HP Smart - Unable to setup printer due to the location settings

[Jan_Mks]

Hello,

i want to set up a printer in HP Smart.

I received the message that I need to enable my location in Windows for this. However, the location settings are disabled by group policy.

Is there a way to set up the printer without the location settings?

Thanks in advance.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Jan_Mks 

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

Thanks for explaining. This is a common issue with HP Smart on Windows – the app requires location services to be turned on for setup, because HP uses your region/location for Wi-Fi Direct, nearby printer discovery, and regional compliance.

Since your location settings are disabled by Group Policy, here’s what you can do:

Option 1: Bypass HP Smart (Manual Setup Without Location)

If you can’t or don’t want to enable location, you can still install and use your printer without HP Smart:

Download and install the full driver/software package for your printer model from HP’s support site.

During installation, choose Wireless Setup or USB setup.

Alternatively, add your printer manually:

Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device.

Windows will detect your printer (on the same Wi-Fi) without needing HP Smart.

Once installed, you can still use HP Scan or Windows’ own Print & Scan features.

Option 2: Use HP Smart on Mobile

Install HP Smart on your iOS/Android device.

Add and configure the printer there (location permission will be needed once).

Once the printer is added to Wi-Fi, your Windows PC can connect without needing HP Smart setup.

Best recommendation: If you can, enable location temporarily to let HP Smart finish setup, then disable it again. If that’s impossible due to company restrictions, go with Option 1 (manual setup).

Would you like me to give you a direct download link for your HP printer’s full driver/software package so you can skip HP Smart completely?

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

[Jan_Mks]

Hi @Hawks_Eye

Is there an installer just for HP Scan?
When I tried to download HP Scan, I couldn't find one.

I read that HP Scan is no longer supported because it has been replaced by HP Smart.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Jan_Mks

[zoey7886 · Accepted solution]

@Jan_Mks, My colleague is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you.

That’s a great follow-up question! You’re right — HP Scan as a standalone app has been gradually phased out and replaced by HP Smart on Windows 10/11. That’s why you won’t find a separate installer for it anymore.

But you still have some options:

🔹 Option 1: Use Windows’ Built-in Scan Feature

Open Start → Windows Fax and Scan or Start → Scan (on Windows 11).

It works with most HP printers once the full feature driver or basic driver is installed.

This lets you scan without HP Smart.

🔹 Option 2: Full Feature Software (If Available for Your Printer)

For some models, HP’s Full Feature Software package still includes a scanning utility similar to HP Scan. If your model supports it, installing that driver from HP’s support site will give you scanning functionality outside of HP Smart.

🔹 Option 3: Use Mobile HP Smart for Scanning

Even if HP Smart on Windows is blocked by location policy, you can install HP Smart on iOS or Android. Once the printer is connected to Wi-Fi, you can scan directly from your phone/tablet.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,