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Note: From May 1, 2024, the HP Scan and Capture app will no longer be available (retired) in the Microsoft Store and HP will not release any further app updates. Alternatively, you can download HP Smart from the Microsoft Store. For more information on how to set up your printer using the HP Smart app, go to HP printer setup (HP Smart app).
Common problems HP Solution Center not working : Adobe Flash Player Error and Unable to scan
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HP Recommended
HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

WHY Do I need to sign into HP Smart each time I want to scan a document form my printer to my computer? This is real pain in the neck!! 

Any work arounds? 

Thanks 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@sojorner 

 

Welcome to the HP User Community.

 

True, HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

 

Signing in supports the many features provided by the application, including access to Share, HP Smart shortcuts, and Cloud Storage (save / print) options.

 

Normally, the "signed in" status does not disconnect every time the app is closed.

The sign-in status might be disconnecting because the connection to the printer is not stable.

?

 

Use of HP Smart is not mandatory.

 

If your question is less "why every time" and more "I don't want it at all",

If you have not done so,

Install the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software.

The full driver software supports both printing and scanning (HP Scan).

The full driver software does not require any sign-in (this is also true of other print / scan apps and software)

 

Printer Software - Installation Package - Download and Save

HP Easy Start Printer Setup Software 

 

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

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Example - HP Scan - Main Menu

9025_HP_Scan_Menu_PDF_79025_HP_Scan_Menu_PDF_7

 

 

Additional Scan Apps / Software (FYI, ignore if not interested)

 

NAPS2 – “Not Another PDF Scanner” (Free – Donations gladly accepted by the NAPS2 organization)

  • Download-Save-Install >  NAPS2 
  • Not another PDF Scanner – free program scans PDF files and image(s) as .jpeg or PDF file(s).
  • Not always simple “Plug and Play”, nonetheless, this free software is powerful and configurable.

Notes

 

 

HP Scan and Capture

Available from the Microsoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

Download-Save-Install   HP Scan and Capture

 Description

HP Scan and Capture is a simple and fun application that captures photos or documents from any* HP scanning device or your computer's built-in camera.  These images can be previewed, edited, saved, and shared to other applications.

* NOTE:  The correct HP print software drivers for your scanner must be installed from HP's Support Website.

 

Click Start (windows key) > Open the All Apps List > scroll the list 

Open Category HP

Find and open the HP Scan and Capture application

Optional

Right-Click on the application and PIN to Start

  

Application controls / options

Settings > Apps > Apps and Features

Scroll / Search for HP Scan and Capture

Left-click on the App for options associated with this app.

If available, Click Advanced for additional controls.

 

 

Windows ScanMicrosoft Store (formally Windows Store) - Requires Windows 8 or higher

 

 

Webscan – located in the Embedded Web Server (EWS) – No additional software

This option requires a network connection and EWS

 

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

 

NOTE:  Webscan feature  is not available on Laser printers

 

If the printer is on the network,

If the EWS feature is available on your printer,

 

First Time Use Only:  Enable Webscan

  • Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
  • Tab Settings > Security > Administrator Settings > Enable >> Check box next to Webscan
  • Click Apply to save any changes

 

Use Webscan

  • Open your favorite browser > type / enter Printer IP address into URL / Address bar
  • Tab Scan > Webscan 
  • Set up Webscan the way you want it - for example, set the Source to ADF
  • Click Start Scan to scan your document / image using Webscan
  • After the scan is complete, Save the scan to your computer.

 

Paint (mspaint)

Older software – not brilliant – does work for scanning images.                                                        

  • Open  Paint
  • Optional >> Expand the “white background” area to a size to accommodate your data.  If unknown, try 1300x1300
  • File > Select “From Scanner or Camera
  • Select your printer > Follow the prompts to scan and then save your item

 

References / Resources

 

HP Smart for Windows

 

HP Smart is an application available in the Microsoft Store

OR

Open the Homepage / Support Website for your printer

Category Software and Drivers > Check/ Get the App

 

>>> Open and Read >>> HP printer setup (HP Smart app)

 

NOTES: 

  • 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.

 

  • HP Smart requires that you sign into the application using your HP Account credentials.

 

  • When working through a browser to access HP Smart, 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.)

 

  • Where possible, HP Smart benefits (likes) having the Full Feature Software / full driver printer software installed.  For example, full driver provides access to Shortcuts and Printing Preferences.

 

  • Document includes the HP Smart application download links for Windows and Mobile devices, plus an FAQ section to assist with questions / issues.
    •  FAQ examples: 
      • What are the requirements to use the HP Smart app?
      • Which printers are compatible with the HP Smart app?
      • Why do I need to sign in or create an account to use the HP Smart app features?
      • Which languages does the HP Smart app support?
    • Older versions of the HP Smart app no longer support the required login feature.
    • Update the application to the latest version to access / use HP Smart

 

 

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

 

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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HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer 

 

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