A vast number of computer users own HP printers and scanners. In fact, when it comes to printers and scanners, HP is the market leader.
As you know, HP offers an official app called HP Smart, which allows you to scan documents/pictures, as well as change default settings. While it’s true that it offers more features than its predecessor, HP Scan and Capture, it requires you to create and sign in with an HP account, which most users are not comfortable with due to privacy reasons.
Because of this, many users want to know if it’s possible to scan a document or picture without the HP Smart app on a Windows 11/10 PC.
Can I scan a document/picture with a HP scanner without the HP Smart app?
The short answer is yes. You can scan a document/picture via a HP scanner connected to your Windows 11 PC without using the HP Smart app.
How to scan a document/picture without the HP Smart app in Windows 11?
As mentioned earlier, you do not need to install the HP Smart app to scan a document/picture. You can use the built-in Windows Scan app in Windows 11 or install the classic Windows Fax and Scan program as an optional feature to use your HP scanner without using the HP Smart app. Here is how.
Step 1: Ensure that you have downloaded and installed the printer/scanner driver. If not, visit the HP website and type in your scanner/printer model number to download the driver. Once downloaded, run the installer file to install the printer/scanner driver.
Step 2: Turn on the HP scanner and connect it to your Windows 11 PC using a cable or the Wi-Fi feature to connect the scanner to your PC. If you are not sure, refer to our how to wirelessly connect a printer to Windows 11 PC guide for step-by-step directions.
Step 3: Launch the Scan app or Windows Fax and Scan. If the scanner driver is installed, these apps detect the scanner without any issues.
NOTE: If Windows Fax and Scan is missing, refer to our ‘How to install Windows Fax and Scan in Windows 11’ guide for directions.
Step 4: Make necessary changes to the default scanner settings (such as the output file type, color mode, resolution, and scanned file location) and then click the Scan button to scan the document/picture in the scanner. The Windows Fax and Scan app does not offer an option to save scanned documents in PDF format. That’s it!
NOTE: If everything is working well, you may now uninstall the HP Smart app from your Windows 11 installation.
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