Windows 11 HP Smart app vs Android HP Smart app

[HedgeSkater]

Why does HP Smart app on Windows 11 print terrible photo yet the HP Smart app on Android prints a perfect photo.  Same photo same settings

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @HedgeSkater 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how frustrating it must feel to see the same photo look vibrant and sharp when printed from Android, yet appear dull or poor when printed from Windows 11. Thank you for already testing with the same photo and settings—that effort helps narrow things down. 

Let’s walk through a few steps together to improve photo print quality on Windows:

Steps to Improve Photo Printing from Windows 11 HP App

Update the HP App and Printer Drivers

• Open the Microsoft Store on Windows 11, search for HP App, and ensure it is fully updated.
• Visit HP’s support page for your printer model and install the latest drivers:
  HP Software and Driver Downloads

Check Print Settings in the HP App

• Open the HP App on Windows 11.
• Select your printer, then go to Print Settings.
• Under Paper/Quality, ensure:
  • Paper Type is set to Photo Paper (if you are using photo paper).
  • Print Quality is set to Best.
• Disable any “Economy” or “Draft” modes.

Use the Correct Color Management

• In the HP App, before printing, select More Settings.
• Ensure Color Options is set to Color and not Grayscale.
• If available, enable HP ColorSmart or HP Enhanced Color.

Check Windows 11 Default Printer Preferences

• Press Windows + R, type control printers, and press Enter.
• Right-click your printer → Printing Preferences.
• Confirm settings match photo printing requirements (Photo Paper, Best Quality).

Test with Different File Formats

• Sometimes JPEG vs PNG can affect print output. Try saving the photo in a different format and reprint.

Run Diagnose & Fix

• Open the HP App → Select your printer → Support Tools → Diagnose & Fix.
  This tool automatically checks for driver, connection, and print quality issues.

By aligning the Windows 11 HP App settings with the Android defaults, you should see richer colors and sharper detail. The Android app often applies optimized photo profiles automatically, so manually adjusting these settings on Windows usually resolves the difference.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye