Is SWHelper part of the HP software package?

[Marda0581]

When I tried to reinstall the driver and software for the printer I got the message that SWHelper wants to make changes.. .  , I canceled it and the installation cancels.  What can I do????????????????????????

Help I need to scan an important document!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TEJ1602]

@Marda0581, Welcome to HP Support Community!

I see that you're trying to scan some important documents before we fix the issue, I'd recommend you use the Apple Image Capture to scan. Here is how you do it-

Apple Image Capture comes with macOS and OS X and provides a quick and simple way to scan.

1. Place the document or photo print side down on the scanner glass, and then close the scanner lid.

   If your printer has an automatic document feeder (ADF), use it to scan multiple page documents at one time.

      CAUTION: 

   Do not load photos in the ADF.

2. Open Finder , and then click Go in the top menu bar.

3. Click Applications, and then double-click Image Capture.

4. Click your printer name in the Devices or Shared list.

   NOTE: 

   If a Software for this device is not installed message displays after you select your printer, click Install, and then follow the instructions to complete the installation.

5. Click Show Details at the bottom of the screen.

   A preview of the scan displays, and then change any of the following settings:

   • Scan Mode: Select the scanning bed or automatic document feeder.

   • Kind: Set scan as color, black and white, or optimized for text only documents.

   • Resolution: Higher resolution produces better quality images by using more dots (pixels) per inch. Higher resolution increases the file size of the scan. Use a higher resolution for scans with graphics or items that require the best detail. If you are scanning black and white text, higher resolution is not necessary.

   • Size: Use a standard paper size or select the Use Custom Size option.

   • Scan to: Select the folder you want scans to save to or use the Mail option to attach the scan to an Apple Mail email message.

   • Name: Type a name for the saved scan file.

   • Format: Select the file type for the scan.

     NOTE: 

     To save multiple page documents or multiple images into a single file, select the PDF or TIFF format, and then select the box next to Combine into single document. This feature is only available with these formats.

   • Image Correction: Click the pop-up menu, and then select Manual to display color change options such as brightness and saturation.

6. Click Scan.

Also, HP Smart is an option-

Scan documents or photos from your printer to your Mac, and then save your scans or share them via email or social media.

1. Go to 123.hp.com, type your printer model, and then follow the instructions to download and install the app.

   NOTE: 

   Not all printers are supported by the HP Smart app at this time.

2. Open the HP Smart app, and then follow the instructions to add your printer.

3. Click the Scan tile.

4. From the Scan window, change any settings to match the scan job, and then click Scan.

   

   The scanned document or image displays on the Preview window.

5. Click Edit.

6. Adjust the border, rotate, crop, or straighten the image, if necessary, and then click Apply.

   

7. Click Add Pages to add pages to your scan job, if necessary, and then print, save, or share the scan.

For more information, go to Using the HP Smart App (Mac).

While installing the software package you need to allow in Security & Privacy System Preference to complete the install. Leave the System Preference open to complete the install. 

Refer to the link for help- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202491

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[appie44]

great answer, but that I already know. Problem is that since introducing latest OS, the 'easy scan' wasn't working any more. By updating the firmware for my HP Officejet Pro 8710 I hoped to be able to reinstall easy scan.

Doing so,   SWHelper for a password. I don't know what SWHelper is. And beside that, I don't know any password for SWHelper.

[sienna3]

Why am i being asked to allow swhelper to make changes to my computer in order to download my new 3830 printers software. I don't even know what swhelper is and if is safe. I am not comfortable with that. Very dissapointed with HP which I have used forever. 

[TEJ1602 · Accepted solution]

@appie44 and @sienna3, Welcome to HP Support Community!

This is a gatekeeper issue where your Mac Computer wants to make sure the software you 're installing is safe for the system.

While installing the software package you need to allow in Security & Privacy System Preference to complete the install. Leave the System Preference open to complete the install. 

Refer to the link for help- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202491

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[RagmanII]

Your answer did not address why SWHelper is asking for permission to make changes to the computer when trying to install the scanner function of my printer. IT is not part of APPLE nor, to my knowledge, part of HP. So, why is it popping up. In another reply a HP tech support said "just use the Mac's image capture to scan" but, that answer is unacceptable!

[TEJ1602]

@RagmanII

Have you tried the steps in my previous post?

Let me know.

[RagmanII]

Yes, I have read your post. I am familiar with granting permission for new unrecognized downloads and also how to change in Security & privacy where I can download apps from but, that still is not addressing SWHelper. I have never had a problem installing any HP device I have purchased both for personal and business use. Why is SWHelper popping up when installing the scanning software now? If you search the problem you will find  that it has only just began and it is wide spread. If you google SWHelper you will find it is "SWHELPER is a news website dedicated to providing news". So the question is why is it asking for permission when installing HP scanning software and why when you click cancel it cancels the installation.

[Marda0581]

Thank you appie44, your solution worked perfectly.  Thanks again 🙂

[Sher69]

Did you ever receive an answer? I have the same issue with SWHelper and have never had issues in the past with installing HP software.