HP Smart vs Installing Full software and drivers

[mytone1]

I just got this new printer 9025e, replaced an 8600 plus printer that finally died, used for 10 years. I'm not sure I understand the ramifications of using HP Smart vs installing the complete driver suite on the HP website. I'm used to using the software and drivers. Can someone outline the pros and cons of each? Thanks in advance.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@mytone1 

Welcome to the HP Community Forum.

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@mytone1 wrote:

Product: HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e All-in-One Printer

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11

I just got this new printer 9025e, replaced an 8600 plus printer that finally died, used for 10 years.

I'm not sure I understand the ramifications of using HP Smart vs installing the complete driver suite on the HP website.

I'm used to using the software and drivers.

Can someone outline the pros and cons of each?

Thanks in advance.

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The 9025e is a good replacement for the 8600 -- both are top-tier products.

Ramifications might be a strong word -- there are certainly differences between the HP Smart application and the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

Install both application and full software for the "all inclusive" experience.

Video - Full Feature Software

HP OfficeJet Pro 9020 | 9022 |9025 | 9026 | 9028 |9018 Download & Install HP Full featured software

Not everything; the following includes some of the highlights...

HP Smart

HP Smart provides a modern GUI interface that is similar to other applications of this type. 

The application combines the supported options in one menu, including those for scan and print.

HP Smart provides a "Share" feature that (after you have added your sender address to Windows Mail) supports scan and "share" to one or more email recipients.

HP Smart Printing

When installed with HP Smart, the HP Smart Printing driver provides yet another GUI interface to help configure supported job types. 

HP Smart Printing supports printing from within Word.

HP Smart Printing reduces the chances of an unsupported combination of settings by eliminating choices not suitable with the current setup.

The HP Smart Printing driver supports the concept of custom Presets (shortcuts) within the job configuration.

Although the name is different, the idea is the same (for example) as creating a custom shortcut in HP Scan or Printing Preferences.

Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The Full Feature Software is similar to the full driver software you have always used and includes the venerable HP Scan software.  That just means the 9025 full driver printer software, like that of the 8600, provides access to the many printer features and options.

The full driver printer software provides the foundation to install and use other scan software and applications.

For example, After the full driver is installed,

HP Scan and Capture

Available from the Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

HP Scan and Capture features an adjustable screen size.

* NOTE:  The correct HP print software drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

NAPS2 

“Not Another PDF Scanner” (Free – Donations gladly accepted by the NAPS2 organization)

• Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
• Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
• Not always simple “Plug and Play”, nonetheless, this free software is powerful and configurable.
• NAPS2 might require that the full driver printer software is installed.

Notes

• Includes an OCR feature – may need Ghostscript add-on (See NAPS2 forum entry)
• Read the Support pages for information
• Read the Getting Started guide
• Combining files?  Read the Command Line Usage guide > Select Combining and Converting Files
• NAPS2 might support higher resolutions while still using the ADF

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References / Resources / Examples

Example - HP Smart - Windows - Main Menu

HP_Smart_Win_Main_Menu_2

General Example - Parts of the Printer Software

Parts_to_Printer_Software_7

Example - HP Smart Printing - HP Smart > PDF Print

 HP Smart Printing > Word > Select HP Smart Printing driver > Print

HP_Smart_Win_Word_Smart-Printing_Sample_3

General Example - Windows - Full Feature Software - Installed

Programs_and_Features_Printer_Desktop_Icons_9

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

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HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e All-in-One Printer 

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[mytone1]

Thank you!

[Dragon-Fur]

@mytone1 

You are welcome.

It is a good question --

Mark my post as the solution if you like -  the extra visibility can help someone searching for the same kind of information.

Happy Holidays - whatever you celebrate - Enjoy.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"