working.
If Windows asks you to restart the computer after installation, save your work and restart. A restart can help Windows properly load newly installed scanner drivers and services.
Step 8: Connect and Set Up Your Epson Scanner
Once the software installation is complete, make sure your Epson device is properly connected.
For a USB scanner, go to Epson Scanner > USB Connection > Connect USB Cable if the installation instructions request it.
For a network-enabled scanner, go to Epson Scanner > Network Connection > Connect to the Same Network.
The exact connection process depends on your Epson model. Some devices use Wi-Fi, some use USB, and multifunction printers may support both.
If your scanner is connected over Wi-Fi, make sure your computer and scanner can communicate through the same network. If Windows doesn’t detect the scanner immediately, restarting both the computer and Epson device can sometimes resolve a temporary connection issue.
Step 9: Open Epson ScanSmart
With the software installed, you can now launch the application.
On Windows 11, go to Start > Search > Epson ScanSmart > Open.
On Windows 10, go to Start > Epson Software > Epson ScanSmart.
Epson’s own documentation confirms that Windows 11 users can search for Epson ScanSmart from Start, while Windows 10 users can find it under Epson Software.
When ScanSmart opens, it should attempt to identify your connected Epson scanner. If multiple compatible scanners are available, you may need to select the device you want to use.
Step 10: Test Epson ScanSmart With a Document
Now let’s make sure everything works.
Place a document or photo on the scanner.
Go to Epson ScanSmart > Scan.
The scanner should begin scanning the original. Once scanning finishes, ScanSmart gives you an opportunity to review the scanned image.
Epson ScanSmart supports reviewing and editing scanned images before you save them. Depending on your model and software version, you may be able to add another scan, delete a page, rotate an image, crop it, or combine images.
After reviewing the result, select Next and choose how you want to handle the scanned file.
Once your scan looks correct, ScanSmart can help you save, print, email, or otherwise share it.
Go to Epson ScanSmart > Next > Save.
Choose the destination and file format available on your system, then complete the save process.
For example, you might save an important document as a PDF so it can be opened easily on other computers. Photos may be better suited to an image format depending on what you’re doing with them.
If you want to send the scan somewhere else, use the sharing options provided by ScanSmart. Epson’s documentation describes options for saving, emailing, sending to cloud services, and printing scanned images, although available options can vary by product and software version.
Faqs
Is Epson ScanSmart free to install?
Epson ScanSmart is provided by Epson for compatible Epson products, and the software can be downloaded from the product’s official support page. Availability and included components depend on your specific Epson model.
Do I need Epson Scan 2 to use Epson ScanSmart?
In many setups, Epson Scan 2 and the scanner driver are installed alongside ScanSmart or provided through the same Epson software package. However, the exact requirements vary by model. Epson’s support pages should be treated as the authority for your specific device.
Why can’t Epson ScanSmart find my scanner?
Start by checking that the scanner is powered on and properly connected. For a network scanner, verify that your computer and scanner are connected to the appropriate network. For a USB scanner, check the cable and try another USB port if necessary.
You can also restart Epson ScanSmart, your Epson device, and Windows. If the problem continues, reinstalling the appropriate scanner driver from your Epson product’s support page may help.
Can I install Epson ScanSmart without connecting my scanner?
In many cases, you can download and install the software before connecting the scanner, although the exact installation process varies by Epson model. Some Epson utilities require the Epson product to be powered on and connected when they are being used or updated.
Can I use Epson ScanSmart on Windows 11?
Yes, Epson ScanSmart supports Windows 11 for many compatible Epson scanners and multifunction devices. However, compatibility is model-specific, so always select your exact Epson product on the support page before downloading the software.
What should I do if the Epson installer cannot connect to the server?
If an Epson installer displays an “Unable to connect to the server” message, Epson’s support information for certain products recommends closing the installation and running the downloaded installer with administrator privileges. Go to File Explorer > Downloads > Epson Installer > Right-click > Run as administrator.
How do I open Epson ScanSmart after installation?
On Windows 11, go to Start > Search > Epson ScanSmart > Open. On Windows 10, go to Start > Epson Software > Epson ScanSmart.
Summary
Installing Epson ScanSmart on a computer is straightforward when you use the software package intended for your exact Epson model. Start by identifying your scanner or multifunction printer, open its Epson support page, select your Windows version, and download the recommended ScanSmart or combo installer.
After that, run the installer, accept the license agreement, install the required scanner drivers and Epson software, connect your device, and launch Epson ScanSmart from Windows. Finally, perform a test scan and save the result to confirm that everything is working correctly.
The most important tip is to avoid using a generic or unofficial ScanSmart download.
Your Epson model determines which software and drivers you need, so the product-specific Epson support page is the best place to start.