Install printer without HP Smart

[Michael831]

I find the HP Smart app to be one of the worst written apps I've encountered.  I need to install the printer and get the use of the scanner via USB but I do NOT want HP Smart on the computer.

How would I do this?  

[Dragon-Fur]

@Michael831 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

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@Michael831 wrote:

I find the HP Smart app to be one of the worst written apps I've encountered.  I need to install the printer and get the use of the scanner via USB but I do NOT want HP Smart on the computer.

How would I do this?  

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Yes, many supported printers include installing the Full Driver printer software.

The Full Feature Software is not the same thing as the HP Smart application.

If you want help from the Community, we need to know your exact printer model.

How to find

Finding your Product Name, Product Number, or Serial Number

Reminder:  Do Not post the serial number or any private information in the Community – we are a public resource.

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), more

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Product Home

Enter the device type and model name of your HP device

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

[Michael831]

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 

M9L75A

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Michael831 

OK - here you go...

Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software - Installation package - Information and Download

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Print and Scan Driver and Accessories 

Source / Video help

Category Software and Drivers

Scroll down to Related Videos - Find and watch the video for your setup

and / or

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

>>> Check / Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software

The full driver provides the foundation on which other programs and printing software depend.

The driver includes HP Scan – HP Scan supports scanning / saving / printing your scan content.

Preparation - Install Full Driver Printer Software

If you have not done so,

In addition to the HP Smart application,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software for the printer.

HP Smart and other print software / applications benefit from having the full driver installed.

Make sure your VPN is switched Off when installing 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_5

Next...

Printer software installed and  listed >> (If) Software is out of date or is not working

NOTE:  If the printer software shows installed but is not working as expected, remove and reload the software.

NOTE:  Windows 11

Windows Start > Search for Control Panel and open

Uninstall the printer software from Control Panel > icon view > Programs and Features

Restart the computer and log in

What if?

If software will not uninstall, appears to be removed and is “still hanging around” after you uninstall / Restart...

Microsoft:  Fix problems that block programs from being installed or removed

OR

Revo Uninstaller (Free version)

then

Restart the computer and log in

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

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

Next,

Install a fresh copy of the Full Feature Software / Full Driver printer software

Restart the computer and log in

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

Preparation

• 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.

• Not working?  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

Check:  After the printer software is uninstalled, check that the printer is not still lurking in Devices and Printers.  If found, Right-Click on the printer and "Remove"

• 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).

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”
• If using Easy Start > When asked, opt for "Full Driver" (exact wording might vary).
• If using Easy Start > Skip any extra software / offers you do not want (wording varies).
• After the software is installed, Restart the computer and log in

NOTES

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Preparation > Check / enable the printer as the “Default Printer”

Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners

UNCHECK (clear box) Let Windows manage my default printer

Select (Left-Click) your printer from the list of printers > Manage > Set as Default

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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), more

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Printer series 

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.