Configure WSD scan from MFP179 series

[helmutfi]

I've purchased a MFP179fwg as I saw in the description, scan to PC is avialable. 

I did everyhting to get WSD scanning running, but the printer is in a loop.

If I choose "WSD canning" the network name of my laptop is shown. I click Ok on the printer and then the printer moves back to "WSD scanning". For sure, nothing happens. 

I installed the WSD printer on my machine. Also the full driver package and HP smart app. Nothing helped. 

Scanning from laptop is working, but this is not what I wanted and what described. 

Latest firmware is also instlaled. 

What can I do? Or should I return the printer?

[helmutfi]

No comment? I thought, here at HP i get some answers. Very poor.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @helmutfi 

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

If your HP Color Laser MFP 179fwg loops back to “WSD scanning” without completing the scan, the issue may stem from Windows firewall, WSD port configuration, or service dependencies. Scanning from the PC confirms the driver is functional, but WSD relies on additional system-level services and network permissions.

I’m really sorry this has been so frustrating—especially when the feature is clearly advertised and you’ve done everything right to set it up. Let’s walk through a few precise steps to help restore direct scan-to-PC functionality.

Step-by-step actions to fix WSD scanning loop

Verify Windows services required for WSD

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
• Ensure the following services are Running and set to Automatic:
  • Function Discovery Provider Host
  • Function Discovery Resource Publication
  • SSDP Discovery
  • UPnP Device Host
• Restart your PC after enabling these

Allow WSD through Windows Firewall

• Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
• Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
• Ensure WSD Scan and WSD Print are allowed for Private networks
• If not listed, click Allow another app and browse to:C:\Windows\System32\WSDScan.exe

Reinstall WSD port and scan device

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right-click the MFP179 printer > Remove device
• Go to Control Panel > Programs > HP Color Laser MFP 179fwg Full Software
• Uninstall and restart
• Reinstall using the full package:
  HP Color Laser MFP 179fwg – Software and Drivers

Re-add the WSD scan device manually

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a device
• Wait for the printer to appear as a WSD Scan Device
• Select it and complete setup

Test scan from printer panel

• On the printer, go to Scan > WSD Scan
• Select your PC name and press OK
• The scan should initiate and transfer directly to your PC

Let me know if the scan still loops or if your PC name disappears from the printer panel—I’ll guide you through deeper network checks if needed. 

You’ve been incredibly thorough, and we’ll make sure this feature works exactly as described.

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

[helmutfi]

Hi

Thanks for your answer. 

Unfortunately, it did not work. I installed Windows Fax6Scan and enabled one missing service. Deleted all printers and started the search again, installed it and tried on the printer. I have now 3 options. Scan to laptop, scan to fax and scan to send a mail. It does not matter what I choose, the printer returns to the start WSD scan option back.

[Hawks_Eye]

We sincerely thank you for your patience and co-operation during this troubleshooting process.

If your HP Color Laser MFP 179fwg loops back to the WSD scan screen without initiating the scan, even after reinstalling and enabling services, the issue likely stems from a WSD protocol timeout or a misconfigured scan destination. You can bypass this by switching to a direct scan method using HP App or configuring Scan to Folder via IP.

I understand how disappointing this is—especially when you’ve followed every setup step and the advertised feature still doesn’t work. WSD scanning can be temperamental on certain networks, and when it fails silently like this, it’s often due to how Windows handles device discovery and permissions.

Alternative Steps to Restore Scan-to-PC Functionality

1. Switch to HP App for Direct Scanning

WSD scanning relies on Windows services, but the HP App offers a more reliable connection.

• Download the HP App from Microsoft Store:
  https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9wzdncrfhwlh
• Open the app and add your printer manually via IP address if needed.
• Use the Scan tab to initiate scans directly to your PC.
• You can set default save locations and formats (PDF, JPEG, etc.)

This bypasses WSD and uses HP’s direct protocol, which is more stable.

2. Configure Scan to Network Folder (SMB)

If you prefer scanning from the printer panel, set up a shared folder:

• Create a folder on your PC (e.g., C:\Scans) and share it:
  • Right-click > Properties > Sharing > Share > Add “Everyone” with Read/Write
• On the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS):
  • Enter printer IP in browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.100)
  • Go to Scan > Scan to Network Folder Setup
  • Enter your PC’s IP, folder path, and Windows credentials
• Save and test from the printer panel

This method avoids WSD entirely and uses SMB protocol for direct file transfer.

3. Disable WSD and Use TCP/IP Port

If WSD continues to fail:

• Go to Devices and Printers > Printer Properties > Ports
• Remove WSD port and add a Standard TCP/IP Port using your printer’s IP
• Reinstall the printer using this port and test scanning via HP App

4. Check for Network Isolation or Firewall Rules

Some routers isolate devices or block multicast traffic needed for WSD.

• Ensure your PC and printer are on the same subnet
• Disable “AP Isolation” or “Client Isolation” in router settings
• Temporarily disable third-party firewalls or antivirus to test

Let me know if you’d prefer scanning from the printer panel or from your PC—I’ll guide you through whichever method suits your workflow best. You’ve been incredibly patient, and I’ll make sure you get a reliable solution that works every time.

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