Where Do All My Scanned Documents Go on Windows 10?

Many users often wonder where their scanned documents are saved on Windows 10. Here’s how you can find them quickly and efficiently.

How to Find Scanned Documents on Windows​

1. Find Scanned Documents on Windows​

1.1 Check the Pictures or Documents Folder​

• Click on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or press Windows key + E.
• In the left pane, click on This PC or Quick Access.
• Navigate to Documents and look for a folder named Scanned Documents or to Pictures if you saved them as images.

This method is straightforward and leverages the default locations where scanned documents are typically saved. It helps you quickly navigate to the folders where your files are most likely stored.

1.2. Use the Search Feature in File Explorer​

• Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar.
• Click on the search bar at the top-right corner.
• Type in keywords related to your scanned documents, like the file name or scanned.
• Press Enter and browse through the search results to find your documents.

The search feature is very handy when you are unsure of the exact location of your scanned files. It scans your entire system, making it easy to locate documents even if they were saved in unexpected folders.

2. Recovering Lost Scanned Documents on Windows​

Using MiniTool Power Data Recovery​

• Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery.
• Launch the software and select the drive containing the lost scanned documents.
• Click Scan to start the scanning process.
• Wait for the scan to complete, then use the Filter and Search features to locate your files.
• Preview the files, select the ones you need, and click Recover to save them to a different location.

This method is great for recovering lost or deleted scanned documents on Windows. MiniTool Power Data Recovery is user-friendly and effective in retrieving a wide range of file types.

3. Check the Scan app​

1. Click on the Cortana search button in your Taskbar, and search for Scan.
2. Choose the Scan application by clicking on it.
   
3. Inside the Windows Scan application, select the three lines button at the top left corner of your screen, and choose Settings.
4. Lastly, choose the scanner hardware you want to use, select the source, and set the save location of your scanned files.

Keep in mind that depending on the scanner you’re using, you might have specialized software installed on your PC. If you have any issues finding your files using this method, look inside your scanner’s original software.

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4. Changing the Default Scan Folder on HP Printers (Windows)​

• Click on your printer icon to open the printer details.
• Select SCAN and then Scan a Document or Photo.
• In the Scan shortcut settings section, click on More.
• In the Detailed shortcut settings section, click on Destination.
• Click the Browse button to choose a new folder for your scanned documents.
• Select different folders for PDF and JPEG formats if required.

By setting a default scan folder, you can easily manage and find your scanned documents in the future. This step ensures your scans are saved in a consistent, easily accessible location.