Scanning to pdf - dpi

[dlengland]

I was scanning a picture and it printed really dark.  Went to scan this again and was going to change the dpi and found that I was scanning this at the max of 300 dpi.  Searched out on internet and it mentioned 600 and 1200 dpi, however, I do not have that option; it only goes to 300 dpi.  Why is that?

[dlengland]

This does not help me.  What I am trying to say is that when I scan, I don't have option to go above 300 dpi for output.  

I have tried to send a screen print but it won't take it, jpg or pdf so that I can show you.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @dlengland 

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

Thanks for explaining that—it's genuinely confusing when you expect higher scan resolution options like 600 or 1200 dpi, but your HP DeskJet 4255e only offers 300 dpi. You're not alone in noticing this, and there’s a reason behind it.

According to HP’s support community, several users have reported that after upgrading to Windows 11, the scanner resolution on certain HP printers—including DeskJet models—gets capped at 300 dpi. 

This appears to be a limitation in the Windows 11 scanning interface or the HP Smart app, which doesn’t expose higher DPI settings for some devices.

🧰 What You Can Try

✅ 1. Use HP Scan Extended

This tool sometimes unlocks higher DPI options:

• Download from the HP Scan Extended page.
• Install and launch the app.
• Try scanning from there and check if 600 or 1200 dpi is available.

🔄 2. Try Windows Fax and Scan

• Press Windows + S, type Windows Fax and Scan, and open it.
• Click New Scan.
• Choose your printer and check the Resolution dropdown.

 

Let me know which method you try or if you'd like help setting up HP Scan Extended. You’re doing the right thing by digging deeper—we’ll get your scans looking sharp again! 🖼️✨

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye