• ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Windows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
    Click here to learn more
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
We have new content about Hotkey issue, Click here to check it out!
Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs, VIDEOS AND MORE.
HP Recommended
HO Notebook
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I have a HP15 Notebook and want to download scanner software from HP to my laptop so I can scan from my printer to my Laptop.  Not having much luck talking to HP.  They just want to sell me something called "SmartFriend."  Can anyone out there help me?

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@Mickey1313 

 

The computer is not in charge of the printer software.

Instead you need to install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

 

If the printer is NOT an HP Printer,

The general solution is likely the same - of course, you'll have to get the printer software from the printer manufacturer.

 

Most likely solution:

If the printer is an HP Printer...

Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software.

 

 Recent model of HP Printer

Full Driver software

 

If you have not done so, install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

 

HP Smart Windows supports PDF and Photo / Image Printing.

HP Smart Mobile includes PDF / Photo printing, plus Word / Pages documents.

 

The Full Feature Software / full driver printer software supports printing from software and applications, including Word and other Office software.

 

 

Preparation

 

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

 

Printer Software Check

 

Notes

If the full driver printer software is installed, you will see the printer listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

 

 

The installation of the printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

 

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_3Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_3

 

 

 

Printer software not installed?

Method - Use the Easy Start Wrapper to Install the Full Feature / Full Driver Software

 

For printers that support the option,

Use the Easy Start wrapper to install and configure the printer software.

 

  • Home Page - HP Easy Start 
  • Open Category Software and Drivers 
  • Topic: Software-Utility 
  • Download-and-Save  the current version of the Easy Start wrapper to install your print software 
  • If using USB:  Disconnect the USB cable between the printer and computer before installing the software.
  • Right-Click on the downloaded package and "Run as Administrator" to start the installation
  • When asked, Select to install the “Full Driver” / “Full Feature Software”
  • If using USB:  Connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the installation process).
  • After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in.

 

Notes >> Easy Start... The Journey

 

  1. Full Administrator Rights are required to complete the HP Software installation.
  2. About 2/3 of the way through the setup, you will be given the opportunity to select the software - select the "Full Driver" set (as opposed to the basic driver or other application).
  3. You can skip / ignore suggestion(s) that you add the HP Account – you’ll need the account at some point, for now, you can skip this suggestion (as many times as it insists it’s a good idea) during the full driver software installation.
  4. If you see it, you can skip / ignore suggestion(s) regarding Instant Ink subscription.  Instant Ink subscription is NOT mandatory.
  5. Full driver includes print and scan functions supported by your printer and provides the printer features on which other applications / software might depend.

========================================================================

 

References / Resources

 

HP Smart for Windows

 

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

 

Learn how to use HP Smart on your Windows 10 computer.

Open the Software and Drivers Support Website for your printer > Check the Box Get the App

OR Open and Read >>> HP Printers - Using the HP Smart App (Windows 10)

 

NOTES: 

Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.

 

  • HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

 

  • HP Smart benefits from having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

 

  • Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
    •  FAQ examples: 
      • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
      • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
      • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
    • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the login feature.
    • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

========================================================================

Adobe Reader DC – Install Whether You Use It or Not

If you have not done so,

Reinstall / Update your PDF Reader (Adobe Reader DC /Optional  Foxit Reader)

HINT:  Watch out for and UNCHECK unwanted extra software

 

NOTE:  Adobe Reader DC software can be installed even if you do not normally open / view / print PDF files directly from the Adobe Reader DC software.

 

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Printer  - Solve Problems

 “Things that are your printer”

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Access to the Print and Scan Doctor (Windows), Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, Lots of How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals > User Guides, Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

Product Home

Enter the type and name of your HP device

 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

Dragon-Fur

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.