Option 3 – using fax software
Windows 10 contains software already includes the ability to fax from your computer. The program is called “Windows Fax and Scan.”
System Requirements
To send (or receive) a fax from a Windows 10 Computer using Windows Fax and Scan you’ll need the following:
A computer running Windows 10
Modem or Fax Board on the computer (the majority of computers that have a telephone line connection have this ability)
A land-line phone line. The phone line should not be a VoIP phone connection as VoIP signals usually scramble a fax signal – for more details on faxing with VoIP, see our page on “
why does my fax machine not work on my VoIP phone line?“
A document to send
When using Windows Fax and Scan as a fax machine, the computer needs always to be on and connected to the phone line to receive a fax.
As well, the computer will not be able to use your internet connection to send and receive faxes – only the phone connection.
Configuring Windows Fax and Scan
Windows Fax and Scan is quick to configure.
1) Start the program through the start menu
2) Click on “Tools” then “Fax Accounts”
3) Select “Add” to have your fax modem installed
4) Choose between Automatic or Manual Answering of the phone line
5) Go to “Tools” and “Fax Settings” to configure additional options, including changing the automatic or manual reception, changing the number of rings before automatic pick up, configure TSID and CSID information, and automatically save or print a fax the moment it arrives.
Sending a Fax in Windows Fax and Scan
To use the Windows 10 Fax, you need to use the “Windows Fax and Scan” program.
Click on the START button, select All Programs, and select “Windows Fax and Scan”
On the toolbar that appears in the program, select “New Fax” – if this is the first time that a fax is being sent, you’ll be directed to the new fax wizard. This will allow you to set all the required settings to send a fax.
Create your fax, and then click send to send it to the receiving fax machine.
Automatically Receive a Fax in Windows Fax and Scan
In order to receive a fax from a Windows 10 Computer, you first need to set up the service in Windows Fax and Scan.
To set up the fax service:
Click the “Start” button, type “Fax” in the search box, then choose “Windows Fax and Scan”
At the bottom of the left pane, choose “Fax”
Select “Tools” and then select “Fax Settings”.
Select the “General” tab, then ensure the “Allow device to receive fax calls” button is checked under “Send / Receive Options”
Select “Automatically Answer after ___ Rings”, set the number of rings you want the phone to ring before the fax service answers, then select “Ok”