HP Smart Software

[Carole0223]

Unable to scan documents or use HP Smart software at all. This is the error message I get:

I have shut down my computer, shut down the printer, have tried multiple times over multiple days and still get this error message. Can anyone help? Thank you.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Carole0223 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Edit / Update Message

If you are running a supported version of Windows and there is a full driver printer software available for your printer model, you can install the full driver and use HP Scan for Photos / Images and PDF.

Windows also provides a decent, basic Scan application:  Windows Scan -- find it in your system or at the  Microsoft Store

Original Message Content

In the Fall of 2025, the mobile version of HP Smart was replaced with the HP App -

HP App provides the printer's Print and Scan services in a new "one stop shop" wrapper.

If it's been a minute since you've used your mobile version of HP App, open the app in your device (tablet, phone) and simply make sure it opens as expected.

Next,

At this writing >> HP Smart - Windows - has not (yet) been replaced with the HP App

Running a current version of Windows?

If yes,

Check that your Windows Updates are up-to-date, installed, and are not "pending".

What?

Pending Updates might indeed prevent other software (including printer software and apps) from installing and / or working as expected.

Next,

The HP Smart application received a version update in December 2025.

At this writing, HP Smart - Windows - latest version = 162.3.1128.0

Perhaps check which version you have installed:

Windows 11

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps

Search for / find HP Smart

Open Right-Side menu → ... → Advanced options → Check version

In that same menu (Advanced options), the application can be uninstalled.

After the app is uninstalled, Restart your computer and log in.

"Get" a fresh copy of the app from  Microsoft Store

If you are running "Dark Mode", consider switching it off for now.

Try to open HP Smart

As needed, add your printer(s) to the app.

What else?

Note that HP Smart can also (instead) be "Reset" -- the option is in that same "Advanced options" menu.

Resetting the app removes the app's data, including anything added from your user account and any added printers. 

After the application is reset, Restart the computer and log in.  If you Reset the app and it still won't open after the system is Restarted, uninstall the app / reboot / install the app and add your printer(s).

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

HP App / HP Smart - Windows - Application - Details / How-to / FAQ / NOTES

HP Smart / HP App is an application that supports print and scan for PDF and Photos / Images.   In an HP+ enabled printer or one of a select non-HP+ printers, premium scan features are added to the application.

The HP Smart application is available in the Microsoft Store

Search the site for "HP Smart"

Not your store?

Scroll to the bottom of the page and Select the Language / Location

AND / OR

For HP Smart / HP App

Go to

123.hp.com - Printer setup from the HP® Official site

OR

   Open the Product Homepage for your printer >  Product Home - Printers

Next,

Open Category Software & Drivers

Section Install HP Smart / HP App (as listed / available) to complete setup and support

-- Be Aware –

Any HP application you install should be sourced from “HP”.

What?  Fakes have been discovered on at least one Mobile App Store –

Check who is providing the application >> “HP Inc.”

If you can’t tell, ask for help or use the Homepage method to download and install the HP Smart / HP App application.

Instructions...

>>> How to Use >>>    HP printer setup (HP App) 

>>> Terms of Use >>>  HP Smart – formally HP Connected – Services Terms of Use

NOTES

• If you are running High Contrast or “Dark Mode” and the app will not open at all, try switching to None (for contrast) or “Light” for mode. 
• After the application opens, set up the printer –
• Later, if you wish to do so, try setting the mode back to your preferred setting.

References - Windows 11

Settings > Accessibility > Contrast Themes >> Switch to None

Settings > Personalization > Colors > Choose your mode = Light

Settings_Personalization_Colors_Dark_Light_Mode_Contrast_Themes_3

Next,

The Small Print

NOTE >> Some settings are the same for HP Smart and its eventual replacement application HP App.  Settings might serve the same purpose and might be located in different places within the HP App.

• Read the Terms of Use document to understand the conditions of using HP Smart / HP App products.  For example, in the HP Smart application, find the link in HP Smart > Settings (gear) > About > Click on the link for Terms of Use
• Read HP printer setup (HP App) >> Read FAQ - including - What are the requirements to set up a printer using the HP App?
• If using VPN >>Disconnect from Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer or mobile device and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
• Enable Bluetooth (on your computer) at least for the initial HP Smart / HP App setup: Enable Bluetooth on your computer or mobile device so that HP Smart / HP App can detect the printer during the setup.  Source: How to scan with an HP printer > FAQ > Why can't I connect my wireless printer or scan over the network?
• HP Smart / HP App requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.
• When working through a Browser to access HP Smart / HP App, be sure you have Cookies enabled.  If cookies are enabled and you are having trouble, clear Cache and Cookies.   And / Or … Try a different Browser – assign that Browser as the Default. (Note:  Chrome not working?  Use / Assign a different default Browser.)
• Ensure that Network and Sharing are enabled. 
  • Example Settings > Network & internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced sharing settings
  • Private Network > Network discovery = ON
  • Checked “Set up network connected devices automatically”
  • File and printer sharing = ON
• Where possible, HP Smart / HP App might benefit having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.
• “Share” to email – Before using Share, add your sender email address to the standard Windows Mail application (not New Outlook).

• Document includes the HP Smart / HP App application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.

Help Here:  Unable to download and install the HP app

and

Check / Update >> Every device (computer(s) and / or mobile) where HP Smart / HP App is installed should be running the latest version of the application available for that device platform (Operating System / Version).

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

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Real people who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You for the help !

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"

[Carole0223]

Thank you! I will give all of this a try!