Error message: "Scanner in Use, please try again when available"

[kalinz]

I often get a recurring error message when trying to scan.  

Error message: "Scanner in Use, please try again when available"

Except there is nothing using the scanner except me, trying to scan!  

I try shutting both computer and printer down, unplugging printer from wall, etc., which works about 50% of the time. 

Very frustrating. 

[Meghana_10]

Hello @kalinz, Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP printer.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please let me know the printer's name and the model number along with the network setup of the HP device so that I can assist you further?

In the meantime, could you please perform a few troubleshooting steps and let us know if it helps?

The issue you're encountering "Scanner in use" or "No Computer Found" when trying to scan from your printer, while printing works fine typically points to a scanning communication issue, not a general connectivity issue.
 

Here's how to fix it:

1. Restart Everything (Clean Boot Style)

• Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power for 60 seconds.
• Restart your PC.
• Plug the printer back in and power it on.
• Open HP Smart and try scanning again.

2. Check Windows WIA (Windows Image Acquisition) Service

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
• Scroll down to Windows Image Acquisition (WIA).
• Make sure it's running and Startup Type = Automatic.
• If it’s stopped, right-click → Start.

3. Use “Scan to Computer” Feature

Your printer likely needs this enabled again:

• Open HP Printer Assistant or HP Smart.
• Look for Scan → Manage Scan to Computer (or similar).
• Click Enable Scan on Computer.

4. Reinstall the Full HP Driver (Not Just HP Smart App)

HP Smart alone often lacks the full scan driver.

1. Go to Official HP® Printer Drivers and Software Download | HP® Support
2. Download the Full Feature Software and Drivers.
3. Uninstall your current printer software from Windows (Apps & Features).
4. Restart the PC.
5. Install the full driver you downloaded.

 5. Try USB Connection

If you're on Wi-Fi and it's still not working:

• Try connecting via USB cable temporarily and test scanning.
• If USB works, it's a network scanning issue, not hardware.

Take care and have an amazing day!