HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e printer not recognizing computer when scanning to computer

[CraigR1018]

Computer is added and shows as an option to choose when scanning to computer but will not connect. Computer and printer are both powered on and connected to same wi-fi account. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @CraigR1018,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I know how confusing and exhausting it feels when your HP OfficeJet Pro 8120e shows your computer as an option for “Scan to Computer”… yet when you tap it, nothing connects, as if the printer is reaching out, but the computer never reaches back. Let’s gently walk through the steps that resolve this most often on Windows 11,

1. Make Sure You Are Using HP Smart (Required for Scan-to-Computer)

If HP Smart is missing or corrupted, your printer will see the computer, but cannot hand off a scan.

HP recommends using HP Smart to diagnose & fix scanning issues on Windows 10/11.

✔️ Do this:

1. Open Microsoft Store
2. Search “HP Smart”
3. Install / Reinstall
4. Open HP Smart → Printers → Select your 8120e
5. Go to Scan → Automatic repair prompt (if shown)

Then try scanning again from the printer panel.

2. Turn On “Scan to Computer” Inside HP Smart

Your printer may show the PC in the list, but scanning will fail if the feature isn’t actually active on the computer.

✔️ In HP Smart:

1. Open HP Smart
2. Go to Printer Settings
3. Find Advanced Settings / Scan Settings
4. Enable Scan to Computer
5. Set it to automatically start when Windows starts

This is required for button‑based scanning.

3. Use HP’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

HP explicitly recommends using HP Smart → Diagnose & Fix to resolve scan‑communication failures.

How:

1. Open HP Smart
2. Bottom-left corner → Click the wrench icon
3. Select Diagnose & Fix
4. Let it repair services, drivers, or firewall blocks

This tool fixes:

• Stopped HP scanning services
• Windows WIA issues
• Network scan communication problems

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat