HP Smart or Easy Start - Which is Recommended/Better

[Seabees11]

I recently purchased a new 9012e printer.  I didn't research enough and set up via Microsoft Store and HP Smart.  I found out afterward that there was a non-MS Store app called Easy Start I could've used.  Do both provide the same functionality or is one recommended over the other?

[Dragon-Fur]

@Seabees11 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

Answer:

It's the same "HP Smart" application whether you use the Easy Start Software wrapper or install HP Smart from the Microsoft Store

Easy Start Software can also (instead) install the Full Feature Software (full driver printer software).

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Additional Information / Software Installation / Examples

Examples

• HP Smart application - supports printing and scanning PDF and Photos / Images.  HP Smart is supported in many regions and on many newer networked printers - The app is available from the  Microsoft Store .  HP Smart requires that you sign in using your HP Account credentials.  HP Smart benefits when the full driver printer software is also installed.

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_1

• HP Smart Printing – Where supported, “Smart Printing” is an option in the printer list when choosing the Printer to be used for the current job setup.  Example:  Open Printer (list – top left of menu) > Select HP Smart Printing   -- Note – HP Smart Printing supports Custom Presets (Custom Shortcuts)

HP_Smart_w10_PDF_Smart-Print_Preset_5HP_Smart_w10_Word_Smart-Print_Sample_2

• HP Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - supports printing and scanning from the web, printing in programs (for example, Word), and access to the full range of Printing Preferences / Shortcuts.  The full driver printer software includes HP Scan.  If the printer model includes built-in Fax hardware, the software supports the setup and use of the Fax driver.  No Sign-in required.

9025_HP_Scan_menu_JPEG_More_Image_All_5

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Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Printer Software Check - Is the printer software installed?

Notes

When the full driver printer software is installed,

Find the printer software listed in Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features.

The installation of the full printer software adds two shortcut icons to the Desktop.

The Printer Assistant is named for the printer and provides access to Print , Scan , and Tools

HP Scan is named for itself and provides a direct call to the HP Scan software.

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_7

Software - Installation

Installation Package - Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

Basic Instructions - Install the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Preparation

• If the printer software is still / already installed, Uninstall the printer software  from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features > Restart the computer and log in – Reference Uninstall HP printer software and drivers

After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers. 

 If the printer is listed, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove" > Restart the computer and sign in.

• If using VPN, shut it off to install software.  NOTE >> If you don’t know what this is, you are not using a VPN – ignore this part.

• Reminder:  If using USB cable between printer and computer, disconnect the cable before installing software.  Later... Connect the cable when instructed (near the end of the installation procedure).

• Observation:  It is possible (assuming your Wireless Network is stable) that using a Wireless connection to install the printer software might work better than using an Ethernet Connection.   Personal choice - the Wireless connection method is recommended when you face insurmountable issues installing the software.

Installation

• Download and Save the Full Feature Software installation package or the Easy Start Software
• Open File Explorer
• Navigate to the folder in which you saved the installation file  (likely Downloads)
• Right-Click on the installation package and “Run as Administrator”
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

If using Easy Start

• Skip any extra software / offers you do not want – Wording varies as does the number of times you have to “skip” or opt-out of various options.
• When asked, opt for "Full Software and Drivers" (exact wording might vary).
• Easy_Start_Full_Driver_2
• If, after the Full Software and Drivers option is selected, the installation terminates (suddenly stops and disappears – never comes back): Open your Downloads folder > Look for and Right-Click on the full Web installation package and “Run as Administrator”

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:  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), Supplies, and more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 9012e All-in-One Printer 

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