Scan Redirector RDP Edition: Configure, Redirect, ScanRemote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions are a common way for IT professionals and end users to access workstations and servers remotely. One recurring challenge in remote sessions is using local hardware—especially scanners—within the remote environment. Scan Redirector RDP Edition solves that problem by allowing local scanners to be redirected into remote sessions so users can scan documents as if the scanner were physically attached to the remote machine. This article explains what Scan Redirector RDP Edition does, why you might need it, system requirements, step-by-step configuration, how redirection works in practice, security considerations, troubleshooting common issues, and best practices for smooth operation.
What is Scan Redirector RDP Edition?
Scan Redirector RDP Edition is a software solution designed to redirect TWAIN and WIA-compatible scanners from a client machine into an RDP session. It creates a virtual scanner device in the remote environment that maps to the physical scanner on the user’s local device. The remote application can then access the scanner for document capture, image scanning, and other scanning workflows without requiring native scanner drivers to be installed on the remote host.
Why use Scan Redirector in RDP sessions?
- Enables remote users to scan paper documents directly into applications running on remote servers.
- Eliminates need to install scanner drivers on every server or virtual machine.
- Simplifies centralized application deployment where local hardware access is necessary.
- Improves user productivity by keeping scanning workflows within the remote desktop or published application.
- Useful for industries with heavy document workflows: healthcare, legal, finance, government, and field services.
Supported scanner interfaces
Scan Redirector RDP Edition typically supports:
- TWAIN devices (common in many document scanners and multifunction printers).
- WIA devices (Windows Image Acquisition — typically consumer-grade scanners).
Confirm support for specific scanners and advanced features (ADF, duplex, color depth, resolution) with the vendor’s compatibility list.
System requirements
Client-side:
- Windows ⁄11 or compatible Windows Server with RDP client that supports device redirection.
- Physical scanner connected locally and functioning with local drivers.
- Administrative or user permissions to install the Scan Redirector client component.
Server-side (remote host):
- Windows Server 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2019 / 2022 or Windows desktop OS hosting the RDP session.
- RDP host configured to allow device redirection.
- Scan Redirector server/agent component installed where required (some deployments only need client-side).
Network:
- Reliable network with sufficient bandwidth and low latency for acceptable scanning performance. Scanned images can be large; consider bandwidth and compression settings.
Installation and setup (step-by-step)
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Download and install:
- Obtain the Scan Redirector RDP Edition installer from the vendor.
- Install the client component on user workstations where scanners are attached.
- If required, install the server/agent component on the remote host or RDS server.
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Configure RDP host settings:
- On the RDP host, ensure Group Policy allows device redirection: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Device and Resource Redirection.
- Enable “Allow audio and video playback redirection” if audio feedback is needed; enable “Do not allow supported Plug and Play device redirection” only if you want to block PnP (usually keep it disabled).
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Configure client settings:
- In the RDP client (mstsc.exe), open “Local Resources” and check “Devices and resources” → More… → enable “Other supported Plug and Play (PnP) devices” or any Scan Redirector-specific checkbox.
- Some Scan Redirector clients add their own UI; configure which scanners to share and whether to allow automatic reconnection.
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Driver considerations:
- Local scanner drivers must be installed and functional on the client.
- The remote session sees a virtual device; the vendor may provide virtual drivers on the server to present the redirected scanner. Install these if required.
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Start an RDP session:
- Connect to the remote host. After authentication, open a scanning application (e.g., Scan utility, image editor, or industry-specific software) and choose the redirected scanner from the scanner selection list.
How redirection works (technical overview)
- The client component captures scanner API calls (TWAIN/WIA) locally and forwards them over the RDP channel to a virtual device exposed on the remote host.
- Scanned image data is transferred back to the remote application via the RDP virtual channel. Compression and chunking are used to optimize throughput.
- The Scan Redirector may emulate specific device capabilities to ensure compatibility with remote scanning software.
- Session state, device IDs, and negotiation data are exchanged during session initialization to map local devices to remote virtual devices.
Security considerations
- Encryption: RDP channel encryption protects redirected scanner traffic; ensure RDP encryption levels meet your organization’s policy.
- Authentication: Use strong credentials, multi-factor authentication, and least-privilege principles for RDP sessions.
- Data leakage: Scanned documents may contain sensitive data. Control where scanned files can be stored on the remote host and enforce DLP policies.
- Driver integrity: Only install vendor-signed components and keep software up to date to reduce attack surface.
Performance tuning
- Compression: If available, enable image compression in the Scan Redirector to reduce bandwidth usage.
- Resolution and color depth: Reduce scan resolution or color depth for non-critical scans to improve speed.
- Batch scanning: Use ADF scanning for multi-page jobs to reduce per-page overhead.
- Network QoS: Prioritize RDP traffic or scanned-data channels on congested networks.
Common issues and troubleshooting
Issue: Scanner not listed in remote applications
- Check clientScan Redirector service is running on the client.
- Verify RDP client local device redirection settings (mstsc → Local Resources → More…).
- Reconnect the RDP session after enabling redirection.
Issue: Scans are slow or time out
- Lower scan resolution or color depth.
- Check network latency and bandwidth; test with local scans to rule out scanner hardware issues.
Issue: Partial pages, corrupted images
- Ensure compression settings are compatible; try disabling compression to test.
- Update scanner drivers on the client.
Issue: Scanner works locally but remote app shows errors
- Confirm server-side virtual drivers (if required) are installed and up to date.
- Check event logs on both client and server for error codes.
Best practices
- Keep both client and server components updated with vendor patches.
- Use signed drivers and verified installer packages.
- Train users on selecting the redirected scanner and on safe handling of scanned sensitive documents.
- For high-volume scanning, consider dedicated on-premise scanning servers or local scanning appliances to reduce RDP transfer overhead.
Alternatives and complementary tools
- Native RDP device redirection (built into Windows) — may work for some scanners but can be limited.
- USB-over-IP solutions — redirect full USB devices over the network; useful when scanner features require direct USB access.
- Network scanners (scanner with built-in network share/SMB/FTP) — bypass redirection by scanning directly to network locations.
- Cloud capture services — upload scans directly from client to cloud storage accessible to remote apps.
Conclusion
Scan Redirector RDP Edition fills a practical gap in remote workflows by exposing local scanners inside remote RDP sessions. Proper setup—installing the right components, configuring RDP redirection, and managing drivers—delivers a near-native scanning experience for remote users. Pay attention to network performance, security controls, and compatibility to keep scanning reliable and secure in production environments.
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