How to Fax from Windows 10

Windows 10 includes a free app called Windows Fax and Scan that can send and receive faxes, but only if your PC has a fax modem connected to an analog phone line. Most modern PCs don’t have one. Without one, you have two simpler options: send the fax from an all-in-one printer that has a fax feature, or use an online fax service that sends documents over the internet, with no phone line needed. Here’s how to use each method, starting with the built-in app.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates to keep getting security fixes.

Which method should you use?

You have	Use
A fax modem and a landline	Windows Fax and Scan
An all-in-one printer with a fax feature, connected to a phone line	The printer’s own fax function or software
Neither	An online fax service

Method 1: Windows Fax and Scan with a fax modem

What you need

• A fax modem. Plug-in USB fax modems are inexpensive and work with Windows 10.
• An analog phone line. Many internet phone (VoIP) services don’t carry faxes reliably. Ask your provider if you’re unsure.

Set up the modem

1. Connect the modem to the PC and the phone line to the modem.
2. Click Start, type Windows Fax and Scan and open it. If it’s missing, go to Settings > Apps > Optional features > Add a feature and install it.
3. Click Fax at the bottom left, then New Fax.
4. The first time, Windows asks you to set up a fax account. Choose Connect to a fax modem, give it a name, and choose whether to answer incoming calls automatically.

Send a fax

1. Click New Fax.
2. In To, type the fax number exactly as you’d dial it, including any prefix needed for an outside line.
3. Choose a Cover Page if you want one, and type a subject and message.
4. Click Attach (the paperclip) to add a document, or click Insert > Pictures from scanner to scan a paper page.
5. Click Send. Watch the progress in the Outbox. Sent faxes move to Sent Items.

Fax straight from any app

Once a fax account is set up, Windows adds a Fax printer. In Word, Edge or any app, press Ctrl + P, choose Fax as the printer, and click Print. The New Fax window opens with the document already attached.

Receive faxes

Go to Tools > Fax Settings and choose Automatically answer after a number of rings. Incoming faxes appear in the Inbox. The PC must be on and awake to receive them.

Method 2: An all-in-one printer with fax

Many office printers can fax directly when connected to a phone line:

• From the printer: Put the pages in the document feeder, choose Fax on the control panel, enter the number and press Start.
• From the PC: Install the printer maker’s full software package. It usually adds a PC-fax option, so you can fax files from your computer through the printer.

Check your printer’s manual or support page for its fax setup. For general printer setup, see how to connect a printer to a network in Windows 10.

Method 3: An online fax service

If you don’t have a phone line or fax hardware, an online fax service is the easiest option:

1. Sign up with an online fax service. Many offer a few free pages or a free trial.
2. Upload your document (PDF works best) on their website or app, or email it to the fax number at the address the service gives you.
3. Enter the recipient’s fax number and send it. You’ll get a confirmation when it’s delivered.

Before you choose, compare prices per page, whether you get your own number for receiving faxes, and how they protect sensitive documents, especially for medical or legal paperwork.

Prepare your document

• Save the document as a PDF for the cleanest result. See how to convert JPG to PDF on Windows 10 and how to combine PDF files in Windows 10.
• To fax a paper document, scan it first. See how to scan from a printer to a computer in Windows 10.
• Use black text on a white background. Faxes are low resolution and black and white, so colors and fine print may not come through.

Troubleshooting

“No fax modem was found”

The modem isn’t connected or its driver isn’t installed. Check Device Manager > Modems, and install the driver from the modem maker’s site.

The fax fails or the line is busy

Check that the line has a dial tone, that you’ve added any dialing prefix, and that the line isn’t VoIP. Try sending again later, because the receiving machine may be busy.

The recipient says the fax is unreadable

Increase the scan resolution, or send a cleaner PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fax from my PC without a phone line?

Only through an online fax service. Windows Fax and Scan needs a modem and a phone line.

Is Windows Fax and Scan free?

Yes. It’s part of Windows. You only pay for the phone line and any long-distance call charges.

Can I fax from Windows 11?

Yes. Windows Fax and Scan is available as an optional feature in Windows 11, and the steps are the same.

Summary

1. With a fax modem and phone line: Windows Fax and Scan > New Fax.
2. With a fax-capable printer: fax from the printer or its PC software.
3. With neither: use an online fax service and upload a PDF.