How to Send a Fax From Your Windows PC Without Software

Send a free fax today – no software or downloads are required! Fax.Live’s online browser-based faxing service uses the power of the internet to fax documents remotely with no additional downloads or programs required. You can fax using your Windows 10 or Windows 11 internet-connected computer through our online fax service.

(Side note: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support in October of 2025.)

Set up and try a free Fax.Live account to get started faxing from Windows without software downloads. Fax.Live lets you send and receive faxes online. You get a free fax number with a monthly or annual subscription.

How to Get Started with Windows Faxing

This guide will walk you through sending faxes from your Windows device without any software or downloads required.

Head to Fax.Live and upload the document you want to fax.

This is the Fax.live start screen. Using a Windows computer, click or drag a PDF to get started.

Create a free account.

Your free Fax.Live account is the key to accessing Fax.Live’s services. This free 7-day trial allows you to fax documents from anywhere at any time using your web browser.

Fax.Live’s services are tied to your digital account — not your computer. This means that any device with an internet connection can use Fax.Live without installing apps or software. Fax.Live’s fax lines are available 24/7. Fax.Live lets you fax from any PC using Windows 10 or Windows 11. It also works with Apple computers. In fact, almost any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser can use Fax.Live.

Enter your recipient’s fax number.

An uploaded fax "request for proposal" is to the left of the optional free cover sheet form.

Enter the recipient’s fax number in the Required Fax Information section. You can attach a free cover sheet to the front of your fax. You will see a preview of your fax on the left side of the screen.

Once you’re ready, hit Send Fax!

What is the Windows Fax and Scan Program?

Older Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices had a built-in Windows Fax and Scan application that required a connected fax machine or modem. It allowed you to scan and fax documents through Windows.

If you have a newer Windows PC, you can still use the program, but you’ll need to install it. Click the Windows Settings menu >> Apps >> Optional Features >> View features (or Add an optional feature) >> Windows Fax and Scan >> Install.

You do need a fax machine to use this program. (This app works similarly to the way a printer works. Your laptop or computer will need to be connected to a network-connected fax machine.)

Search for Windows Fax and Scan in the Windows search bar.

Find Windows Fax and Scan by searching your PC (desktop or laptop)

2. Click the application labeled System.

Click the Windows Fax and Scan and you'll see a welcome message

Even though “Welcome to Windows” suggests that you can send a fax without a fax machine you will need to have access to a fax machine that’s connected to your network. This interface allows you to send and receive documents using a connected fax machine. When you select New Fax, you’ll be prompted to connect to a fax modem or fax server on your WiFi network. If you have a fax machine, you’ll need to connect it to the internet or directly connect it to your PC.

From Windows Fax & Scan, choose a fax modem or server

Once you do this, you can create a new fax by entering the recipient’s fax number and attaching a document similar to how you would create an email. This interface is very similar to most modern emails. You can attach images, documents, and even attach documents that are in the scanning doc of your printer/scanner combo machine.

From Windows Fax & Scan, complete your to, from, subject and message. The screen looks similar to an email message.

This application is great, and easy to use, but it does require a fax machine to function properly. The fax machine you use also needs to have a dedicated fax number to send/receive documents. If you have a Windows machine on a network with a fax machine at an office, for example, this application could be useful.

If you don’t have a fax machine, or prefer an easier way to send online faxes, use Fax.Live.

FAQs About Faxing from Windows PCs

Is Fax.Live software compatible with Windows?

Fax.Live is completely web-browser-based with no downloads or software installations. You can access our service from anywhere with an internet connection and modern web browser. Fax from your Windows, Mac, or even smartphone. We built Fax.Live to be as accessible and easy to use as possible, no software installation required.

How does Fax.Live work with Windows?

Open your favorite browser (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge) and go to fax.live. Click Get Started. Follow the prompts to upload your PDF to your Fax.Live account. On our end, we send your fax to your recipient, either to their fax machine or their online fax receiving service. This post explains How Online Faxing Works.

Do I need a fax machine to fax from my Windows PC?

No. Fax.Live doesn’t require a fax machine, fax modem, or any hardware. You only need a Windows computer and an internet connection. Your faxes are sent through Fax.Live’s secure servers to your recipient’s fax machine or online fax service.

What’s the difference between Fax.Live and the built-in Windows Fax and Scan app?

Fax.Live is a cloud-based service that works on any device with a browser — no hardware needed. The Windows Fax and Scan app (available on older Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices) requires a connected fax machine or modem and only works on your Windows PC. If you don’t have fax hardware, Fax.Live is the simpler choice.

Can I fax from my Windows laptop or desktop computer?

Yes. Fax.Live works on both Windows laptops and desktops as long as you have an internet connection and a web browser. You can also fax from your Mac, tablet, or smartphone—any device with internet access and a modern web browser.