HP Software Issues?

[privatename]

I recently got a new HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e AIO printer to replace my broken HP OfficeJet 8025e AIO printer. I noticed several issues rightaway and wondered if others had the same issues. (I have my new printer connected to my desktop PC via USB. I also have HP Smart, HP EasyStart (small package), HP EasyStart (larger package), HP Scan, and HP Scan Assistant.)

1. Whenever I print from MS Word, the new printer wants to print double-sided. I went into the Preferences setting but it persists in wanting to print double-sided. It feels like Windows and HP aren't talking with each other. I'd tell the HP preferences I wanted single-sided but MS Word keeps saying, "No, no, you want double-sided." LOL

2. The scanner functionality of HP Scan and HP Scan Assistant broke between April 6, 2026 and April 12, 2026. There has been no updates on my desktop PC, no changes in my network connections, no software changes, etc. It just stopped working. I spent about 45 minutes today chatting with HP's new AI ChatBot "Sage" and we went through many steps. What eventually worked was requiring me to go into my desktop PC's "Control Panel" to "Hardware and Sound" to "Devices and Printers" to "Bluetooth & devices" to "Printers & Scanners" to "HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e series" to "More devices and printers settings" to "Hp OfficeJet Pro 8120e series" and right-clicking on the printer and clicking on "Start scan". LOL All of the HP software apps don't work. Yikes! "Sage" said that sometimes HP apps don't work and that I need to go into Windows to do scans. I shouldn't have to. All of the HP apps say "The HP Imaging Device was not found." But if I drill deep down into Windows, oh, yeah, it's right there.

3.  I don't know if anyone knows what I mean by the HP "Dashboard". I'd click on my printer icon in the Start menu and it'd take me to the Dashboard where I'd see print, scan, ink levels, advanced diagnostics. Where is it? Did HP get rid of it? If so, why? I loved that thing. That's how I always did my scans. It'd be nice to use it again.

Question #1: Does anyone know where/how I can find this old-school HP Dashboard?

Question #2: Is Microsoft trying to steal control of HP printers from HP software? If so, why? 

Thank you!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @privatename,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

It sounds like you are caught in a "driver tug-of-war" between the modern Windows IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) driver and the legacy HP software you are used to. When Windows "steals control," it often defaults to eco-friendly settings like double-sided printing and breaks the communication path for specialized apps like HP Scan, leading to that "Imaging Device not found" error even when the printer is physically connected via USB.

1. Reclaim Control from Windows Defaults
   • Open Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, right-click your 8120e series, and select Printing Preferences.
   • Locate the Layout or Finishing tab and change Print on Both Sides to None or Off.
   • Click Apply, then open MS Word, go to File > Print > Printer Properties, and ensure the setting has synced; if not, change it here one last time to "lock" the preference.
2. Restore the Legacy HP Dashboard (HP Printer Assistant)
   • Disconnect the USB cable from your PC.
   • Uninstall the "HP EasyStart" and "HP Smart" apps, then download the HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e All-in-One Full Feature Software and Driver from the HP website.
   • Run the installer and select USB when prompted to connect; this will place the "HP Printer Assistant" icon (the Dashboard you love) back on your desktop.
3. Fix the "Imaging Device Not Found" Error
   • Press the Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Scroll down to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA), right-click it, and select Restart.
   • Ensure the Shell Hardware Detection service is also running, as this allows the HP Scan software to "see" the USB-connected scanner through the Windows security layer.

After installing the Full Feature software, does the HP Printer Assistant icon appear on your desktop, and does it correctly show your ink levels?

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

Kuroi_Kenshi