The fastest way to fax from your computer
You can fax directly from your computer using an online fax service, your existing email, or fax software — you do not need a fax machine or phone line. The method that works best depends on how often you fax, whether you need to receive faxes, and whether your documents are already digital.
Most people use an online fax service like eFax, HelloFax, or Fax.plus, which lets you upload a PDF or image, enter a fax number, and send it within minutes. Some services charge per fax; others charge a monthly subscription. If you only fax occasionally, email-to-fax gateways (which convert an email to a fax) are cheaper or free.
Key Takeaways
- Online fax services like eFax and Fax.plus work on any computer with internet and let you send a fax in under five minutes without special hardware.
- Email-to-fax gateways let you send a fax by emailing a document to a special address, and many are free or cost under $5 per month.
- Fax software installed on your computer can send faxes through your internet connection or a connected modem, but requires more setup than online services.
- You will need the recipient's fax number and a document in PDF, image, or Word format to send a fax from your computer.
Online fax services: the easiest option for most people
An online fax service is the most straightforward way to fax from your computer. You create an account on the service's website, upload your document, enter the fax number, and send. No software to install, no modem to configure. Services like eFax, Fax.plus, and HelloFax all work this way.
Most online services charge either per fax or as a monthly subscription. eFax charges around $10 to $20 per month for a set number of outgoing faxes, plus the ability to receive faxes at a dedicated fax number. Fax.plus and similar competitors offer similar pricing. If you fax only once or twice a month, some services let you pay per fax instead — typically $1 to $3 per page.
The main advantage is speed: you can send a fax in under five minutes from any computer with internet. The main disadvantage is cost if you fax frequently. If you need to receive faxes as well as send them, an online service with a dedicated fax number (which costs extra) is usually cheaper than setting up fax software on your computer.
Email-to-fax gateways: free or low-cost for occasional use
An email-to-fax gateway converts an email message into a fax and sends it to a fax number. You attach your document to an email, address it to a special email address that includes the fax number, and send. The gateway receives the email and transmits it as a fax.
Services like GotFreeFax, MyFax, and Fax.com offer email-to-fax. GotFreeFax is free for up to five faxes per month. MyFax charges around $10 per month for 100 outgoing faxes. The setup is straightforward: you sign up, receive instructions on how to format the recipient address, and start sending.
Email-to-fax works well if you fax rarely and do not need to receive faxes. The document must be in a format the gateway accepts — usually PDF, Word, or image files. Some gateways limit file size or page count on free plans. If you fax more than a few times per month, an online fax service with a flat monthly rate is usually cheaper.
Fax software on your computer: for frequent sending and receiving
Fax software installed on your computer lets you send and receive faxes through your internet connection or a connected modem. Windows includes built-in fax capability through the Fax and Scan app (available in Windows 10 and later). On Mac, you can send faxes through the Print dialog in most applications.
To send a fax using Windows Fax and Scan, open the app, select "New Fax", attach your document, enter the recipient's fax number, and send. The fax is transmitted through your internet connection or modem. Incoming faxes appear in the app's inbox. The software is free but requires setup: you must configure it to use either an internet fax service or a connected modem.
On Mac, open any document, select File > Print, click the dropdown menu that says "PDF", and choose "Fax PDF". Enter the fax number and send. This method works through an internet fax service, so you must set up an account first. Mac does not have built-in fax software like Windows does.
Fax software is best if you send and receive faxes regularly and want them stored on your computer. Setup takes longer than online services, and you may need to troubleshoot connection issues. For most people, an online fax service is simpler.
What you need before you send a fax
You need three things: a document in digital form, the recipient's fax number, and an internet connection. The document can be a PDF, a Word file, an image (JPG or PNG), or a scanned page. If you have a paper document, scan it first using a scanner or a smartphone app like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens.
The recipient's fax number should be a standard fax number — usually formatted like a phone number with area code and digits. Some faxes go to a fax machine; others go to an online fax service on the recipient's end. The recipient will tell you which. Your computer does not need to know the difference; you just enter the number and send.
Internet connection is required for online fax services and email-to-fax gateways. If you use fax software with a modem, you need either internet or a phone line connected to the modem. Most people use internet because phone lines are less common now.
Comparing cost and speed across methods
| Method | Setup time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online fax service | 5 minutes | $1–$20 per month | Regular faxing, receiving faxes |
| Email-to-fax gateway | 5 minutes | Free–$10 per month | Occasional faxing, no receiving |
| Windows Fax and Scan | 15–30 minutes | Free (with internet fax service) | Frequent sending and receiving |
| Mac Print to Fax | 10 minutes | Varies by service | Occasional faxing from documents |
Online fax services are fastest to set up and work on any computer. Email-to-fax is cheapest for occasional use. Fax software requires more configuration but stores faxes on your computer and works offline if you have a modem.
The choice between these methods comes down to frequency and need. If you fax once or twice a year, email-to-fax saves money. If you fax weekly and need to receive faxes, an online service with a monthly plan is more economical. If you want everything stored locally on your computer, fax software is the option, though it requires the most initial work.
Troubleshooting common fax problems
If your fax does not send, check that the fax number is correct — a single wrong digit will cause the fax to fail or reach the wrong recipient. Verify the number with the recipient before sending. If the number is correct, the recipient's fax machine or service may be offline or full; ask them to confirm their fax is working.
If the document does not upload, the file may be too large or in an unsupported format. Most services accept PDF and image files up to 10 MB. Convert Word documents to PDF before uploading. If you scanned a document and it is a very large image file, compress it using an online tool or your computer's built-in image editor.
If you are using fax software and the fax will not send through your modem, check that the modem is connected and recognized by your computer. In Windows, open Device Manager and look for the modem under "Modems". If it is not listed, the modem driver may need to be installed. For most people, using an online service instead of a modem is simpler.
Connection timeouts or slow transmission usually point to internet speed or the recipient's fax service being busy. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem persists, contact your fax service's support team — they can check whether the recipient's fax number is valid and whether their system is accepting incoming faxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fax machine to send a fax from my computer?
No. Online fax services and email-to-fax gateways send faxes through the internet without a fax machine or phone line. If you use fax software with a modem, you need a modem but not a fax machine. Most people do not have modems anymore, so an online service is the practical choice.
Can I fax from my computer for free?
Email-to-fax gateways like GotFreeFax offer free faxing up to a limit — usually five faxes per month. Online fax services charge monthly or per fax. Windows Fax and Scan is free software, but you must set up an internet fax service to use it, which costs money. Free options exist but have limits.
How long does it take to send a fax from my computer?
Most faxes send within one to five minutes after you click send. The time depends on the file size, the recipient's fax service, and internet speed. A single-page PDF usually sends in under a minute. Large files or slow internet may take longer.
What file types can I fax from my computer?
Most services accept PDF, Word (.doc, .docx), image files (JPG, PNG), and scanned documents. Some services also accept Excel and PowerPoint files. Check your service's documentation for the full list. If your file is not supported, convert it to PDF first.
Can I receive faxes on my computer?
Yes, if you use an online fax service with a dedicated fax number or fax software with a modem. Online services store received faxes in your account; fax software stores them in the app. Email-to-fax gateways typically do not receive faxes. If you need to receive faxes, choose an online service that includes incoming fax capability.