Windows 11 ARM64 Printer and Scanner Compatibility Checklist

Printers and scanners are common accessories that should be checked before moving to a Windows 11 ARM64 PC. Many devices work through built-in Windows support, but older hardware or manufacturer utilities may depend on drivers that are not available for Arm-based systems.

1. Identify the Exact Device Model

Start by checking the full model number of your printer or scanner.

Record details such as:

  • Manufacturer
  • Model number
  • USB or wireless connection
  • Current driver version
  • Required companion software

The exact model matters because driver support can differ between similar devices.

2. Check Manufacturer Support

Visit the hardware manufacturer's official support website and search for your model.

Look for:

  • Windows 11 support
  • Windows on Arm or ARM64 compatibility
  • Current drivers
  • Firmware updates
  • Printing or scanning applications

Avoid downloading drivers from unofficial driver websites.

3. Try Windows Built-In Support

Windows 11 can automatically detect many printers and other common peripherals.

For printers, open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Add the device and allow Windows to search for compatible software.

4. Test Wireless Printing

If the printer supports Wi-Fi or network printing, connect both the PC and printer to the appropriate network and test basic printing.

Check:

  • Printer discovery
  • Standard document printing
  • Color output
  • Duplex printing
  • Paper-size options

Some basic functions may work even when optional manufacturer software is unavailable.

5. Check Scanner Features Separately

Scanning can require different software from printing.

Test important functions such as:

  • Document scanning
  • Photo scanning
  • PDF creation
  • Resolution settings
  • Automatic document feeder
  • Network scanning

Confirm that any required scanning application supports your ARM64 system.

6. Be Careful With Older Driver Packages

Older printers and scanners may provide only traditional x86 or x64 driver packages.

A normal desktop application may work through Windows emulation, but hardware drivers have different compatibility requirements. Do not assume that an older x64 driver will work correctly on an ARM64 PC.

7. Check Compatibility Before Reinstalling Windows

If printing or scanning is essential to your work, confirm device support before performing a clean Windows installation.

For ARM64 installation media, compatible devices, driver preparation, and troubleshooting information, see the Windows 11 ARM64 download and installation guide.

8. Test Your Normal Workflow

After setup, perform the tasks you normally use instead of testing only a basic connection.

For example:

  • Print a PDF
  • Print a color document
  • Scan multiple pages
  • Save a scanned document
  • Test wireless printing
  • Check advanced printer settings

This helps identify missing features before the device is needed for important work.

Final Thoughts

Printer and scanner compatibility on Windows 11 ARM64 depends on the device, connection method, and available drivers or applications. Check official manufacturer support first and test the features you actually need before relying on older peripherals with an Arm-based PC.