HP Smart not easy to use

[johnvanasse]

Where can I find previous versions of HP print software. HP Smart is to difficult to use for cropping and I would like to find earlier print software that was much less complicated.  Printer is HP Envy 5052.

[Dragon-Fur]

@johnvanasse 

HP Smart Windows application benefits from having installed the full driver printer software.

That said, you need not use HP Smart - the full driver, once installed, provides print and scan options for your printer.

Install the full driver then use (or not) HP Smart for PDF and Image printing / scanning.

Other print programs make use of the full driver to provide options and features for your printer.

HP Scan (part of the full driver) can be used to Scan.

Printer Software Check

Notes

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

In addition, the installed software places two shortcut icons on the Desktop named for the printer.

Examples

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Software_List_2Printer_Assistant_Shortcut_Icon_on_Desktop_2

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

• 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.

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

Example - Full Driver loaded (to allow selection of Shortcut / options

HP Smart Windows - Simple Photo Print - Borderless

HP_Smart_W10_Borderless_Print_4x6_6

HP Smart - Windows - Scan Crop / Resize options - Image

HP_Smart_W10_Scan_Edit_Image_Set_4

Full Driver - Printing Preferences - Everyday Printing

9025_Printing_Preferences_Everyday_1

HP Scan - Windows - Main Menu and "More >"

9025_HP_Scan_menu_JPEG_More_Image_All_2

References / Resources

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

HP ENVY 5020 All-in-One Printer 

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