Can't find HP Scan taskbar icon

[Elsie221]

I recently installed Windows 11. However, the install removed the HP Scan desktop icon that got me to the HP Scan interface. I would like to have that back. I tried using HP Smart instead, and it doesn't have half the functionality that the original scan interface had. For example, I can't scan pages that have two sides anymore. How dumb is that? That's the majority of what I scan!  Can you please give me step-by-step instructions as to how I can get that taskbar icon back so that I can get to the product interface that I had previously (before HP Smart). I also tried to download the full product software, but that didn't seem to work either.

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Elsie221,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand your frustration with the changes in your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968 scanner interface after installing Windows 11. To get the HP Scan desktop icon back and access the original scan interface, you can follow these steps.

Check for Installed Software: Before proceeding, ensure that the HP Scan software is already installed on your computer. If not, you may need to reinstall it.

Search for HP Scan: You can try searching for the HP Scan application in Windows 11:

• a. Click on the Windows icon in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 
• b. In the search bar, type "HP Scan" and press Enter.

This might help you locate and open the HP Scan application directly.

Create a Desktop Shortcut: If you can't find the HP Scan application through search, you can create a desktop shortcut for it:

• a. Right-click on your desktop and select "New" > "Shortcut." 
• b. In the "Create Shortcut" window, type the path to the HP Scan executable file. This file is usually located in the HP program files directory, something like: C:\Program Files\HP\HP OfficeJet Pro 6968\Bin\HPScan.exe. Make sure to replace this path with the correct one if it's different on your system. 
• c. Click "Next" and give the shortcut a name (e.g., "HP Scan"). 
• d. Click "Finish" to create the shortcut on your desktop.

Reinstall HP Scan Software: If the above steps don't work, you may need to reinstall the HP Scan software:

• a. Visit the HP official website and locate the software and drivers section for your HP OfficeJet Pro 6968. 
• b. Download the full feature software and driver package for your printer model and Windows 11. 
• c. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Reconfigure Scanning Options: Once you have access to the HP Scan interface, you can reconfigure the scanning options to allow two-sided scanning:

• a. Launch HP Scan. 
• b. Navigate to the scanning settings or preferences. 
• c. Look for an option related to duplex or two-sided scanning, and make sure it's enabled. 
• d. Save your settings.

After following these steps, you should be able to access the HP Scan interface and have the functionality you're looking for, including two-sided scanning.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4
HP Support 

[Elsie221]

Thank you for this helpful, detailed solution. By following your instructions, I was able to get my taskbar icon back and can now scan 2-sided pages.