Faxing technology has evolved so much that nowadays, even desktop computers and laptops can function as fax machines. People can now send and receive fax using any device, including smartphones and tablets.
How does this work? The process is pretty straightforward. You either install an app or software that allows your device to send and receive a fax.
If you’re looking for the best fax software for Windows 10, you’re in luck. There are lots of free desktop apps or fax software that you can download online. All you need to do is sign up for an online fax service with multiplatform support.
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Does Windows Have a Fax Program?
Yes, the Windows operating system has built-in fax software. When you purchase a Windows PC, it comes with fax software called Fax and Scan. This app allows you to use computers to transmit and receive faxed documents without a fax machine.
This app is available on Windows versions starting with Vista up to Windows 11. Just search “fax and scan” using Windows Search. Another way to access this app is by opening the Start menu. Scroll through the programs list and open the folder called Windows Accessories.
However, getting this app to work requires advanced Windows setup knowledge. It is also important to note that the Windows fax software requires an analog phone line. If you need a purely online fax solution, we offer alternatives in this post.
Can You Fax From Your Computer Without a Phone Line?
While a phone line is required to use the built-in Windows fax app, you can always go for workarounds. The best workaround would be to look for an app or system that lets you fax from your computer without a phone line. Choose web-based Windows fax software instead.
If you look online, there are lots of free and paid fax systems available for Windows. It can be hard to choose one, especially if you are not familiar with the features and specifications required by digital faxing.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a secure and reliable online fax service with top-level security and advanced features.
What Is the Best Windows 10 Fax Software?
If what you want is the best fax software for Windows, then use iFax. This free fax service allows you to download and install the app for free on the Microsoft Store. All you need to do is create an iFax account to use the app.
With the iFax software for Windows, you can turn your computer or laptop into a portable fax machine. There’s no need to connect with a phone line or modem.
As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can send and receive faxes on your computer.
How Do You Set Up Windows Fax Software?
Setting up a Windows fax software using iFax doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge. If you follow the steps below, you’ll be able to do it in a matter of minutes.
- Download the app. Download the free fax app for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store. To download, you need to sign in to your Microsoft account. You can download and install the fax software for free.
- Launch the app. Once installed, launch iFax. Make sure to add it to your Windows Start menu for easy access.
- Create or sign in to your iFax account. Upon launch, iFax will ask you to sign in or register for an account. Go to iFax to create an account. For existing iFax users, go to Settings and select Login. When prompted, enter your email and password.
- Configure iFax for Windows. Once logged in, you can configure your iFax software for Windows using the options available in the left panel.
- Add a fax number. To start receiving faxed documents, you need to create a fax number or port an existing fax number. A premium iFax plan already comes with a fax number, ideal for small business use.
- Send fax online. To start sending documents, click the New Fax button at the bottom-left of the main control window.
That’s it! If you are already using iFax online, it will automatically sync with your Windows PC. Just make sure that you have a stable internet connection while using it.
Faxing on a Windows 10 PC is now possible for all types of users, thanks to iFax.
Whether you need to transmit one page or a hundred, you can use this fax service to turn your computer or laptop into a digital fax machine.
What Is the Best Free Fax App for a Windows 10 Computer?
The best free fax software for Windows 10 is one that does not require a phone line. There should be no need to connect it to any hardware like a fax machine or an all-in-one printer. It should have top-level security that could easily fend off cyber attacks.
Most of today’s online fax services offer free Windows fax software. As long as you use the fax service, you can also use their computer fax software for free. Just make sure to choose an online fax service that’s secure enough to protect your fax documents.
Speaking of which, here are some of the best fax software for Windows that you can download for free:
1. iFax for Windows
iFax for Windows is the best free online fax software that turns your computer into an instant fax machine. iFax uses enterprise-grade fax technology that is guaranteed to provide you with a secure and unparalleled online faxing experience.
iFax is also one of the first HIPAA-compliant fax software on the market. Plus, it offers a user-friendly interface and seamless syncing across all supported platforms.
Why is iFax the best free fax software for Windows? Here are some of the reasons:
- Compatible with other platforms such as iOS, Android, and Mac OS
- Ideal for the medical industry due to HIPAA and GLBA compliance
- 256-bit end-to-end encryption for secure online fax transmissions
- Real-time updates via email for incoming faxes
Best of all, iFax is the perfect Windows 10 fax software because it offers free fax services for life and without a credit card required. Send up to five faxes for free per month without having to commit to a paid subscription.
iFax is compatible with all versions of Windows from Vista up to Windows 11.
2. CocoFax
CocoFax is a faxing software for Windows with a clean and user-friendly interface. It also allows users to sort and organize contacts into groups. Aside from this, CocoFax offers unlimited fax storage and Slack integration.
This fax software works well on Windows 7, 8, and 10.
3. eFax Messenger for PC
eFax Messenger is a free software packed with features for seamless faxing on a PC. With it, users can edit and send faxes directly from their computers. You can use this software as long as you are an eFax Plus or eFax Pro user.
This fax software works on Windows 10 with a 64-bit (x64) processor.
Why Use Fax Software for Windows 10?
There are plenty of reasons why you should install a fax app or software on your computer.
Space-saving tool
First, you would no longer need extra space in your office for a bulky fax machine. You can also save on repair and maintenance costs. In addition, since you’re only using a fax app, your portable fax machine is available on your mobile phone.
Paperless process
Going paperless is another good reason why you should start using fax software on Windows. Using your computer or mobile phone to fax does not require paper or ink.
You can send and receive digitized fax documents without touching a single piece of paper. Even affixing your signature is digitized but still legally binding.
Digitized documents
Since your faxes are digitized, you can manage your fax records more efficiently. It is also easier to search and organize fax records using Windows fax software. Just type in keywords to search for a document.
Timely notifications
Wondering if your fax has been received? When using fax software, you get real-time delivery receipts. Not only that but you will also get notified as soon as the fax arrives and vice versa.
Location flexibility
If you have the fax software installed on your laptop, you can transmit a document from anywhere in the world. There is no need to look for a fax center nearby. You can even fax while you travel or do business meetings abroad.
Secure messages
Using fax software is also far safer than traditional mail service. You can fax your documents online to anywhere you want. There’s also less risk of it getting stolen or lost. Unlike courier services, there’s also no need to wait for days or weeks for documents to arrive.
Faster communication
Since sending faxes online usually takes minutes, communication is faster. If your message is urgent, you can also expect an immediate reply. If you’ve faxed a document that requires a signature, you can expect it back as soon as it gets signed.
The number of users who use fax services to send and receive documents via the internet is growing. It’s no longer just businesses and organizations that use online fax.
So why not join the trend and use Windows software for faxing?
Fax Software for Other Platforms: More Ways to Fax
What’s great about using internet fax software is that you aren’t limited to a single platform. You can fax using multiple devices running on different operating systems. You can even do so without downloading any fax software or app.
As long as your online fax service supports multiple platforms, doing this is a cinch.
Fax directly from a Mac
Did you know that you can download a fax app for Mac? Like Windows, the setup process to fax from Mac will only take you a few minutes.
What’s nice about iFax for Mac is it also supports dark mode. Plus, it syncs with your other Apple devices like your iPad and Apple Watch.
Fax directly from your phone
By installing a fax app, you can turn your Android or iPhone into a portable fax machine.
To fax from your phone, Android users can go to Google Play Store to download and install a fax app. On the other hand, those with iPhones can use the App Store to search for a free fax app.
Convenience-wise, using a fax app is a lot easier than operating a fax machine. Plus, you can take it with you and send a fax in an instant. You also get mobile notifications as soon as a new fax message arrives.
Fax directly from your email
There are online fax services that let you fax directly from your email. When faxing from email, you don’t need fax software or a phone app. All you need is an email account.
Faxing from email is almost similar to sending a regular email. However, there are a few notable differences. For example, you need to enter your recipient’s fax number in the subject field instead of the usual subject line.
Most importantly, your online fax service should have email to fax support. Without it, you can only receive, not send, faxes via email.
Send and receive fax online
Yes, you can send and receive fax online without any software or app. Just fax directly through your web browser.
- Open a browser window or tab.
- Load your web dashboard and log in to your online fax service account.
- After that, you can start faxing online.
To have access to a web dashboard, you must have an account with an online fax service.
The Best Way to Fax
Today, faxing is no longer dependent on phone lines and fax machines. Modern fax users are no longer tied to a single device or system. Therefore, fax services have to adapt and keep up with today’s modern faxing lifestyle.
What matters more today is user privacy. With increasing cybercrime, it’s best to choose an online fax service with robust security. If you are looking for a secure multiplatform online faxing service, try iFax. Sign up for an account today.
You can download and install the iFax software on your Windows computer or mobile device and enjoy a free trial.
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