Printer and scanner manufacturers generally offer their own software to print, scan, and manage printers and scanners.
HP also offers an app called HP Smart app (developed as a replacement to the HP Scan and Capture app) for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
The HP Smart app lets you change many of the default print and scan settings. Additionally, it can also be used to check the HP printer ink level. Many users prefer it over the default native printer dialog and Scan app in Windows 11.
On Windows 11, the HP Smart app can be installed from the Microsoft Store and is free.
If you frequently use the HP Smart app for printing and scanning, consider creating a shortcut to it on your Windows 11 desktop, allowing you to open the app quickly and easily.
Although Windows 11 does not offer a straightforward way to create a desktop shortcut to apps, there is a hidden way to create app shortcuts on the desktop.
Follow the directions given below to create an HP Smart app shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop.
Add the HP Smart app shortcut to the Windows 11 desktop
Step 1: Launch the HP Smart app using search or any other method.
Step 2: Once the app is launched, right-click its icon in the taskbar to see the context menu (called jump list).
Step 3: The context menu (just a list) shows various options. While the menu is open, hold down the Shift key, right-click the HP Smart entry in the menu to see another menu (refer to the image below) with the ‘Create shortcut’ option. If the option is absent, it’s likely because you are not holding the Shift key or right-clicked elsewhere.
Step 4: Finally, click the ‘Create shortcut’ option.
Step 5: When you get the following prompt, click the ‘Yes’ button to create the HP Smart app shortcut on the Windows 11 desktop.
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