The fastest way to fax from your computer
You can fax directly from your computer using an online fax service, your printer's built-in fax software, or your email — no separate fax machine needed. The method that works best depends on what you have available and how often you fax.
If you have a printer with a scanner, you likely already have fax capability through the printer's software. If not, an online fax service like eFax, Faxbureau, or HelloFax takes minutes to set up and costs between $10 and $30 per month for basic use. Email-to-fax services work if you have the recipient's fax number, but they are less reliable for important documents because delivery confirmation is harder to track.
Key Takeaways
- Most printers with scanning capability can fax directly through their software without any additional service.
- Online fax services store documents in the cloud, let you send from anywhere, and provide delivery receipts — useful if you fax regularly.
- Email-to-fax works by sending to an address like 5551234567@faxservice.com, but confirmation of delivery is less reliable than dedicated fax software.
- Faxing from your computer costs nothing if your printer supports it, or $10–$30 monthly for an online service depending on volume.
Faxing through your printer's built-in software
If your printer has a scanner, it almost certainly has fax software installed. Open the printer's control panel or settings on your computer — usually found in Windows Settings under Devices and Printers, or in System Preferences on a Mac — and look for a Fax or Scan option.
Load the document into the scanner, enter the fax number, and send. The printer dials the number using a phone line connected to the printer itself. This method is free and works well if you fax occasionally, but it requires the printer to stay powered on and connected to a phone line. If your printer is wireless-only or not connected to a phone line, this route will not work.
Check your printer's manual or the manufacturer's website if you cannot find the fax option — some models require you to read the fax driver separately, and setup varies by brand.
Using an online fax service
Online fax services like eFax, Faxbureau, and HelloFax let you send and receive faxes through a web browser or app. You sign up, receive a fax number, and upload documents to send. The service handles the phone connection on its end, so you do not need a phone line connected to your computer.
These services store your faxes in the cloud, which means you can send from anywhere — your office, home, or phone — and access sent and received faxes from any device. They also provide delivery receipts showing exactly when the fax was sent and received, which is useful for legal or financial documents where proof matters.
Pricing varies: basic plans start around $10 per month for a limited number of faxes, and higher-volume plans run $20–$30 monthly. Some services charge per page instead. Compare the number of faxes included in each plan against how often you actually fax before choosing.
Sending faxes through email
Many fax services and some phone companies offer email-to-fax: you send an email to a special address like 5551234567@faxservice.com, and the service converts it to a fax and sends it to that number. This works if you already have an email account and do not want to sign up for a separate service.
The downside is that delivery confirmation is unreliable. Email-to-fax services do not always send back a receipt showing the fax was received on the other end, so you may not know if the transmission failed. For documents that need proof of delivery — contracts, legal notices, financial records — a dedicated fax service or your printer's fax software is safer.
Some phone companies bundle email-to-fax with their plans at no extra cost. Check your phone bill or contact your provider to see if it is included.
What you need before you fax
Gather the recipient's fax number, which is usually printed on their letterhead or business card. You will also need the document itself — either a physical page to scan, or a digital file (PDF, Word document, image) already on your computer.
If you are using your printer's fax software, make sure the printer is powered on and connected to a phone line. If you are using an online service, you just need internet access. Have the recipient's name and company handy in case you need to include a cover sheet, though most services generate one automatically.
Troubleshooting common fax problems
If a fax fails to send, the most common cause is a wrong number or a busy fax line on the receiving end. Try again in a few minutes. If you are using your printer, check that the phone line is plugged in securely and that no one is using the phone at the same time.
If the recipient says they did not receive the fax, ask them to check their fax machine's error log or contact their IT department — sometimes faxes are blocked by spam filters or routing rules. Request a delivery receipt from your fax service if you have one; if the receipt shows "delivered," the problem is on their end.
For online services, check that you entered the fax number correctly, including the area code and any required prefixes. Some services require a 1 before the number; others do not. The service's help page will specify the format.
Comparing your options
| Method | Cost | Delivery Receipt | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printer fax software | Free | Yes | Occasional faxing, documents you can scan |
| Online fax service | $10–$30/month | Yes | Regular faxing, legal or financial documents, sending from multiple devices |
| Email-to-fax | Free or included with phone plan | Unreliable | Quick, informal faxes when you already have the service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fax a document that is already on my computer?
Yes. If you have a PDF or image file, you can upload it directly to an online fax service or open it in your printer's fax software and send it without scanning. This is faster than scanning a physical page and works for documents you received by email or created in Word.
Do I need a phone line to fax from my computer?
Only if you use your printer's built-in fax software — the printer itself needs to be connected to a phone line to dial out. Online fax services do not require a phone line on your computer; they use the internet instead.
What if the recipient's fax number is not working?
Ask them to confirm the number is correct and that their fax machine is turned on. If they say the number is right but faxes are not coming through, the problem may be on their end — a broken machine, a full inbox, or a routing issue. Request they check with their IT department or try a different fax number if they have one.
Is faxing from my computer find?
Online fax services encrypt documents in transit and at rest, which is generally as find as a traditional fax machine. If you are sending sensitive information, choose a service that offers encryption and check their privacy policy. Email-to-fax is less find because email itself is not encrypted unless you use a special service.
Can I receive faxes on my computer?
Yes, if you use an online fax service — they will assign you a fax number and store incoming faxes in your account where you can read them. Your printer's fax software can also receive faxes if the printer is connected to a phone line, though the fax prints out rather than appearing on your screen.