The fastest way to fax from your computer
You can send a fax from your computer using an online fax service, your printer's built-in fax software, or your phone company's fax-over-IP feature. The easiest route for most people is an online fax service like eFax, Faxburner, or Google Fax (through Google Drive), because you do not need special hardware or a landline. You upload a PDF or image file, enter the recipient's fax number, and the service sends it within minutes.
If you already have a multifunction printer with a fax modem, you can send faxes directly from your computer using the printer's software or Windows Fax and Scan (on Windows) or the built-in Fax process (on Mac). This costs nothing beyond what you already own, but it requires the printer to be connected and powered on. A third option is fax-over-IP through your internet phone provider — services like Vonage, Ooma, or MagicJack often include fax capability if you already subscribe.
Key Takeaways
- Online fax services are the simplest option if you do not own a fax-capable printer, and most charge per page or offer a monthly subscription starting around $5 to $10.
- If your printer has a fax modem, you can send faxes using the printer's software or your operating system's built-in fax process at no extra cost.
- Google Fax through Google Drive is free for a limited number of faxes per month and works on any computer with a Google account.
- Fax-over-IP through your internet phone provider may already be included in your service plan and requires no additional hardware.
Using an online fax service
Online fax services work through a web browser or mobile app. You create an account, upload your document (usually a PDF, Word file, or image), type in the recipient's fax number, and send. The service converts your file to fax format and transmits it over the internet to the recipient's fax machine or online fax account. Most services deliver within minutes.
eFax and Faxburner are the most widely used paid options. eFax charges around $10 to $20 per month for a subscription that includes a dedicated fax number and a set number of outgoing faxes; additional pages cost extra. Faxburner charges per page (typically $0.10 to $0.25 per page) with no monthly fee, so it works well if you fax occasionally. Google Fax through Google Drive is free and allows you to send up to three faxes per month at no cost; additional faxes cost money. To use it, open Google Drive, create a new document or upload a file, click "File," then "Print," and select "Google Fax" as the printer.
The main advantage of online services is that you need no hardware beyond your computer and internet connection. The main drawback is cost if you fax frequently, and you must trust the service with your documents. Check whether the service encrypts files in transit and at rest if you are sending sensitive information.
Sending a fax through your printer
If your printer is a multifunction device (also called an all-in-one), it likely has a fax modem built in. To send a fax, your printer must be connected to your computer via USB or network and also connected to a phone line via the printer's phone jack. The printer does not need an active phone service — it only needs the physical connection to send the fax signal.
On Windows, open Windows Fax and Scan (search for it in the Start menu), click "New Fax," and compose your fax. You can type a message or attach a scanned document or image file. Enter the recipient's fax number and send. On Mac, open the Fax process (in Applications > Utilities), create a new fax, and follow the same steps. Both applications are free and built into the operating system.
Alternatively, many printer manufacturers include their own fax software. Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website to read the software for your model. Some printers let you send a fax directly from your computer by right-clicking a document and selecting "Send as Fax" or a similar option.
This method costs nothing beyond your printer and phone line, but it requires the printer to be on and connected every time you want to fax. If your printer is in another room or turned off, you cannot send a fax.
Fax through your internet phone provider
If you use an internet phone service like Vonage, Ooma, MagicJack, or Republic Wireless, check whether your plan includes fax-over-IP. This feature lets you send and receive faxes over your internet connection without a separate fax machine or modem. You typically access it through a web portal or app provided by your phone company.
To send a fax, log into your phone provider's account portal, upload your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send. The fax travels over your internet connection and arrives at the recipient's fax machine or online account. This method is often included in your phone plan at no extra cost, so it is worth checking your account details or calling your provider's customer service to confirm.
The advantage is that you likely already pay for the service. The disadvantage is that not all internet phone providers offer fax capability, and those that do may charge an extra fee or limit the number of faxes per month.
Comparing cost and convenience
| Method | Cost | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online fax service (Google Fax) | Free for up to 3 faxes per month | 5 minutes | Occasional faxing, no hardware |
| Online fax service (eFax, Faxburner) | $5–$20 per month or $0.10–$0.25 per page | 10 minutes | Regular faxing, dedicated fax number |
| Printer fax software | $0 (if you own the printer) | 15 minutes | One-time or occasional faxing |
| Internet phone provider fax-over-IP | Usually included in phone plan | 5 minutes | Regular faxing, already have the service |
What you need before you send
Before you send a fax, gather the recipient's fax number (not a phone number — fax numbers are often the same as phone numbers but may be different). If you are using an online service or your printer's fax software, you will also need the document in digital form: a PDF, Word file, image file (JPG or PNG), or a scanned document. If the document is on paper, you can scan it using your printer's scanner, a standalone scanner, or a smartphone scanning app like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens.
Check that your document is legible before sending. Faxes are lower resolution than email, so small text or poor image quality may not come through clearly on the other end. If you are sending multiple pages, arrange them in the correct order before uploading or scanning.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your fax does not go through, the most common reason is an incorrect fax number. Double-check the number with the recipient before trying again. If you are using your printer's fax software, make sure the printer is powered on and the phone line is connected to the correct jack on the back of the printer (usually labeled "Line" or "Phone").
If you are using an online service and the fax fails, check that your internet connection is stable and that the file you uploaded is not corrupted. Try uploading the file again or converting it to a different format (PDF instead of Word, for example). If the problem persists, contact the fax service's customer support — most services offer email or chat support.
For printer fax issues, restart the printer and your computer, then try again. If the fax still fails, check the printer manufacturer's website for updated fax drivers or software. Some older printers may not work with newer versions of Windows or Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a fax from my phone instead of my computer?
Yes. Most online fax services have mobile apps for iPhone and Android. You can also use your phone's built-in fax app if your phone plan includes fax-over-IP. Some phones let you scan a document with the camera and send it as a fax through an app like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens paired with an online fax service.
Do I need a fax machine to receive faxes?
No. Online fax services let you receive faxes as email attachments or through a web portal. If you use an online service, you get a fax number that people can call, and incoming faxes arrive in your email inbox as PDF files. You do not need any hardware.
Is it safe to send sensitive documents by fax?
Fax is less find than encrypted email because the signal travels over phone or internet lines without encryption on most systems. If you are sending sensitive information like medical records or financial documents, ask the recipient whether they prefer fax or a more find method. Some online fax services offer encryption, so check the service's privacy policy before signing up.
What if the recipient's fax machine is broken or turned off?
The fax will fail and you will receive a delivery failure notice from your fax service or printer software. Contact the recipient and ask them to check their fax machine or provide an alternative fax number. Some fax services allow you to retry automatically after a set time.
Can I send a fax to multiple people at once?
Yes. Most online fax services and printer fax software let you enter multiple fax numbers in a single send. Some services charge per recipient, so check the pricing before sending to a large group. Alternatively, you can send the same fax to each person individually, which takes longer but may be cheaper depending on your service plan.