HP 8720 stopping scanning to my computer

[steve_niceguy]

I've always taken documents and put them into my HP 8720 document feeder and scanned them onto my computer.

now when I put a document into my HP 8720 printer and click scan and then click computer.... it say's no computer found???

it say's make sure the software is loaded on your computer??

I did call a tech line and they helped me to get the printer to print..... and I now have a HP Smart icon on my desktop that I can click scan on and it will scan it to my computer..... but I'd like to have it the way it was... I would just scan a document and click computer on the printer screen and presto it was on my computer....

do I need software???? what happened to the automatic software that was there for the last 6 years???

any help would be GREATLY appreciated

[Dragon-Fur]

@steve_niceguy 

Welcome to the HP Community --

"What happened?"

Software gets old -- Windows changes --

The full driver printer software can be uninstalled / reinstalled.

Next,

After the software is installed - Restart the computer and log in

Open the Printer Assistant shortcut icon

Tab Scan 

Open Manage Scan to Computer > Enable the feature

Details / Examples

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

Printer Software - Full Driver

Reinstall the full driver printer software

Short Version - (Re)Install Printer Software

If this is a re-installation,

• Uninstall the full driver printer software from Programs and Features or Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Restart the computer and sign in

Next,

• Scroll down to "Install full driver printer software" 

Details / How-to / Examples 

Check / Apply Windows Updates

• Check / Install any pending Windows Updates 
• If not done as part of Windows Updates, Restart your computer 

Next,

Uninstall existing printer software

• Uninstall existing full driver printer software from Programs and Features.
• If your printer software includes a separate "help" in Programs and Features, uninstall that, too.
• Restart the computer and log in.

Install full driver printer software

• If the printer is connected to the computer using a printer USB cable, remove / disconnect the cable before loading the software.

Web Pack Installation - Open Web Page - Full Driver Printer Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories

• Open the Web Page
• Download, Save, and Install the software.
• If using a USB cable to connect the printer to your computer, connect the cable when instructed to do so (near the end of the software installation process.
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

Short Version Done here

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

               Installed Software

Containers, Shortcuts on the Desktop

            What about HP Scan?

After the installation of the printer software is complete -

The full driver will be listed in Programs and Features AND in Settings > Apps > Installed Apps (Windows 11)  

Settings_Apps_Installed_Apps_Printer_Software_1

Next,

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

HP Containers / Desktop Shortcuts

Next,

• The full driver printer software will have added one or more "container" shortcuts on the Desktop:

• Printer Assistant - named for the printer model

OR

On newer printers and when the new full driver printer software no longer supports the Printer Assistant:

• Scan Assistant - named for itself

AND

• The full driver printer software, once installed, will have added a shortcut icon for HP Scan. 

NOTE > Model Dependent

The shortcut for HP Scan that is part of the full driver might be named for the printer model.

Example - Various Printer related Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer_Assistant_Scan_Assistant_Shortcut_Icons_on_Desktop_11

Next,

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

Sample - Printer Assistant / Scan Assistant and other shortcuts / icons

Example - Installed Apps / Software - Shortcut icons on the Desktop

Printer Assistant OR Scan Assistant shortcuts (printer model dependent)

HP Scan shortcuts

Location of Apps / full driver (when installed)

Manage Scan to Computer

HP_Printer_Assistant_HP_Scan_Assistant_5

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

Message Content References

-- Take advantage of the extensive HP Video collection --

                                            ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Technology Tips - Video Gallery from our HP Expert greenturtle

 Technology Tips– YouTube Video Help for Printers

 HP Support Official Channel – HP Support Video Gallery

=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

References / Resources

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

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

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Warranty Check, Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software & Drivers / Firmware Updates, Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open 

 Product Home - Printers

 Enter the device type and model name of your HP product

OR

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"