Is it worth installing a Sharp AR-M165 on Windows 10 in 2025?
Even with the driver installed, Windows Scan or Windows Fax and Scan may not detect the AR-M165. Use these alternatives:
In NAPS2:
Success rate for scanning: 70% (higher with VueScan).
The Sharp AR-M165 was released during the Windows XP and Windows Vista era. It uses a proprietary GDI (Graphics Device Interface) or host-based printing language. Unlike PCL or PostScript printers, GDI printers rely heavily on the host computer’s CPU to render the page. This means the driver must be tightly coupled with the operating system’s graphics engine. sharp ar-m165 driver windows 10
When Microsoft changed the print architecture significantly between Windows 7 and Windows 10 (and later, Windows 11), old GDI drivers stopped working. Sharp never updated the AR-M165’s firmware to support the new OS models.
Some AR-M165 units have the optional AR-NB3 network interface card. This is a game-changer because network printing is more forgiving than USB. Is it worth installing a Sharp AR-M165 on Windows 10 in 2025
Network scanning via TWAIN is possible but requires advanced configuration of your firewall and the Sharp Network Scanner Tool (Windows 7 version).
If you cannot find the official package, use the Windows built-in driver database (see Part 3). In NAPS2: