Scan to network folder lets you press Scan on the printer and send the file straight to a shared folder on a computer or network share. It is useful in offices and home offices, but it needs both folder permissions and printer destination settings to match.
Does this affect you?
Use this if your all-in-one printer has Scan to Folder, Scan to Network, or a similar feature and you want scans saved without opening a scan app on the computer first.
Create and share the destination folder on Windows
The printer needs a folder that accepts incoming files.
- Create a folder such as C:Scans.
- Right-click it, open Properties, choose the Sharing tab, and click Share.
- Add the Windows account the printer will use, or Everyone on a trusted home network, and give Read/Write permission.
- Note the network path, such as \YourPCNameScans.
- Find the PC local IP address in Windows network properties in case the printer works better with an IP path.
Add the shared folder to the printer
Use the printer touchscreen or its web settings page.
- Open Scan, Scan to Network Folder, Scan to Computer, or a similar menu.
- Add a new destination and enter the share path, such as \192.168.1.50Scans if names do not resolve reliably.
- Enter the Windows username and password that has access to the folder.
- Save the destination with a short name such as Office PC.
- If the touchscreen is awkward, open the printer IP address in a browser and configure the destination through the web interface.
Scan and troubleshoot connection errors
After saving the destination, test with one page.
- Load the document and choose the network folder destination on the printer.
- If access is denied, recheck the username, password, and Read/Write permission.
- Make sure the PC is awake and on the same network.
- If the PC IP address changes, set a router DHCP reservation or update the printer destination.
More control
Avoid broad sharing on shared networks
Giving Everyone write access may be acceptable at home, but on an office or shared network, create a printer-only user account and grant only the access it needs.
Consider easier alternatives
Scan to Email, Scan to USB, OneDrive, Google Drive, or manufacturer cloud options can be simpler than SMB folder sharing.
Multiple destinations save time
Business printers often let you save several folder buttons, one per person or department.
Sources
- HP Support – Scan to a Network Folder (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Share Files and Folders over a Network (2025)
- Epson Support – Scan to Network Folder Setup (2025)