Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Last updated on
Sep 23, 2025
Learn how to troubleshoot the error when Adobe Acrobat cannot connect to the scanner.
Loose or disconnected cables
Ensure your scanner is powered on and securely connected to your computer via a USB cable. A simple disconnect and reconnect of the USB cable can resolve connection issues.
- If you have access to another application that uses the scanner, try testing it there.
- If there is an issue with the scanner, contact the manufacturer to troubleshoot the issue.
Software conflicts at startup
Windows
In the System Configuration Utility, select the Startup tab.
Select Disable All, then select OK.
Restart your computer and relaunch Acrobat.
macOS
Open System Settings > General > Login Items.
In the Open at Login section, select the unused app and then select the - icon to disable the app.
In Allow in the Background, turn off unnecessary apps.
Restart your computer and relaunch Acrobat.
Outdated scanner drivers
Ensure your scanner is using the most up-to-date software. Visit your scanner manufacturer's website and locate the drivers section. Search for and download the latest drivers specifically for your scanner model. Once downloaded, install these updated drivers on your computer. After installation, restart your computer and launch Adobe Acrobat. Attempt to connect to your scanner again.
Incompatible scanner driver
Try different driver options to resolve communication issues between Acrobat and your scanner. On Windows, you can try toggling between TWAIN and WIA drivers in Acrobat's scanner selection screen. For macOS users, Acrobat utilizes ICA drivers, which can be selected from the scanner selection screen.
